Hello Kitty turns 50: Japanese ambassador to Mexico shows he is a ‘kittylover’

Since the beginning of 2024, the Japanese ambassador to Mexico, Noriteru Jaime Fukushima Ichimori, has attracted attention on social media for the fact that he blends in with Mexican culture and the traditions that accompany each holiday; an example of this was the distribution of tamales on Candlemas Day or his walks through the capital’s streets where he has no qualms about trying the classic esquites. Today, he has once again become a trend for showing that he is a fan of a character created in his native country and that is becoming more and more popular: Hello Kitty.

The diplomat shared through all his social networks the experience of having visited a themed cafe about this peculiar character. The reason was to announce that the popular ‘kitten’ turns 50 years old and, despite being half a century old, “she looks very young”

“She is so popular in Mexico that I had to visit this Hello Kitty Café!! I tried very pretty cappuccino and cake!!”, wrote the ambassador.

The video, which is just 38 seconds long, shows the diplomat tasting part of the menu offered at the themed cafe located in the west of Mexico City, while he proudly insists that it is a character created in Japan, while he cannot hide his excitement at seeing both cultures combined.

“I think Kitty has also made “Kawaii” popular in the world,” he concluded.

Through social media, the diplomat showed his liking for this character created in his native country. Credit: X @embjpmx
“Mr. Ambassador, what a rockstar you are”; “I had no idea it was a Japanese product!”; “Oh, Ambassador Noriteru! It took me back to my childhood!” or “I love you very much, Mr. Ambassador. Keep enjoying Mexico,” were some of the comments he received.

This is the story of Hello Kitty

The popular feline popularly known as Hello Kitty was created in 1974 by the Japanese company Sanrio. Yuko Shimizu, the original designer, was looking to create a character that little girls would like.

She was inspired by Japanese bobtail cats, a breed known for their short, stubby tails. The name “Kitty” comes from Lewis Carroll’s novel “Alice in Wonderland,” specifically from Alice’s cat, Dinah, who has kittens named “Kitty.”

Hello Kitty’s first appearance was on a small vinyl purse. The character quickly gained popularity in Japan and expanded to other products such as school supplies, clothing, and toys.

In 1976, Hello Kitty came to the United States and became an international hit. Over the decades, her image has been used on a wide range of products, from household items to airplanes.

Although there have been subtle changes to her design over the years, Hello Kitty has remained true to her original aesthetic: a white kitten with a red bow and no visible mouth. Her simplicity and cuteness have made her a recognizable cultural icon around the world.

As for the ambassador who is increasingly popular on social media, it is known that he was born in Tokyo and is a career diplomat with a long career in the Japanese foreign service.

Some highlights of his career:

Throughout his career, he has held various positions in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, including: Deputy Director General of the Directorate General of Latin American and Caribbean Affairs. Minister of the Embassy of Japan in Peru. Alternate Representative of Japan to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Fukushima also has a degree in Law from the University of Tokyo and speaks Japanese, Spanish and English.

Source: infobae