Japan Favors Fem Felines Over Yen with Hello Kitty Money
Michael Hines — January 15, 2010 — Business
References: asakusa-kankou & japantrends
The gold standard will soon be dead and we will be forced to join our brothers and sisters in Japan and use Hello Kitty money. Okay, so the Yen isn’t going extinct but the Asakusa area of Tokyo is using this Hello Kitty currency.
The money is real but it is more of a clever marketing ploy then anything else. Asakusa is apparently a big tourist area in Tokyo and the thinking is that spending Hello Kitty money will be more fun then spending real money.
Five hundred shops are participating in the shenanigans. If you ever find yourself in Tokyo, don’t be alarmed when you get Hello Kitty money as change. Just go with it.
The money is real but it is more of a clever marketing ploy then anything else. Asakusa is apparently a big tourist area in Tokyo and the thinking is that spending Hello Kitty money will be more fun then spending real money.
Five hundred shops are participating in the shenanigans. If you ever find yourself in Tokyo, don’t be alarmed when you get Hello Kitty money as change. Just go with it.
Trend Themes
1. Character Currency - The trend of using characters, rather than traditional symbols, on currency is emerging as a clever marketing and tourist strategy.
2. Novelty Currency - The use of novelty currency, such as Hello Kitty money, is becoming a popular way for businesses to attract attention and create a unique brand experience.
3. Tourist Currency - The tourist industry is increasingly using special currency, like Hello Kitty money, as a way of enticing visitors and generating revenue from merchandise sales.
Industry Implications
1. Tourism - Tourism businesses can use special currency, like Hello Kitty money, to create a unique experience for visitors and generate revenue from merchandise sales.
2. Marketing - Marketers can use novelty currency, such as Hello Kitty money, as a way of creating buzz and attracting attention to a brand or business.
3. Retail - Retailers can use character currency, like Hello Kitty money, as a way of creating a fun and memorable shopping experience for customers.
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