Latest news with #HelloKitty
LeMonde
13 hours ago
- Health
- LeMonde
The young women enlisting in Ukraine's army: 'In the army, you have to show you've got balls!'
Veronika, 19, stood tall in her camouflage uniform, an assault rifle slung over her shoulder. She had only joined the army two months earlier, but her movements were already marked by a military stiffness. She spoke quickly, her voice flat. "It's the fatigue. I've only slept five hours in the last three days," explained the trainee, currently at a military training ground near Kyiv. Veronika signed an "18-24 contract" with the military, a recruitment scheme that the Ukrainian government has actively promoted since February to attract young people in this age group. The draft applies only to men aged 25 to 60. Women, except those in medical roles, are not subject to conscription and can only join the military on a voluntary basis – a path not without hurdles. "I tried six times to sign a contract with the army and failed six times," said Lialia (her nom de guerre), 19, originally from Odesa. There were no soldiers in her family who could put in a good word for her: "I was only able to join the army with this new 18-24 contract. But even then, it took me two days to find a unit that would take me – the 72 nd Brigade – as a 'combat medic.'" It's a hybrid role combining that of an infantry soldier and a combat nurse (which does not exist in the French military). Veronika, who wore a conspicuous pink Hello Kitty patch on her shoulder as if to assert her individuality, felt well-integrated in the group.
Japan Forward
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Japan Forward
Hello Kitty Joins the UN at Expo 2025 to Inspire a Better Future Sponsored
With Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai now in full swing, visitors from around the world are exploring pavilions filled with innovation and inspiration. One standout is the United Nations Pavilion, easily recognized by the colorful wheel of the Sustainable Development Goals at its entrance. On May 26, guests were delighted by a special surprise: Hello Kitty herself appeared, dressed in the vibrant colors of the SDGs. Hello Kitty arrives at the venue, greeting visitors at the UN Pavilion. (Photographer ©JAPAN Forward) One of Japan's most beloved characters, Hello Kitty has taken on a unique role in partnership with the United Nations. She is also a Special Supporter of the Expo 2025. To learn more about this collaboration, I spoke with Melissa Fleming, the UN's Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications. The entrance to the UN Pavilion. (Photographer ©JAPAN Forward) The year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. "It's a chance to reflect, but also to reform and rebuild," Fleming said inside the UN Pavilion, where a timeline wall showcases the organization's decades of peacekeeping, humanitarian work, and other international collaboration. It also highlights how the UN continues to evolve with the times. "So much has advanced thanks to the UN," she added. "It keeps modernizing to address the challenges that we have in the present and in the future." Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications Melissa Fleming reflects on the UN's achievements. (Photographer ©JAPAN Forward) But there is a constant need for new ways to communicate the world's biggest challenges in relatable, hopeful ways. That's where Hello Kitty comes in. "Hello Kitty is, for us, what we call an 'influencer,'" Fleming explained. "She is able to deliver messages about the SDGs in a way that is relatable to her fans. So it breaks out of our UN bubble and into audiences that are really important to us." Since the launch of Sanrio's #HelloGlobalGoals project with the UN in 2019, Hello Kitty has featured in a series of informative videos, each focusing on a global goal. In them, she meets UN experts, visits field projects, and introduces topics like climate change, gender equality, and clean water — all in simple, engaging ways. Hello Kitty visits a junior high school in Bogor, Indonesia, in 2019 to see how students are learning about the Sustainable Development Goals. (© 2025 SANRIO CO., LTD.) One moment that stood out to Fleming was Hello Kitty's visit to a maternal clinic in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, home to nearly a million refugees from Myanmar. "She goes into a clinic where the UN Population Fund, UNFPA, has created this maternal health clinic," Fleming said. "And she describes how they work 24–7 to help women deliver healthy babies. She gave her fans a kind of insight. And it's very, very moving." The theme of the UN Pavilion is "United for a Better Future" — a sentiment that mirrors Sanrio's own vision: "One World, Connecting Smiles." When asked about the importance of unity today, Fleming didn't hesitate. "It's absolutely essential. There are practically no problems in our world that can be addressed by one nation alone," she said. "They all have ripple effects, whether it is a disease, eradicated by WHO and by UNICEF through vaccines." UN's Melissa Fleming explains the power of unity as plushies of Hello Kitty and MYAKU-MYAKU, the official mascot of Expo 2025, look on. (Photographer ©JAPAN Forward) That spirit of partnership is captured in SDG 17: "Partnerships for the Goals." And unity doesn't just apply to countries — it also includes collaboration among industries. This is where Hello Kitty plays a unique role. She helps guide people into "places and also populations and issues that are not so easy to understand because they're very complex, but she makes it easy," said Fleming. To better understand Hello Kitty's role as a social ambassador, I also spoke with Yuko Tsuji, Managing Executive Officer at Sanrio and director of the Global Sustainability Department, launched in 2021. Sanrio's Yuko Tsuji (far left) with United Nations' Melissa Fleming and Maher Nasser. (Photographer ©JAPAN Forward) "Working with the UN is incredibly meaningful for us," Yuko Tsuji said. "Sanrio is active in 130 countries and regions, so this partnership helps us tackle global challenges, not just domestic ones." Sanrio's work with the UN builds on its long-standing philosophy, which closely