By Sophia Yan @sophia_yan August 20, 2015: 9:54 PM ET
International diplomacy
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In 2004, mobile phone accessories with Hello Kitty charms and the 12-star European Union flag launched. The goal was to publicize the euro and promote good relations between Japan and the EU.
Last year, Japan even sent Hello Kitty into orbit on a satellite to promote the country's high-tech industry.
