She’s arguably one of Japan’s best-loved creations. She’s had a varied career: animated television star, former Japanese tourism ambassador, and two-time visitor to the international space station.

Born from the trauma of World War II, this bow-wearing cartoon icon became a powerful tool for diplomacy, reinvention, and cultural soft power. Dressed in a kimono, Hello Kitty performs a classical ...

She weighs three apples and stands five apples tall. She enjoys baking cookies and dreams of being a pianist or poet. And now, despite her ageless appearance, she is 50 years old. Friday marks half a ...