China's stressed young people find solace in Japanese manga

In Sino Centre, a popular shopping destination in Hong Kong’s bustling Mong Kok area, items related to characters from the hit Japanese manga series “Chiikawa” are ubiquitous -- and expensive. Prices are up to three times the level in Japan, reflecting a striking affinity that young customers have formed with these cute characters.

As a fan myself, I attracted attention as I walked through a busy shopping area in Osaka during a trip to Japan in May. Pointing at one of the character toys hanging on my backpack a young woman said to her companion in Chinese, “Look, it’s Usagi holding a Skytree!”