Since Yuko Shimizu’s creation of Hello Kitty came to life in 1974, the beloved pink and white cartoon character has become a Japanese favorite. Hello Kitty has been featured on everything, from backpacks to vending machines and coin purses to anything technological, having eventually become a worldwide phenomenon.
The adorable cartoon character is now taking on something new altogether. West Japan Railway recently revealed their latest bullet train, and this one is themed none other than Hello Kitty. From the exterior to the interior, everything is Hello Kitty.
The rugs, windows, headrests, and everything in between are sporting the longtime adored cat, and there’s even a giant Hello Kitty statue that passengers can pose with. Not only will this be an experience for all Hello Kitty lovers, but a must-visit for all Instagram lovers.
This new bullet train will shuttle between the Japanese cities of Osaka and Fukuoka, two cities which are both worth visiting thanks to their beloved culinary scenes. Osaka is known for its fried octopus balls, known locally as takoyaki, and their savory crepes called okonomiyaki.
Meanwhile, Fukuoka’s signature dish is the Tonkotsu ramen, a pork-based noodle dish, and it is also one of chef Gaggan Anand’s favorite places to eat food in the world. Therefore, this bullet train seems to offer more than just a Hello Kitty experience.
Nevertheless, those wishing to board the Hello Kitty bullet train must be sure to get their hands on a ticket soon since the latest creation will only be running for a limited time of three months. While the cities are not going anywhere, it won’t do any harm of heightening your experience of traveling to these destinations with another of Japan’s creations. It’s time to board the Hello Kitty train and experience Japan in a way like no other.
30+ Admirable Facts About New Zealand That Will Leave You Confused at First
A country with a reputation for humility and fairness, New Zealand holds abundant natural beauty and an understated charm. New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes offer plenty for those who prefer to stick to dry land. The Hauraki Gulf as well as the Bay of Islands are two of the most scenic coastal areas in the world, and they are filled with activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, diving, and kayaking. You will undoubtedly find the following facts about New Zealand fascinating.
Walk On Foot
Natives of the country enjoy being barefoot not only at their residences but also in public. Individuals who are not putting on their shoes may be found anywhere, including the downtown area, the local grocery, and the shopping center.

You’ll be taken aback when you first see it. It will feel strange when you do it for the first time. However, once you’ve experienced it, you won’t even be able to fathom your existence without it.
Hobbit-Themed Airport
At Auckland Terminal, a Gimli sculpture that is 13 feet tall has been erected. With the inauguration of other hobbit-inspired monuments recently, Auckland International Airport became the entryway to Middle-earth.

The exhibits, which include massive sculptures and scenes from the movie, are meant to pique visitors’ interest. Of course, The Lord of the Rings film franchise was filmed in New Zealand and has helped boom the country’s tourism economy in a big way.
Plastic Bags Ban
In New Zealand, single-use carrier bags made of plastics are prohibited. Instead, shoppers may obtain complimentary cardboard boxes from the grocery store. Single-use plastic shopping bags were formally outlawed in New Zealand on Monday, with stiff penalties for firms that start offering them.

There are several warnings on the route to the store to bring a recyclable carrier from your house or car. However, if you forgot to pack it, you may borrow one for free and return it.
This Unique Name
Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu is actually a name popular for its length. This legendary term is the designation of a 300-meter-high hill in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand.

As you may have realized, what makes it unique is that it is the globe’s most extended geographic term in any English-speaking nation. The place-name has 40 syllables; therefore, it’s good to learn to amaze the inhabitants. If the name is too long and too difficult for you to pronounce, you can call it Taumata.
Healthy Shopping
Users of a grocery chain may get fresh fruit and veg while doing their groceries. Designing effective in-store marketing begins with an excellent association with store shoppers. You’re more inclined to attract more consumers near your goods if you ask customers what you can do to help them and their marketing strategies.

Effective displays must also be available to be purchased. Ascertain that the consumer can pick up several items without the presentation collapsing. If the exhibit is in a high-traffic store, make sure it will appear suitable even if it isn’t refreshed frequently.
Couples Forever
New Zealand was home to a real couple who passed away on the exact date. They had been united for 67 years before they passed away. The pair were buried together in a modest service after a prayer at the Cathedral of the Faithful Memorial Services on Hibiscus Island.

Desmond and Ruth Peate is the pair’s name who had been together for 67 years but kicked the bucket on the same day. Their existence had been intertwined for years before they encountered each other, so their passing away came as no shock to their relatives.
Countdown’s Quiet Hour
The famous grocery company known as Countdown hosts a so-called “quiet shopping hour” each Wednesday to help persons with autism and other developmental conditions. Quiet Hour provides consumers with a simple and hearing shopping experience at Countdown retailers by minimizing noise, illumination, and other disturbances.

