Perhaps sensing that they are finally reaching the end of their creative rope (I hope) or maybe feeling that women have had their fill of the mouthless wonder (I doubt it), Sanrio has decided for the first time to start producing T-shirts, bags, watches and other products that target young men.

“We think Hello Kitty is accepted by young men as a design statement in fashion,” [company spokesman Kazuo Tohmatsu] said.

The feline for-men products will go on sale in Japan next month, and will be sold soon in the U.S. and other Asian nations, according to Sanrio.

The shape of Hello Kitty was altered slightly to give her a more rugged and cool look that Sanrio hopes will appeal to teens and young adult men.

“Young men these days grew up with character goods,” said Tohmatsu. “That generation feels no embarrassment about wearing Hello Kitty.”

See JAPUNDIT posts on Hello Kitty here.

Thanks to Vin Alsace.