Latest news with #Ito
Japan Forward
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Japan Forward
Sanrio Plushies: The Love That Brings Its Characters to Life Sponsored
Sanrio plushies offer more than just something to cuddle — they bring your favorite characters to life, whether you're at home, traveling, or simply looking to add a little joy to your daily routine. In a recent interview, Shino Ito, Senior Manager of Sanrio's Product Development Department, shares insights into the affection and vision behind the Pitatto Friends and Standard Dolls series. Pitatto Friends are plush toys with magnets in their feet that can stand upright on a metal base, while Standard Dolls are fluffy, plushies that come in various sizes, each machine-sewn and carefully finished by hand. It might come as a surprise to some that these plushies are becoming increasingly popular with adults. The Standard Dolls series, officially launched in 2007, remains a cornerstone of Sanrio's plush collection. Each doll represents a character in their most iconic form. Think Hello Kitty in her classic overalls, My Melody in her hood, or Cinnamoroll with his signature floppy ears. Ito gently lifts up Cinnamoroll's furry ears. (© 2025 SANRIO CO., LTD.) "This is exactly what it would be like if she appeared right beside you in real life," says Ito, holding up a delightfully fluffy Cinnamoroll plush. The attention to detail in each Standard Doll is remarkable — from My Melody's tiny paw pads to Keroppi's delicate webbed fingers. They are lovingly crafted tributes to each character, and this level of detail doesn't happen by accident. "Bringing a character from 2D to 3D in plush form is actually quite challenging," Ito explains. "We collaborate closely with the character designers to ensure their unique traits are preserved. Then, we work hand-in-hand with the manufacturers' pattern makers to bring the design to life. No feature is overlooked." Holding a Pochacco plush in hand, the soft texture is instantly comforting. Its plump cheeks are irresistibly squeezable, and the rounded bottom — complete with a tiny tail — makes it look as if it's about to waddle off at any moment. Standard Dolls of Pochacco (left) and Pekkle. (© 2025 SANRIO CO., LTD.) Available in a range of sizes from large, huggable versions to smaller, travel-ready ones, Standard Dolls are also popular among international fans. The smaller plushies include pellets so they can sit upright comfortably, making them perfect companions. Another characteristic of Standard Dolls is that each one has its own unique expression. Despite their "standard" label, the dolls have evolved with the times. Much like the characters themselves, they remain true to their essence while adapting to each new generation. The Standard Dolls capture each feature of Sanrio's popular characters. (© 2025 SANRIO CO., LTD.) "At Sanrio, some of our characters have been loved for over 40 or even 50 years," explains Ito. "One reason they've remained beloved is that we make subtle updates over time — tweaks to facial shapes or expressions that reflect the trends of each era." "For the latest line of Standard Dolls, we've made the faces slightly larger and the eyes a bit bigger to create a more baby-faced, kawaii look that's popular today." You can find Standard Dolls in Sanrio shops around the world. And when it comes time to choose your plush, Ito offers a piece of advice: "Look into their eyes, and bring home the one you feel a special connection with." Another one of Sanrio's popular plush lines is Pitatto Friends, which is all about interaction. Designed for Japan's popular nuidori trend — plush photography — these toys are made to go places. Pitatto Friends can stand firmly on their own. (© 2025 SANRIO CO., LTD.) The word "pitatto" in Japanese is an onomatopoeia that suggests something sticking firmly or staying in place. True to their name, Pitatto Friends are equipped with magnets in their feet and attachable metal bases. They can stand securely and pose confidently for photos — no more rolling off surfaces or getting dirty. Their hands feature rubber loops that allow them to hold tiny props, adding to the fun. My Melody with her tiny frappuccino and camera. (© 2025 SANRIO CO., LTD.) My Melody's prop set includes a frappuccino cup, a miniature camera and bag, and even a strap that can connect to both. The charm truly lies in the details. Ito showing the props set for My Melody. (© 2025 SANRIO CO., LTD.) Rubber loops are attached to their hands for holding small props. (© 2025 SANRIO CO., LTD.) "It's like making memories with a friend," says Ito. "People post photos online, take them on hikes or to lunch." On social media, Sanrio fans