Catalans and Japanese people have had a long history of corresponding with one another. However, what brought the two closer in recent years was Hello Kitty’s 40th anniversary in 2014. A big boom of teens and young adults alike in Barcelona become captivated by the character. Resulting in a multitude of Hello Kitty shops popping up and intertwining their way into traditional Spanish markets.
![Ramune Sodas](https://thecictravels.cic.sc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240624_192953_02AF26-1-1024x768.jpeg)
![Hello Kitty and Manga Wall](https://thecictravels.cic.sc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240624_192954_0E4CC5-1-1024x768.jpeg)
![Bookshelf full of Mangas](https://thecictravels.cic.sc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/IMG_4157-2-768x1024.jpg)
The influx of Hello Kitty stores and Barcelona-exclusive merchandise resulted in a boom of Japanese influence in the city. Japanese cuisine has introduced itself into society with over 300 styled restaurants currently residing in the city. Their snacks and drinks have also gained popularity, mainly the Ramune sodas. In addition to cuisine, Japanese entertainment is at an all-time high, with the majority of the Catalan youth reportedly indulging in watching anime, reading mangas, and attending cosplay conventions. Over 600,000 Japanese tourists visit Barcelona annually, and it looks like Hello Kitty is to thank.
![Picture of Spain Holidays](https://thecictravels.cic.sc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/WhatsApp-Image-2024-06-11-at-02.45.08_e0ba79e8-300x225.jpg)
Spain Holidays
Jordan Rawlinson (Broadcast Journalism), Raven Carmichael (Public Relations), and Evelyn Padilla (Visual Communications)