This chain's name and iconic mascot appear to have been inspired by Kewpie dolls, an early 20th century fad launched in 1909 by Rose O'Neill, a writer for The Ladies Home Journal. Though the original Kewpie Doll fad has long since passed, it has recrudesced a few times and may yet do so again. It's a bit like herpes, I guess. Currently, the virus is most active in Japan, but there's no telling where it might pop up next.
Cleansing the virtual palate: A page about the Greek goddess Iris, complete with lovely illustrations from ancient artifacts.