post photos of their plushies on trips, sharing meals, or capturing scenic views by the sea. "It's heartwarming to see Pitatto Friends joyfully joining in on these adventures. It feels like they're traveling the world," Ito reflects. Kuromi in a ninja costume, Hello Kitty in a kimono, and Pochacco in a Shiba Inu costume. (© 2025 SANRIO CO., LTD.) What's more, in 2024 Sanrio released a special clothing line for Pitatto Friends, featuring a kimono, a Shiba Inu costume, and a ninja ensemble. These costumes fit any of the characters and make for perfect souvenirs — or simply a fun way to remember your trip to Japan. Hello Kitty looking adorable in her kimono. (© 2025 SANRIO CO., LTD.) In Japan, inanimate objects hold a unique place in the culture. "I think there's a cultural belief in Japan that even inanimate things can have a spirit or heart," Ito explains. Until recently, many adults may have felt embarrassed about carrying plush toys in public. But that's changing. Today, it's not uncommon to see people proudly displaying plushies on their bags in Japan. This shift is part of a broader cultural trend known as oshikatsu — the act of supporting and celebrating your favorite characters or idols. Plush toys have become a form of self-expression. Even men are increasingly open about owning plushies, contributing to the growing trend. Standard Dolls and Pitatto Friends. (© 2025 SANRIO CO., LTD.) "Using plushies as bag accessories has become a trend among young people," says Ito. "So I think plush toys have become more accepted among adults, and that shift has helped fuel their popularity." As an increasingly recognized form of self-expression and individuality, plushies have become a way for people to show who they are and what they love. As Sanrio continues to grow globally, fans can look forward to exciting updates. Coming in June, the medium-sized Pitatto Friends will be upgraded with poseable necks and arms, making them even more flexible for photography. Cinnamoroll will also get an upgrade — his ears will be adjustable, allowing you to pose him as if he's flying. Cinnamoroll, in the upgraded medium-sized Pitatto Friends version coming this June, looking ready to take flight. (© 2025 SANRIO CO., LTD.) "Plush toys have this special way of comforting you in unexpected moments," Ito says, holding up a Cinnamoroll plush. "Just making eye contact with one feels like it's encouraging you, like it's saying, 'You've got this.'" "I hope people experience that kind of comfort by living alongside Sanrio characters in plush form. I'd be so happy if having a Cinnamoroll at home feels like having a friend — one who quietly keeps you company in daily life." And sometimes, that's exactly what we need. This article is published in cooperation with Sanrio Company Ltd. All Sanrio characters and character images: ©️ 2025 SANRIO CO., LTD. Author: Miruka Adachi
Mint
2 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Japan Shift From Buybacks May Benefit Longer Term, Managers Say
A reported recommendation from a Japanese government ministry that companies use spare cash for investment instead of buying back stock would benefit long-term investors, according to asset managers. That's the view of Taku Ito, chief equity fund manager at Nissay Asset Management Corp., who says buybacks are positive in the short term but neglect essential investments for the future. The reported guideline 'may seem negative in the short term, since stock prices have risen due to buybacks, but in the medium to long term, it's pointing in the right direction,' Ito said. Along similar lines, Mamoru Shimode, chief strategist at Resona Asset Management Co., explained that capital investments of cash are necessary to sustain a high return on equity. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is preparing to issue advice from an expert panel that calls on firms to use excess funds for investments to raise corporate value rather than just buying back shares, the Asahi newspaper reported, without citing anyone. A METI representative did not immediately respond to Bloomberg's request for comment on the report. Under pressure from activists and the Tokyo bourse to raise shareholder returns, companies have been pursuing more buybacks, which have helped boost shares this quarter. Firms have announced more than ¥8.4 trillion in share repurchases this year through mid-May, almost double the same period last year and the most since at least 2017, when Bloomberg's data begins. READ: Buybacks Make Japan a Shelter in Tariff Turmoil: Taking Stock But some investors warn that such a recommendation may not be easy to implement. It's difficult to say how many opportunities there are for investment within the country, said Hiroshi Matsumoto, a senior client portfolio manager at Pictet Asset Management Japan Ltd. And investor perception may be even more key, according to Ryohei Yanagi, a visiting professor at Waseda University Graduate School of Accountancy. 