Sony hunts for next Hello Kitty in character IP push

Media & EntertainmentJapanese group aims to develop its own character franchises, targeting $63m in salesNemu, a bear who frets over everyday anxieties late into the night, is one of Sony's original characters. (Photo by Keigo Yoshida)KEIGO YOSHIDAAugust 16, 2026 00:29 JSTTOKYO -- Sony Group is stepping up efforts to develop original characters and build intellectual property franchises spanning anime, films and other media, seeking to create an IP ecosystem similar to that of Hello Kitty creator Sanrio.