The shop’s brightness is dimmed, the in-store music is switched off, cashier volumes are decreased, trolley pickup and shelf-stocking are limited to a minimal level, and no PA notifications are made unless it’s an emergency.
No Snakes
In New Zealand, most tourists discover hardly any mosquitoes or snakes. However, there are many other unique creatures. New Zealand, like Hawaii, is an oceanic region free of indigenous snakes.

There are no poisonous spiders, deadly jellyfish, or other nasty small insects to harm you. All of these things can be found in Australia. Although there are a few poisonous spiders in New Zealand (one of which is native), seeing or being bitten by one is highly unusual.
Trash to Fuel
Is it possible to generate energy from waste? After all, why not? It’s a trendy item in this country. Every year, New Zealand discards 15.5 million tonnes of garbage. Each kiwi weighs 3,200 kilograms!

To generate employment and reduce waste in landfills, New Zealand engages in expanding its indigenous recycling sector. As part of its economic rehabilitation from the pandemic demic, New Zealand’s authorities have invested upwards of NZ$160 million in creating a local recycling industry to generate employment.
No Animal Cruelty
New Zealand has verified that all creatures are aware of their surroundings and have sentiments similar to human beings. Animal abuse is illegal in this country. Shooting and trapping feral creatures are forbidden as well.

The Department of Primary Industries provides a list of fundamental animal requirements that people must provide on its homepage. Investigators and Field Specialists from the SPCA (Royal New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Incorporated) operate on the front lines day after day, saving creatures that have been in an emergency, mistreated, abandoned, or dumped.
The Maori
The Māori, New Zealand’s original inhabitants, account for roughly 15% of the entire populace. Ta moko, a traditional tattoo, is still worn by several of them.

They arrived in New Zealand around 1000 years earlier from Hawaiki, the fabled Polynesian kingdom. One in every eight New Zealanders now self-identifies as a Maori. The Māori’s identity is shaped by its history, dialect, and customs.
Honoring Penguins
Workers of New Zealand’s National Aquarium select the finest and most terrible penguins of the month. Mainly on the honor roster, the most exceptional birds have a unique position.

The managers have been sharing images once a couple of weeks for the past year, declaring the misdeeds of their incredibly cute penguins and attracting a lot of media attention, despite the fact that no one could be angry with these beautiful exotic animals for a while, particularly since many of them ‘understand when to penguin’ correctly.
Bikes on Buses
Bikes may be transported on many buses using a specific mount. So, if you own a motorcycle, here is what to do when you approach a bus. Do not stand in the roadway; instead, remain on the curbside for the bus to arrive at a thorough halt.

Consider utilizing a flasher light to signal an incoming bus while it’s gloomy around. This is incredibly beneficial during the colder seasons when the curb is covered in snowfall.
Sheep Population
New Zealand’s citizens are a little more than 4 million inhabitants and around 30 million sheep. Sheep pastures may be found all across the nation, particularly large sheep ranches (where hundreds of sheep are raised) in the South Island.

Because of the enormous amount of lambs in New Zealand, lamb and mutton can be found in almost every cuisine, especially Subway.
Weird Winter Dressing
Even though it’s zero degrees outside, residents dress in T-shirts, pants, and flip-flops. They’ve been doing it since infancy, so they’re less prone to the common cold. But, can they survive in that weather? Not really.

It won’t belong if there is no breeze, approximately 7 minutes with a modest to medium breeze. This assumes the individual is positioned in an upright, open stance. Due to the mobility of the organism in the cold air, even while performing a very vigorous action, the exposure is still limited.
Limescale-Free Water
In New Zealand, there is no limescale (residual chlorine) caused by water. The buildup of limescale is caused by hard water. Calcium, carbonate, magnesium, and manganese are all minerals found in hard water.

There is likely a “hard” issue in your house if limescale crystals appear on your coffee machine, thermos bottle, bottles, and ceramic mugs.
Peaceful Country
Whenever it relates to the globe’s peacefulness, New Zealand ranks second (Iceland takes the first position while Denmark sits in third place).

The research assesses 163 nations’ “peacefulness” using various indicators, namely military budget, warfare and terrorism-related fatalities, and the projected financial impact of violence. In 22 of the 23 categories, New Zealand retained or strengthened its position.
Hongi Greeting
The Maori have a customary salutation called Hongi that they use to greet visitors. You can do this by moving your forehead on the forehead of another individual to greet them.

Maoris touch their noses and foreheads with their acquaintances rather than holding hands or embracing. The activity of Hongi, which means ‘sharing of breath,’ is still regularly performed at events and gatherings at the Marae.
Three Languages
Although English is the most widely used tongue in New Zealand, Maori is also a national dialect, honoring the indigenous people who first settled the country. Despite the fact that just around 3% of the people communicate in Maori, the two languages are spoken throughout the country.

