Silly link of the day: DreamKitty The site for Hello Kitty and so much more. The whole Hello Kitty phenomenon amazes me. I remember Hello Kitty as being v. popular when I was in 5th grade (that would have been about 1979-1980). And she's still going! (All these years and no mouth). The site also features Kogepan, which is a little burnt bun who, by virtue of that kitchen accident, developed a sour and cynical view of life. And then there's Mashimaro, a rabbit given to pulling vulgar pranks.

Only among Japanese cartoon characters can you find such things. (I have to admit a certain fondness for Kogepan - I have one of the little Kogepan beanbag dolls.)