TOKYO -- Hello Kitty may already loom large in the hearts of millions around the world, but now the bubble-headed feline can boast of being just plain big, too.

Japan's Sanrio Co. unveiled a 2.5 meter-tall (eight foot-tall) monument to its popular character at its flagship store in Tokyo's bustling Shinjuku district.

"Tokyo is one of the biggest cities in the world, so Kitty must be here and must be big," said Sanrio official Shuichi Chimura. "She is really loved worldwide. This way, every person in the world can come here and see and touch Hello Kitty."

The statue is the largest Hello Kitty figure in the world, the company said in a claim that could not immediately be independently verified.

Hello Kitty -- one of mascot-obsessed Japan's biggest hits as a toy character -- is often seen on lunch boxes, jewelry and many other accessories for girls and young women. Last month, Sanrio also unveiled a line of goods targeting young men.