In a land of Sanrio and perfect plushies, meet the monsters who are stealing the spotlight with their “so ugly it’s cute” ...

Between January and July, 395,375 Japanese travelled to Hong Kong, a healthy 32.2 per cent increase on the same period last year. This figure is still, however, slightly more than 46 per cent down on ...

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 ...

Even if you were staring into a crystal ball, nobody could have foreseen one of modern metal’s wildest innovations taking the form of three teenage girls performing synchronised dance moves. Decked ...

With digital overload and constant stress dominating life, soft colours and whimsical objects work like visual therapy. That’s what Kawaii interiors aims to do. When GS Shruti (@shrustudies), a ...

Convenience stores, a very American concept for people on the go, were first introduced in Japan in the 1970s. Today, they’re an intrinsic part of life throughout the country – even more so than in ...

Say hello to the most kawaii new character on the internet! Here are 9 fun facts about Chiikawa from Nagano webcomic, Nanka Chiisakute Kawaii Yatsu, from her anime show friends and characters to toys ...

Sporting a pair of jeans and sneakers, Japan's prime minister ditched his usually solemn demeanour for a fashion show to tout a "cute, lively and cool" Japan. Surrounded on stage by members of an ...

Eat and drink Pompompurin and friends at this delightfully cute cafe in Harajuku! Each item is themed - it doesn’t get much kawaii than this. From Fluffy Omelet Rice to Flower Curry and Roast Beef ...

You can trace the word “kawaii” all the way back to the start of the 11th century, when an early form of it, “kawayushi,” which at the time translated more to “having pitiable qualities,” appeared in ...

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Hello Kitty turns 50 on Friday. Befitting a pop icon at midlife, the bubble-headed, bow-wearing character’s fictional birthday has brought museum exhibits, a theme park spectacle and a national tour.