'The message of prioritizing investment over share buybacks is fundamentally correct. But if the discussion is framed as a binary choice between shareholder returns and investment, it could give global investors the wrong impression that Japanese companies are once again turning their backs on the market.' With assistance from Kentaro Tsutsumi. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Celebrated Angeleno Artist Greg Ito Unveils Short Film in Homage to Kikori Rice Whiskey
Celebrated Angeleno Artist Greg Ito Unveils Short Film in Homage to Kikori Rice Whiskey originally appeared on L.A. Mag. Fresh off a starring role at Frieze L.A., Angeleno native Greg Ito unveiled his latest art installation Wednesday night: a short film that pays homage to his grandmother and the nature that inspired the female-owned spirit brand Kikori Rice Whiskey. The event, held at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center in Little Tokyo, featured installations created by Ito and Japanese-inspired cocktails sponsored by Kikori Rice Whiskey, which was founded by Korean-American Ann Soh Woods, whose childhood adventures in Japan inspired her brand. The film is centered on following a lantern carried by Kikori's Woodsman logo as it travels through the mountainous forests of Kumamoto, where the whiskey is distilled, along with volcanic lava symbolizing the region's rich soil in which the rice used to make the spirit grows, and delicate cherry blossoms - part of the nature that inspired Woods to open her company in 2015. Now as one of the only Asian American women in the liquor industry, Woods is also expanding her reach and brand into the art community. As part of that, and to celebrate Asian American Heritage Month, she collaborated with Ito, she says, to "explore heritage, resilience, and the spirit of craft through a new short film inspired by Kikori's roots in Japan. Kikori is proud to support creative voices like Greg's and champion stories that celebrate culture with heart and purpose."Ito's wife and young daughter were in attendance at the event. The little girl's favorite rocks were part of her daddy's installation. As the evening came to a close, Woods made the announcement that Kikori had made a $10,000 donation to the JACCC a vital donation that will fund their ikebana program, as well as other creative workshops. This story was originally reported by L.A. Mag on May 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
🚨 Ligue 1/Ligue 2 play-off: all square, extra time needed!
It's unbearable! The suspense is total in the evening's match between Reims and Metz at the Auguste-Delaune stadium. The two teams are playing the playoff match for the last ticket to Ligue 1 next season. After the first leg ended with a score of 1-1, the return match is just as was Reims who opened the scoring in the 57' thanks to Martial Tia, perfectly set up by Ito. Metz, who played in Ligue 2 this season, didn't give up despite being dominated, and it was Matthieu Udol who managed to snatch an equalizer in the 78'. 1-1 at the end of regular time. Both teams went into overtime and Metz managed to score a second goal in the 110th minute thanks to Alpha Touré. Gauthier Hein scored the third to confirm the Grenats' promotion with an incredible lob. What a match! - C1: the top scorers ranking 2024-25 before the final - Formula 1 stars support PSG for the final - PSG - Inter: good news for Luis Enrique before the final This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here. 📸 FRANCOIS NASCIMBENI - AFP or licensors
The Mainichi
25-05-2025
- Sport
- The Mainichi
Table tennis: Ito stopped by world No. 1 Sun in semifinals
DOHA (Kyodo) -- Japan's Mima Ito lost to China's world No. 1 Sun Yingsha 4-0 in the women's singles semifinals at the world table tennis championships Saturday. Defending champion Sun won 11-7, 11-5, 11-9, 11-4 against ninth-ranked Ito, who was attempting to become the first Japanese to reach the women's singles final in 56 years. Ito will take home a bronze medal as there is no third-place match at the world championships at Lusail Sports Arena in Qatar. Japanese compatriots Miwa Harimoto and Miyuu Kihara also settled for bronze after being swept in the women's doubles semifinals by China's Wang Manyu and Kuai Man 11-8, 11-6, 11-5. In the mixed doubles final, Sun teamed up with countryman Wang Chuqin to defeat Japan's Satsuki Odo and Maharu Yoshimura 11-7, 11-8, 7-11, 11-8.
