Indeed I understand which stuff you speak off.
The Hello Kitty character is introduced to young girls [& some boys, tehe] at an early age. Then as the consumers grow up, they begin to explore the market of other types of hello kitty "toys." In all, Hello Kitty products are a way of life to some. =D I guess Hello Kitty gets around more than just internationally, but mentally as well.
Although- take Barbie products [which can be considered the American equivalent of the Japanese hello kitty enterprise] as a refute. You don't see any ... interesting ... products of such nature being branded under the Barbie logo... wait, or do you?
Is there more to a Barbie branded plastic "pink limo" at a mature age than first meets the eye?! Lol.