How do we interpret Hello Kitty's fandom from Tokyo to Honolulu to Los Angeles to Sao Paolo in the wake of pink globalization? This Japan Zoominar looks at "pink globalization" – the spread of goods and images labeled cute (kawaii) from Japan to other parts of the industrial world. “Pink globalization” connects Japan’s overseas market expansion, distribution and marketing of Japanese products, and the rise of Japan's national cool. What have been the larger impacts over time of such rambling cuteness?

Speakers:
• Christine R. Yano, Professor of Anthropology, University of Hawai`i at Manoa
• Ellis S. Krauss, Professor Emeritus, School of Global Policy and Strategy, UC San Diego