A meeting will be held today between the Hakata Yamakasa Promotion Association and the Hello Kitty licensed goods producer, Asunarosha, after it was discovered that a towel featuring a shimekomi clad Hello Kitty character was put on sale without approval for trademarks owned by festival’s association. The words to the Yamakasa song and Hakata Yamakasa which appear on the towel require approval from the Yamakasa Promotion Association before use. Asunarosha called the association to apologize, but a meeting has been called to sort out the issue further. Asunarosha said that they previously received approval to produce a Yamakasa Hello Kitty doll from the association however the person in-charge at the association is not the same as now. While many people think the Hello Kitty towel is cute, some are not impressed with the Kitty baring her bottom. What do YOU think?
Source: Nishinippon Shimbun, June 28
