It takes just a cursory glance in a history book to know that relations between China and Japan have never been exactly cordial. From the unspeakable atrocities in the second world war to the Chinese calling Tokyo their "Eastern Capital" (it is literally translated East Capital) tensions have always been in place. So when it comes to Japan's Ministry of Tourism appointing a Tourist Ambassador between China and Japan as well as Hong Kong, this would be a serious, diplomatic job with a lot of tightly worded documents and official visits in a highly stressful environment of political correctness.
Or so one would think. In May 2008, Hello Kitty was appointed as the ambassador. No, I'm not kidding. And yes, there was a real live human being that apparently did such a poor job at it that the Japanese Ministry of Tourism thought a cartoon character would do better. So if you're unemployed, just count your blessings you weren't replaced by Snoopy or Garfield.....or Hello Kitty. This isn't some goodwill gesture or bureaucratic humor, she is the official Japanese Ambassador of Tourism to Hong Kong and the People's Republic of China.
I wonder if they gave her business cards with the full title on them?
0 comments:
Post a Comment
Thank you for commenting. However, please keep in mind my location and purpose and censor your comments on my behalf. Thank you!