The monarch was feting a figure more recognisable than any billionaire or emissary: Hello Kitty ... the global craze for cute things. In Japan the phenomenon, known as kawaii, dates back to ...

Hello Kitty turned 50 on Friday ... Part of the confusion stems from a misunderstanding of "kawaii," which is Japanese for "cute" but also connotes a lovable or adorable essence.

Hello Kitty turns 50 on Friday ... Part of the confusion stems from a misunderstanding of “kawaii,” which is Japanese for “cute” but also connotes a lovable or adorable essence.

Hello Kitty turns 50 on Friday ... Part of the confusion stems from a misunderstanding of “kawaii,” which is Japanese for “cute” but also connotes a lovable or adorable essence.

Hello Kitty turns 50 on Friday ... Part of the confusion stems from a misunderstanding of “kawaii,” which is Japanese for “cute” but also connotes a lovable or adorable essence.

Tourists from Britain pose with Hello Kitty decoration at the Tokyo ... stems from a misunderstanding of “kawaii,” which is Japanese for “cute” but also connotes a lovable or adorable ...