I think this project will be very interesting because I feel like people usually do not think about how hello kitty is affecting not only Japan, but also other societies all over the world. My research on the globalization aspect of hello kitty will broaden my understanding of hello kitty as not only a Japanese icon, but as a world icon.
To give you a sneak peak, there is a hello kitty maternal hospital in Taiwan. It is known that this hospital is built to relieve the stress of the mother, and boost up their business (of course). I guess it also makes sense since hello kitty has baby-like features that she can be used as a mascot of the hospital.
Although I am a little uncertain on how much information I can get on hello kitty globalization since I do not know the cultural aspect of every country, I am going to try my best to make this project as thorough/accurate/fun as possible :) !!
I haven't gathered all of sources yet, but some of potential books that Mizenko Sensei recommended are:
Japanese Popular Culture and Globalization (Key Issues in Asian Studies) [Paperback]
William M. TsutsuiHello Kitty: The Remarkable Story of Sanrio and the Billion Dollar Feline Phenomenon [Hardcover]
Ken Belson
The Japanification of children's popular culture: from godzilla to miyazaki
By Mark I. West
hello kitty globalization CHRISTINE R. YANO
Nara~ <3
ReplyDeleteI must say, I love Hello Kitty (well, now everyone in class knows that thanks to the little show-and-tell in class :p). I like the route that you are going with about the globalization of Hello Kitty. I forget where I read this, but after 9/11 happened, Hello Kitty dressed up as multiple countries in the Puroland theme park to promote the idea that she is universal and that we shouldn't hate on one another for something that one person/a small group of people did (so basically, don't everyone in a country for something that happened). Or something like that. Perhaps you could include that into your research? (If I find the link and you want it, I will send it to you)
Otherwise, I think it is fabulous how you are going this route on Hello Kitty.
Nara^^
ReplyDeleteYou are doing Hello Kitty! Sounds interesting^^! My birthday and the Hello Kitty’s birthday is same, but I noticed that Mr. Mizenko and girls like Kelly know a lot than me I am surprised because I did not know Hello Kitty was that famous in America and other countries. In Tokyo, there is a Hello Kitty dentist and it looks like many children are going there because they like Hello Kitty. Also, you said that there is a hospital in Taiwan. I believe that Hello Kitty have a power to attract people globally. Can’t wait to hear your presentation! Good luck ;)
Naraaaaa <3
ReplyDeleteYou're project proposal sounds great! The hello kitty hospital in Taiwan is really interesting! Hello Kitty is definitely has a strong appeal to many countries outside of Japan. I can't wait to see how this project turns out :)
Nara-san,
ReplyDeleteSince we already discussed this topic, I don't have much to add at this time. Just remember that, whether you like it or not, you're still going to have to deal with the kawaii thing, since it's a big part of why HK has become so popular around the world. Of course, it would be interesting to see what kinds of "localization" may have taken place in various countries.