Italian Prime Minister Meloni, currently visiting Japan, held a summit meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on the 16th, announcing the elevation of bilateral relations to a “Special Strategic Partnership.” Coinciding with Meloni’s 49th birthday on the 15th, Takaichi thoughtfully catered to her tastes by presenting popular Hello Kitty merchandise from the Japanese toy brand Sanrio as a birthday gift.
Anime Enthusiast Receives Hello Kitty Earrings and Glass Cup
Meloni and Sanae Takaichi met at the Japanese Prime Minister’s official residence, where both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in the fields of economic security and defense. Their joint statement emphasized strengthening the supply chain for critical minerals to counter economic coercion and export restrictions.
Beyond the talks, another highlight was the birthday surprise Takaichi carefully prepared. Knowing that Meloni is an avid fan of Japanese animation—particularly classics like “Lupin the Third” and “Space Pirate Captain Harlock”—Takaichi specifically chose Hello Kitty earrings and a glass cup as gifts. Meloni later shared a photo with Takaichi on social media, even using AI technology to “animate” both of them, adding a playful touch.
According to reports, before becoming Italy’s first female prime minister in October 2022, Meloni frequently shared anime-related content and anime-style illustrations on social media.
In fact, the Japanese government seems to know Meloni’s preferences quite well. During her visit to Japan in February 2024, then-Prime Minister Fumio Kishida presented her with a Hello Kitty Japanese-Italian dictionary, reportedly intended to help Meloni’s daughter learn Japanese. At the G7 Hiroshima Summit in May 2023, Kishida also gifted a Hello Kitty plush toy as a present for Meloni’s daughter.