Ambassador Hello Kitty

Every once in a while a major news event is so pressing that Christine actually takes the time to e-mail me a link to the article from her work. And yesterday was no different…

So, the minute my wife learned that Hello Kitty, fashion icon to generations of cool, puffy-sticker-loving hipsters everywhere, was named Japan’s official Ambassador to Tourism with China and Hong Kong, she shot me an e-mail.

And despite the fact that most of us are still nursing those Chococat birthday party hangovers — his birthday was May 10th, and yes, he is a boy, I checked the website — Christine and I both rejoiced at the news that Sanrio’s Queen of Cute had a brand new title and a nice shiny plaque to go with it.

Kitty, who will be 34 on November 1st — no, I did not know her date of birth by heart, I had to check that too — was said to be delighted by her recent honor and was looking forward to serving her homeland with pride. I’m not exactly sure what she’ll be doing in her new role — seeing as she’s not real and all — but hey, real or not, who doesn’t love that crazy cute cat?

So, rock on, Tourism Ambassador Hello Kitty! Long may you reign…