Some women see an empowering symbol in her mouthless face

Hello Kitty turns 50 on Friday. Befitting a pop icon at midlife, the bubble-headed, bow-wearing character's fictional birthday has brought museum exhibits, a theme park spectacle and a national tour. And that's just in Japan, her literal birthplace but not the one listed in her official biography.

If there's one thing about Hello Kitty, it's that she's proven adaptable and as much a study in contrasts during her long career.