In New Zealand, most regional accents have both a Maori and an English name, with many of them using only the Maori identity. (Aotearoa, by the way, is the Maori term for New Zealand, which translates “country of the white silk sky.”)
The Swim Reaper
The shoreline Grim Reaper isn’t a prank but instead a government initiative. It acts as a friendly warning of how to conduct oneself around water. Many of these drowning passings [of young males] are what authorities would call avoidable ones.

If young guys merely made good choices when they are on the beach or around the shoreline, lives may be rescued.
Teaching Kindergartens
Professionals from various medical institutes visit kindergartens to educate children about illnesses and educate them how to administer first aid. Physicians have even created a customized tune for children that teach how to contact an emergency if their mother becomes unwell unexpectedly.

It’s a well-known song that many youngsters know intimately. Parents also visit kindergartens to demonstrate something related to their profession or lifestyle to the children. This is a day for kindergarten students to learn about Indigenous society.
No Tips
In New Zealand, where do you intend to eat? There’s no need to provide a large tip as you would in the United States. It will either be unexpected or will be immediately added to your statement as a maintenance fee.

This also applies to cab drivers, but none of them will refuse a few additional bucks if you express gratitude. And, thinking of dining out, it’s certainly not what you’re used to in the United States. Workers are unlikely to call on you multiple times, and they are unlikely to present a bill to your table. You must purchase at the desk, and some lesser cafes will not even keep note of what you ordered, relying on you to inform them of your meal.
Legal Gardening
Gardening is forbidden without specific authorization from the authorities in order to safeguard agricultural production. The names of the cities and towns may differ, but the narratives are practically identical.

Each year, new stories emerge of metropolitan gardeners being penalized for “illegally” growing crops in their lawns or on unoccupied properties. Residents have faced limitations on a variety of food-producing pursuits, including vegetable gardens.
Different Landscapes
The nation is lovely in that it allows you to travel for close to six hours and see a variety of scenery and temperatures. Dunes can be found alongside snow-capped volcanoes, while glaciers can be seen descending through tropical rainforests.

Ascending the Southernmost Alps from one end to the other might result in a variance of 2 to 8 feet of annual rainfall.
What is Kiwi?
In New Zealand, the term “kiwi” can consist of the following specific situations. One of New Zealand’s most renowned natural creatures is the midnight flightless creature with the huge beak.

New Zealanders have also been referred to as “Kiwis.” And there’s the kiwi fruit, which, indeed, can be found throughout New Zealand, despite the fact that it originated in China!
Customs in Bus
Anytime you enter a bus, say hello to everyone and appreciate them when you exit. When older folks enter the bus, it moves slowly and doesn’t proceed until everyone has taken their positions.

Based on the area and the visiting card, a bus fare costs some New Zealand dollars. And, much like a cab, you need to halt the bus; else, it will drive over towards the bus station.
Outdoor Generosity
People frequently leave items they no longer require on the sidewalk with a “free” placard. This is a generous effort with a lot of benefits. Whether individuals volunteer for groups, provide psychological support to people around us, or give money to charity, we all understand providing help to others.

According to a study, people who provide social assistance to others have reduced blood pressure than those who do not. Communication with others that is supportive also aids recovery after cardiac episodes.
Disabled Shopping Carts
These shopping carts are available at local grocers; the one on the left is for disabled clients, while the one on the right is for clients with children. Every store also provides free wet wipes for cleaning cart grips before purchasing. In healthcare institutions, schools, retail establishments, and clubs across the United States, disinfectant flushable wipes have become a must-have hygienic tool.

According to wholesalers, there isn’t a more handy or practical disinfection product for business and residential buildings than the renowned nonwoven material, which is used to spot-clean regularly touched materials.
Describing a Street
One of the drawbacks of residing in this nation is that road markings are displayed on intersections rather than structures. It’s preferable not to become lost; else, you’ll have to seek assistance from individuals.

Local governments in New Zealand are responsible for naming municipal avenues and routes, whereas the New Zealand Transport Agency is responsible for major roads. New Zealand’s 54,000-odd place designations seemed to belong to four main groups starting in the 1840s with the first significant road-building programs.
Home of Adventures
Keep in mind that a New Zealander was the first to reach the peak of Mt Everest. Given New Zealand’s promise to be the “adventure capital of the world”?

Edmund Hillary is even featured on the $5 note of New Zealand. Celebrities Russell Crowe, Sam Neil, Anna Paquin, and director Peter Jackson are all New Zealanders or better still ‘Kiwis.’