She attended Musashino Art University, and joined Sanrio after graduation.

In 1973, Shimizu designed the first original Sanrio character, Coro Chan.

Hello Kitty was designed to be a kawaii (cute) symbol to be used on merchandise.

[2][3][4] In 1975, the design made her debut in Japan with her image on a coin purse.

[6] The other characters she has created include Angel Cat Sugar and Rebecca Bonbon.