News On Japan

YOSHIKI to Compose Official Theme Song for Hello Kitty's 50th Anniversary

TOKYO, Jan 09 (News On Japan) - Renowned musician of rock band X JAPAN has been chosen to compose the official global theme song for the popular Sanrio character Hello Kitty, in celebration of its 50th anniversary in 2024.

YOSHIKI and Hello Kitty have a history of collaborations, including the "yoshikitty" merchandise line. Hello Kitty has also made appearances on YOSHIKI's own program "YOSHIKI CHANNEL" and performed at YOSHIKI's annual dinner shows, fostering a close relationship over the years. In this milestone 50th anniversary year for Hello Kitty, YOSHIKI will contribute to the festivities with an official global theme song dedicated to his dear friend.

YOSHIKI expressed his honor in being part of such a significant anniversary: "Congratulations to Kitty-chan on your 50th anniversary. I am truly honored to be offered the opportunity to compose the official global theme song for such a wonderful anniversary year. Through our friendship, I've come to understand the many reasons why Kitty-chan is loved by people all over the world. She always brings smiles to everyone, and she has an inner strength that I admire. I intend to compose a song that will let more people know about the many wonderful aspects of Kitty-chan. Many people are currently facing sad and difficult times. With this song, I aim to lift the spirits of everyone who listens to it. Please look forward to it."

The 50th anniversary of Hello Kitty, which will be celebrated until December 31, 2024, is being branded as the "50th Anniversary Year," with the theme "Friend the Future. Let's become friends with the future." Various initiatives are planned to commemorate this landmark year.

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

Bear sightings across Japan have already climbed to nearly twice the level recorded during the same period last year, prompting entry bans in mountain areas behind Kyoto’s Ninna-ji Temple and the cancellation of hiking events in Kansai, while new research suggests that the key to reducing encounters may lie in understanding what bears eat in each region.

Copper roofing panels were stolen from several shrines in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture, including a city-designated cultural property, in the latest case amid a nationwide surge in copper thefts targeting shrines and temples across Japan, where soaring metal prices have fueled crimes that leave historic religious buildings damaged, exposed to the elements, and facing repair costs of millions of yen.

Flames broke out on the morning of May 20th on Miyajima Island in Hiroshima Prefecture, home to one of Japan's World Heritage sites, destroying Reikado Hall near the summit of Mount Misen.

Uncertainty surrounding the situation in the Middle East is beginning to affect daily life in Japan, as concerns over crude oil supplies spread to restaurants, cleaning services and even household garbage disposal systems across the Kansai region.

A 25-year-old woman arrested as a suspected ringleader in a robbery-murder case in Tochigi Prefecture once posted cheerful dance videos on social media and was remembered by those who knew her as an energetic and outgoing young woman.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Entertainment NEWS

Actors Kentarō Ito and Natsuki Deguchi have become the focus of intense speculation after the pair were reportedly seen together late at night in the parking area of an apartment complex.

A breakwater in Saga City covered with every page from the first 78 volumes of the hit manga "Kingdom" has been officially recognized by Guinness World Records for the world's longest continuous outdoor display of manga pages.

The traditional event Takigi Noh, which signals the arrival of early summer in the ancient capital, was held on May 15th at Kasuga Taisha Shrine and Kofukuji Temple in Nara City.

Hirokazu Kore-eda’s latest film "Sheep in the Box," which was selected for the competition section at the 79th Cannes International Film Festival in France, received its official screening on May 16th as it competes for the festival’s top prize, the Palme d'Or.

Today we have a look at, unfortunately, the final kabuki show to take place at the Shochiku-za theatre in Osaka, the last remaining kabuki venue in Dōtonbori. (Kabuki In-Depth)

The Cannes Film Festival opened this week with three Japanese films nominated for the festival’s top prize, the Palme d'Or, including 'Sheep in the Box' directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, 'Nagi Notes' directed by Koji Fukada, and 'Suddenly Feeling Unwell' directed by Ryusuke Hamaguchi.

Japanese hospitality has a reputation for being almost mystically attentive, but the principles behind it are practical and teachable.

The Osaka Shochikuza theater, which has entertained audiences in Osaka’s Dotonbori district for more than a century through films, kabuki and live performances, will close in June 2026 due to aging facilities and the high cost of renovations.