Japan's New Tourism Ambassador - Hello Kitty

Yes, that's right, Hello Kitty has been named Japan's new Tourism Ambassador. Created in 1974 by the Sanrio Company of Tokyo Japan, Hello Kitty started out on a small plastic coin purse and has since become a very recognized figure.

Hello Kitty was named U.S. children's ambassador for UNICEF in 1983 and became a fashion statement in the early 1990's. From toys to animated series, Hello Kitty has become a very beloved character and has not been appointed to be the Tourism Ambassador with hopes of bringing in Hello Kitty fans. This goal is helped by the musical that features Hello Kitty which opened earlier this year in Beijing and is scheduled to be visiting Malaysia, Singapore and the U.S. over the next three years.