Kawaii

Kawaii means "cute" in Japanese. If you look around, most Japanese artwork is pretty cute [although sometimes I think it is overdone]. Wikipedia also mentions that since the 1970s, kawaii has become a prominent aspect of Japanese culture, entertainment, clothing, food, toys, personal appearance, behaviour and mannerisms. It goes on to mention how the western culture sometimes sees it as juvenile or frivolous [in places such as government publications, offices, military adverts, etc.], which sort of backs up the point I made earlier about it being overdone.

Anyways, I am not here to point out the negatives. Today, I'd like to start with some cartoons that come under the Kawaii umbrella.

Everyone knows who this is. Hello Kitty has gathered a cult following. [I wonder if anyone saw that episode on Tyra when we were shown this woman's Hello Kitty-filled house? That was an interesting episode. Anyways, I'm digressing here.]

Pikachu! Isn't he cute?

And, last but definitely not the least, Miffy. Miffy's designed by a Dutch illustrator called Richard Bruna. But she's still Kawaii, isn't she?