Pikachu and Hello Kitty hosted by Japan's Foreign Minister Taro Kono

Pokemon character Pikachu (R) and Sanrio's character Hello Kitty (L) accept letters of appreciation from Foreign Minister Taro Kono (R) for their contribution as cultural ambassadors during a bid to host the 2025 World EXPO in Tokyo on Thursday, February 21, 2019. Japan was elected as the host country for the 2025 World EXPO last year. [Photo: IC]