If you’ve ever mistaken Miffy for a Japanese creation, you’re not alone. With its simple yet expressive design, many people assume that Miffy belongs to Japan’s world of kawaii characters. However, Miffy is Dutch!
On June 21, 2020, Miffy celebrates her 70th birthday, marking seven decades of charming readers worldwide. Interestingly, she shares her birthday with Prince William and was created in the same year that Bill Gates was born—1955.
This beloved children’s character was created in 1955 by Dutch illustrator Dick Bruna. The inspiration came while Bruna was on vacation in Egmond aan Zee, where he told bedtime stories to his one-year-old son, Sierk, about a little rabbit they had seen in the dunes. This bunny became the foundation for what would later be known worldwide as Miffy.
Why Is Miffy a Female Bunny?
Interestingly, Miffy was not originally conceived as a female character. However, Bruna decided that he preferred drawing a dress rather than trousers on the rabbit, and thus, Miffy became a little girl bunny.
How Many Miffy Books Exist?
Over the decades, Miffy has starred in more than 30 books, making her the most recognized character in Bruna’s work. The final new Miffy book was published in 2011, marking the end of an era for this timeless character.
Dick Bruna: The “Grandfather of Miffy”
Bruna, often referred to as the “father of Miffy”, humorously rebranded himself as the “grandfather of Miffy” after turning 80 in 2007. According to both Japanese and Chinese astrology, Bruna was born in the Year of the Rabbit, making his connection to Miffy even more serendipitous!
Miffy’s Dutch Name: “Nijntje”
In the Netherlands, Miffy is originally known as “Nijntje”, derived from the Dutch word “konijntje”, meaning “little bunny.” While this name makes perfect sense for Dutch speakers, it’s quite tricky for non-Dutch speakers to pronounce. Because of this, the rabbit was given the international-friendly name Miffy, making her more accessible to a global audience.
Why Do People Think Miffy Is Japanese?
The confusion likely stems from Miffy’s minimalist design, which resembles the aesthetic of many Japanese characters, such as Sanrio’s Hello Kitty. Additionally, Miffy enjoys massive popularity in Japan, further fueling the assumption that she originates from there.
The Miffy vs. Hello Kitty Controversy: When a Bunny Sparked a Legal Battle
At first glance, Miffy and Hello Kitty may seem similar due to their adorable appearances. This resemblance has led to frequent confusion between the two characters. However, Miffy, the Dutch-born rabbit was created in 1955, and Hello Kitty, the Japanese icon introduced by Sanrio in 1974, have distinct origins.
The similarities became more than just a casual mix-up when Sanrio introduced a rabbit character named Cathy—a close companion of Hello Kitty. Cathy bore a striking resemblance to Miffy, which led to allegations of copyright and trademark infringement.
The Legal Dispute: Miffy vs. Sanrio
The situation escalated into a legal battle when Mercis BV, the company managing Miffy’s rights, sued Sanrio for infringing on Miffy’s design. On November 2, 2010, a Dutch court ruled in favor of Miffy, determining that Sanrio’s Cathy character was too similar and violated copyright laws.
As a result, the court ordered Sanrio to cease the marketing and sale of Cathy-related products in Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. This ruling reinforced the importance of protecting Miffy’s unique identity and set a precedent for intellectual property disputes in the world of character design.
The Aftermath: What Happened to Cathy?
Following the ruling, Sanrio complied with the court’s decision, and Cathy largely disappeared from official Hello Kitty merchandise in the affected regions. However, Hello Kitty remains an immensely popular character worldwide, and Miffy continues to enjoy global recognition as one of the most beloved children’s characters ever created.
A Lesson in Copyright and Character Design
The Miffy vs. Hello Kitty case highlights the fine line between inspiration and imitation in the world of character creation. While both characters are iconic in their own right, the legal battle serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting original designs and intellectual property rights.
The Legacy of Miffy
Today, Miffy remains a beloved figure in children’s literature, design, and pop culture. From books and television to merchandise and even museum exhibits, this simple yet timeless bunny continues to capture hearts worldwide.
So, while Miffy may feel at home in Japan, her true origins are proudly Dutch!
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