aligns with the UN's mission. "Our goal is to create as many smiles as possible and extend the circle of happiness even further afield," said Tsuji. "That's the heart of our vision, 'One World, Connecting Smiles.'" Yuko Tsuji also emphasized the company's commitment to responsible communication. "Hello Kitty has the power to engage people of all ages — from young children to the elderly. We hope she can inspire more people to start thinking about social issues, and even play a role in helping to solve them." Hello Kitty waves at visitors at the UN Pavilion. (Photographer ©JAPAN Forward) A family from Osaka touring the pavilions highlighted the impact of Hello Kitty. Two sisters held limited-edition Sanrio plush dolls dressed in outfits inspired by MYAKU-MYAKU, the Expo's official mascot. A peek into Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, featuring the iconic Grand Ring. (Photographer ©JAPAN Forward) When I asked the older sister which character she liked best, she smiled brightly. "My Melody is so stylish with her hood!" Two sisters holding Expo-themed Sanrio character plushies. (Photographer ©JAPAN Forward) In moments like this, as Fleming noted, joy often becomes the first step toward curiosity and empathy — and eventually, action. "Hello Kitty has a certain optimism and can-do kind of attitude, and she makes you smile," Fleming said. "And even in difficult situations, she makes you feel like there is possibility." At the Expo, Hello Kitty also appears in the Japan Pavilion's "Farm Area," one of three zones themed around the cycle of life. One unexpected star of the exhibit? Algae. The Japan Pavilion with the Grand Ring in the background. (Provided by: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry) Often overlooked, algae are emerging as powerful contributors to sustainability. According to the pavilion, algae can produce 14 times more oil than sunflower seeds and generate 50 times more protein than beef using the same amount of water. To highlight this potential, 32 Algae × Hello Kitty sculptures are displayed, each representing a different species among the more than 300,000 known types of algae. Hello Kitty sculptures representing 32 species of algae. (Photographer ©JAPAN Forward) A nearby sign reads: "Each algae is different. All are wonderful." The sculptures blend Hello Kitty's charm with scientific curiosity, encouraging visitors to learn more about nature's hidden heroes. Algae × Hello Kitty merchandise at the Japan Pavilion's official shop. (Photographer ©JAPAN Foward) With just five years left until the 2030 deadline for the SDGs, the call to action is urgent. "We will never get there just by working with governments," Fleming said. "We need to work with companies, [and] we need to work with civil society and also individuals." UN's Melissa Fleming on collaboration across industries. (Photographer ©JAPAN Forward) Sanrio is answering that call. "Sustainability is essential to achieving our vision," said Yuko Tsuji. "And I believe we can take on these goals through communication with our fans, especially by addressing the 10 key global issues identified as Sanrio Materiality and via social contribution initiatives like the Sanrio Nakayoku Project." As we wrapped up, I asked Fleming what she hoped visitors would take away from the UN Pavilion. "There is a place called the United Nations," she said. "[That] is not just a grouping of nations. It's written into its Charter — 'We the Peoples' — and it is there to promote peace, equality, and dignity on a healthy planet, for everyone." And through Hello Kitty, that message is reaching generations most impacted by these issues — those who will become the leaders of tomorrow. Hello Kitty dressed in colors representing the 17 Sustainable Development Goals in front of the United Nations Pavilion. (Photographer ©JAPAN Forward) This article is published in cooperation with Sanrio Company Ltd. All Sanrio characters and character images: © 2025 SANRIO CO., LTD. Author: Miruka Adachi
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
McDonald's Iconic New International Dessert Collab Has Fans Torn: ‘Why Can't We Get Stuff Like This in America?'
McDonald's Iconic New International Dessert Collab Has Fans Torn: 'Why Can't We Get Stuff Like This in America?' originally appeared on Parade. In the world of fast food menu creations, there's one story as old as time: the international release. These eye-catching limited-time items show up overseas but never make it to the States, constantly reminding us all of the tasty things we're missing out on. Most recently, we've been hit with Wendy's Bahamas Raspberry Frosty, Costco's Tokyo Food Court Combo Pizza, and, hitting a little too close to home, McDonald's Hawaiian Menu. The news of which elicited the same familiar response from fans: 'Why not here?' 😋😋🍳🍔 Well, not to throw even more salt on the wound, but food reporter @snackolator just tipped us off to a new McDonald's collab in Hong Kong featuring a certain iconic kitty. And honestly, it might've been the dessert of the summer if it had been available here in the States. 'This McDonald's x Hello Kitty collab is cuteness overload and I am so jealous that Hong Kong got it and not us,' @snackolator captioned their post. 'Among all of the amazing items on the Hello Kitty menu was a soft serve swirl cone that was half vanilla and half strawberry.'According to fans in the comment section, the reason we never get this stuff: 'Because the ice cream machine is never operational.' An unfortunate fact for a large majority of McDonald's locations and the biggest reason why your favorite soft serve treats are unavailable. McDonald's Hello Kitty menu may never make it to the States, but a strawberry swirl soft serve cone definitely sounds like a summer hit. And sure, it'd be cool to get it with the cute Hello Kitty branding—but honestly, we'd settle for the Golden Arches skipping the kitty and just giving us the flavors. Seems like a fair trade, right?McDonald's Iconic New International Dessert Collab Has Fans Torn: 'Why Can't We Get Stuff Like This in America?' first appeared on Parade on Jun 22, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 22, 2025, where it first appeared.
