Beancake man and the cult of cute

In Japan, "Kawaii" warms the hearts of the teen girl in everyone. The Kawaii icon is an adult-type cute--softy, cuddly, innocent, "like a baby bulldog" says Tokyo-based licensing agent, Jim Weatherford. "Hello Kitty!" reigns as the quintessential example, but Ampanman (named after a cute bean cake) is still sweeping Japan.

Western characters, Miffy and Snoopy qualify. How could you make your product as ineffably adorable?