I can't believe I'm writing a Hello Kitty trend. The Japanese icon has been around so long, it's one of those things most people, myself included, hoped would be a passing fad. Anyone who feels the way I do â€" it's time we get over it. The mouth-less white cartoon cat is here to stay â€" in a big way.
Eva Air entirely decorated two Hello Kitty Airbuses in theme. Blue faux-leather seats and flight attendants in baby pink tunics. From every nook and cranny aboard the Asian airline, a Hello Kitty is staring back at you. Expressionless, creepy. The Japanese figurine isn't just loved by kids anymore â€" she's (miraculously) managed to capture the hearts of adults the world over.
Even before boarding, passengers are guided through a rosy fantasy world. When checking in, there are no normal tickets. No, no, passengers get hot pink boarding passes. The outside of the plane is adorned with enormous Hello Kitty paintings and the inside is rocking Kitty style full boar. Even the meals are themed, from the serving dishes, to the cutlery, right down to the food itself. And for anyone who still didn't feel that they got their fix, the on-board duty free shop sells Hello Kitty merchandise.
Hello Kitty has been on Trend Hunter before:
Hello Kitty Airbus
Eva Air Proves Japanese Anime Continues To Rise
Trend Themes
1. Hello Kitty Craze - The continued popularity and appeal of Hello Kitty among both children and adults presents opportunities for businesses to capitalize on the trend with themed products, experiences, and collaborations.
2. Branded Airline Experiences - The trend of airlines decorating planes and providing immersive experiences, like Eva Air's Hello Kitty Airbuses, opens up possibilities for other brands and characters to collaborate with airlines to create unique flying experiences.
3. Nostalgia-driven Marketing - The enduring appeal of iconic characters like Hello Kitty showcases the potential for brands to tap into consumers' nostalgia through retro-inspired marketing campaigns and collaborations.
Industry Implications
1. Airlines - Airlines can leverage the Hello Kitty craze and other branded airline experiences to attract passengers and create memorable and distinctive flying experiences.
2. Entertainment and Media - The continued rise of Hello Kitty and other similar Japanese anime characters creates opportunities for the entertainment and media industry to develop new content, merchandise, and collaborations.
3. Hospitality and Tourism - Hotels, resorts, and tourist attractions can leverage the Hello Kitty craze to create themed experiences and attract guests who are fans of the character and nostalgic for their childhood.