Hello Kitty: Update 2

As I addressed in my presentation yesterday, I will also focus on Hello Kitty's influence in Singapore, Hong Kong, and China. For example, Hello Kitty has became a Japanese travel ambassador to China. What does this mean?  Historically, Japanese and Chinese have had a bad relationship due to many conflicts that arose during the World War II. I personally think having Hello Kitty as the ambassador will link two countries together, and even improve their relationship. Since Hello Kitty can go anywhere, and be anything that the consumers desire, she can represent both Japan and China is her unique way.

In addition, I would like to focus on globalization vs. localization of Hello Kitty in different countries. Most of Hello Kitty popularity in countries like Taiwan and China is due to companies like McDonald's.  The fact that a US franchise is promoting a Japanese product shows the importance of globalization and the "cultural hybridization," localizing cultural products in different countries without any boundaries. In my paper, I will be explaining this concept more in depth, and give some visual examples that portray this aspect of globalizing Hello Kitty.

I will also address few points that Mizenko Sensei pointed out during my presentation: 1) MAC and Katy Perry? 2) baby hello kitty mascot in maternity hospital in Taiwan 3) How people in Singapore and China react to the rising influence of Hello kitty in their countries.

References:

http://articles.nydailynews.com/2008-05-19/news/17898646_1_visit-japan-campaign-doraemon-anime-ambassador

Pieterse, Nederveen, 1995 “Globalisation as Hybridisation,” in Mike Featherstone, Scott Lash, and Roland Robertson, eds.