Hello Please!

A menagerie of mascots inhabit the islands of Japan, cheerfully guiding citizens through all sorts of daily activities. "Hello, Please!" collects photographs of hundreds of the these cute (or kawaii) creatures in their native habitat, which is virtually everywhere - from public street signs to supermarket shelves, in doctor's offices, on tax forms and instruction manuals. Authors Matt Alt and HirokoYoda explore the cultural context of these ubiquitous critters and their relationship to anime, manga, Hello Kitty, and the cult of cute, while introducing a host of adorable new best friends you never new you had.