Hello Kitty, the much-loved Japanese feline character, dinged a closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Wednesday to commemorate its creator Sanrio Co.‘s 50th anniversary. Hello Kitty, wearing a pink dress, sounded the bell, signaling the end of the day’s trading at the exchange, and blew kisses, raising a cheer among floor traders.

The pop icon was flanked by Sanrio President Shintaro Tsuji. Tsuji established the company on Aug. 10, 1960. Hello Kitty was created in 1974. Sanrio Vice President Kunihiko Tsuji said, ‘‘We’d like people to know Kitty more.’‘ Hello Kitty is said to have many fans among U.S. celebrities, including pop singer Lady Gaga and socialite Paris Hilton. [via]