Hello Kitty Has A New Singaporean Friend Who Is Basically A Durian

Singapore and Japan launch SJ50 campaign, marking 50 years of diplomatic ties

Thursday (28 Jan) saw the launch of the SJ50 campaign commemorating 50 years of ties between Japan and Singapore in Tokyo.

Earlier this year, the two countries had signed a Memorandum of Cooperation on tourism at the Japan Creative Centre in Singapore.

The MOC aims to increase two-way tourism traffic between Japan and Singapore.

The stars of SJ50 will be these:

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Look out Dear Daniel, Dori-tan’s here to say hi

Hello Kitty and what appears to be humanized durian wearing a red Merlion-themed unitard will front the SJ50 campaign.

While many will recognize Hello Kitty, her partner, Dori-tan is new on the scene. He is meant to be a five-year-old Singaporean boy who used to live in Japan.

We don’t know yet, but we’re 100% certain that MacDonald’s won’t be selling Dori-tan plushies anytime soon.

Also, check out the cute video on the SJ50 Facebook page kick-starting the action.

Who knew they refer to our national mascot as Merlion-San?!

More Japanese food to come soon

Part of the plans for SJ50 include food fairs held in both Singapore and Japan.

In Singapore, the Japanese Restaurant Week will be held from 24 February to 8 March. Over 80 Japanese restaurants are expected to participate.

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Raffles Hotel will also be partnering with a top Japanese sake brand Dassai, to create a symbolic cocktail. To be named the “Sakura Sling”, the drink will have the same hue as its namesake, created with sake, Calvados and St. Germain elderflower liquer.

Renowned Ikebana (Japanese Flower Arrangement) artist from Japan, Kariyazaki Shogo, will also be creating a mega flower exhibit in Changi Airport in March.

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With reference to Channel NewsAsia
Featured image via Japan National Tourism Organization