Photos: A look at ‘Hello! Exploring the Supercute World of Hello Kitty’

Japanese American National Museum President and CEO Greg Kimura stands in front of a wall of Hello Kitty backpacks, part of the museum’s Hello Kitty retrospective.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

A statement on the wall of the Hello Kitty exhibit clarifies Hello Kitty is “not considered a cat in the traditional sense.”  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

One of many backpacks featuring Hello Kitty in the Japanese American National Museum exhibition is shown.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

A Doc Marten boot is part of the Japanese American National Museum exhibition.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

A fencing uniform featuring Hello Kitty is part of the Japanese American National Museum exhibition.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

A room featuring Hello Kitty items is part of the Japanese American National Museum exhibition.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Original artwork by Audrey Kawasaki is part of the Japanese American National Museum exhibition.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Original artwork by D*Face is shown. The Hello Kitty exhibition features artists’ interpretations of the popular character.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Original artwork by Becca is part of the Japanese American National Museum exhibition.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Original artwork by Kevin Earl Taylor is part of the Japanese American National Museum exhibit.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

A can of motor oil, left, toilet paper and other items featuring Hello Kitty are part of the Japanese American National Museum exhibition.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Hot dog shapers are among the Hello Kitty products featured in the Japanese American National Museum’s retrospective.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

A garden marker made of stone is part of the Japanese American National Museum exhibition.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

A coin purse, a replica of the first item featuring Hello Kitty to be made, is shown. The character turns 40 years old this year.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)