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Labubu's biggest threat is not Wakuku or Lafufu
Labubu, an elf-like plush toy with pointy ears and nine serrated teeth, has become a global sensation, worn by celebrities including Rihanna and Dua Lipa. These dolls are sold out in stores from Singapore to London; a human-size version recently fetched a whopping US$150,000 (S$191,000) at an auction in Beijing. With all the social media buzz, it's worth asking if we are witnessing the rise of a new-age collectible, or whether Labubu is a mere fad destined to fade. Investors certainly want to know. Pop Mart International Group, the Chinese manufacturer behind this trendy toy, has rallied 178 per cent in 2025. With US$43 billion market cap, the company is worth more than twice as much as Sanrio and Mattel combined, owners of long-time favourites Hello Kitty and Barbie. In 2024 , Pop Mart's revenue doubled to 13 billion yuan (S$2.3 billion), while its gross margin came in at an enviable 67 per cent, roughly twice as profitable as a generic toymaker. The company generated four billion yuan in operating profit, versus one billion yuan in 2023. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
San Francisco Chronicle
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
New to stream in July: ‘Washington Black,' ‘Heads of State,' ‘Sharkfest' and more
Summertime is for adventure, thrills and high drama. Action fans have a chance to watch John Cena and Idris Elba play gun-toting politicians. A new drama mini-series explores race and scientific discovery, while in real life, a scientist confronts her greatest fear in the ocean. If that's too intense, how about some stop-motion 'Hello Kitty'? Netflix, Disney+ and Tubi all offer great summer content to stream. 'Heads of State' If there's an award for the most ridiculous but fun action movie, then 'Heads of State' is already a top contender. John Cena ('Suicide Squad') and Idris Elba (also 'Suicide Squad') play the President of the United States and the Prime Minister of Great Britain, respectively. Elba's character, a former commando, has little respect for and in common with Cena's action-star-turned-politician, but they have to work together after an aborted joint assassination attempt on Air Force One. With a soundtrack that is apparently 87% Motley Crue and more guns than an East Texas wedding reception, the film is clearly leaning into self-parody territory of the action genre itself. That doesn't detract from the awesomeness in the slightest, though. Releasing on July 2 (marking the date in 1776 that Continental Congress voted for independence from Great Britain) is a nice touch. Watch it: Action. Streaming on Prime Video starting Wednesday, July 2. National Geographic 'Sharkfest' Ever since National Geographic launched 'Sharkfest' in 2021, it's been the superior television celebration of the ocean's apex predator (sorry, 'Shark Week'). This year looks amazing, with a special starring documentarian Bertie Gregory diving with great white sharks without a cage, a retrospective of the film 'Jaws' at 50, and science educator Alanna Canaran's hunt for the sharks of the Northern Atlantic off the coast of Canada. The latter also explores Canaran's fear of the animals and her hope that by understanding them better she can turn phobia into wonder. Watch it: Docuseries. Streaming on Disney+ starting July 5. 'Get Off My Lawn' When you buy a house, it's not uncommon to find something weird left behind by the previous owner. In this case, a couple (Camila Banus and Tahj Mowry) must deal with a deranged teen named Alec obsessed with making sure they keep the house exactly as his late grandfather (who is buried in the backyard) wanted it. Jonah Hwang plays Alec with a terrifying suburban banality, making him the creepiest clean-cut monster since Terry O'Quinn in 'The Stepfather.' And you thought the HOA was tough to deal with. 'Washington Black' An 11-year-old enslaved boy, born on a Barbados sugar plantation and gifted with a scientific mind, becomes a world-traveling adventurer. Based on the novel by Esi Edugyan, this miniseries a riveting story of perseverance and ingenuity as the young George Washington 'Wash' Black (Ernest Kingsley Jr. and Eddie Katanga as a child) seeks his fortune under the tutelage of an aspiring aeronaut (Tom Ellis). Selwyn Seyfu Hinds, who penned the brilliant 'Replay' episode for Jordan Peele's reboot of 'The Twilight Zone,' serves as showrunner. 'My Melody and Kuromi' In recent years, My Melody and Kuromi have become the faces of the Sanrio Hello Kitty brand. Now, they are together in an adorable stop-motion animated series from director Tomoki Misato (check out his excellent student short 'My Little Goat'). The sweet My Melody and sinister Kuromi run competing bakeries in town, leading to a rivalry until they stumble across an entire confectionary magical universe. It's not overly saccharine, though. The series also features some impressive looking car chases and other action pieces. Watch it: Animated. Streaming on Netflix starting July 24.
