Frankfurter Buchmesse (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
This blog has had a total of 115 posts. It was started in 2010, and has steadily picked up views. Which is kind of nice and lucky for me because I don’t write about things that others want to read. I write what I want to write. But then I wrote this post about Kawaii. It was just my thoughts about Japanese cuteness– Kawaii.
But I started to get really interested in learning why there were views everyday, all indicating someone had visited my blog to read about Kawaii- my views on Kawaii.
Its been about three months, and everyday people are reading about Kawaii on my blog. Its clear people love Kawaii. Or at the very least are interested in learning more about it. I decided to write more about it, so that people would have more to read.
It is a subculture, distinctly cute, pink and innocent.
To me it is obvious that people are looking for something other than an oversexified version of humanity. Maybe now we all are just looking for innocence.
Interest in Kawaii doesn’t mean people want to go all the way dressing up in styles associated with little girls. But at the very least it means that people like the idea of seeing those styles around. They are interested in cuteness.
Importantly, its not just the clothing. It is the attitude that is innocent. But what exactly does it mean- innocent? Lets start by understanding what exactly Kawaii constitutes of.
Segments of Kawaii-ism:
1. Fashion, dress, makeup (or lack of)
Dressing in dresses that little girls would wear, just in larger sizes. Little girl jewelry pieces, bows, cute cartoons on clothing. In my opinion: Makeup doesn’t have to be worn to be a Kawaii lover. After all the emphasis is on innocence. Why does it need to be achieved being all dolled up, deep circular strokes of blush on the cheeks and all . Kawaii cutenesss comes from knowing the essentials of innocence and Kawaii dressing. A lot of Kawaii culture gatherings will feature girls in bright pink wigs. But again, that is not necessary. Achieving Kawaii cuteness comes from the attitude.
B. And neither does Kawaii fashioon need to be overkill.
Some Kawaii aspirants will grab every piece of Kawaii fashion accessory in their reach and wear them at the same time. Which is so not Kawaii. Kawaii is a lifestyle. It is not like dressing up for Halloween once a year. You arent trying to get people to identify you as a freak. Kawaii cuteness can be practical. That is what it is, functional, practical innocence.
Yes, cartoons are heavily featured in Kawaii images. But that does not mean one needs to turn in to a cartoon to honor the Kawaii fashion. Lets talk now about cartoons and Kawaii.
2. Cartoonized Reality.
Apart from dressing and behaving innocently, Kawaii means cartoons are made out of any everyday item. Food items, animals and people are drawn out to be in the form of cartoons. These are usually seen in Kawaii art and posters.
For men and women both?
Now, is Kawaii for just women? Or can men be Kawaii fans too? Kawaii is usually adopted as a fashion form by women. But men in Japan are interested in the concept as well.
Japanese men will open their hearts, minds and homes to Kawaii more than any other world culture will, because they are themselves drawn to cuteness. Not being stereotypical here, just stating a fact. The reason for this is just that Kawaii is so rampant, well known and accepted in Japan as a fashion, and a lifestyle that the men are champs at embracing the innocence that the Kawaii culture exhibits. Innocence is liked in Japan, by both sexes.
~ Bibi
Living Chocolate 