Kawaii, what is it, where did it come from and why is it so cute?

Ever wondered why your heart skips a beat when you see those adorable furry creatures on your Instagram feed? Or why you feel the urge to go “aaaaw” when you see those huge, sparkling eyes and chubby cheeks? Welcome to the enchanting world of Kawaii – the Japanese phenomenon that has taken the world by storm with its irresistible cuteness!

In this article, we’re diving deep down the rabbit hole of kawaii, from its surprising origins in ’70s Japan to the global obsession it is today. Find out why we’re all falling for this adorable aesthetic, and how you can add a touch of kawaii magic to your own life (hint: you don’t have to travel all the way to Japan)!

Get ready for an explosion of color, cuteness and pure joy - because kawaii isn't just a style, it's a lifestyle that will instantly brighten your day!

What is Kawaii?

Kawaii is a Japanese term used to describe something cute, charming, or lovable. It is often associated with a particular style of art, such as anime or manga, that features cute and cuddly characters with large eyes and small noses and mouths. Kawaii can also refer to a specific type of fashion that focuses on a cute and youthful aesthetic. Generally speaking, kawaii simply means cute or lovable in Japanese, and is often used to describe something that is perceived as such.

How long has Kawaii been around?

The term "kawaii" has been around in Japan since the 1970s and has since become a major part of Japanese pop culture and aesthetics. It started as a trend among young girls who liked to wear cute and colorful accessories and clothing, but has since spread to other age groups and sectors of Japanese society. Today, kawaii is a major part of Japanese fashion, design, entertainment, and even everyday life, and has gained popularity worldwide as a unique and cute aesthetic.

Where exactly did Kawaii originate?

Kawaii originated in Japan and has its roots in the culture of "cute" and "adorable" that emerged in the 1970s. The term kawaii was first used to describe cute and adorable features of animals, children, and women. The popularity of kawaii grew rapidly and expanded into various aspects of Japanese pop culture, including anime, manga, fashion, music, and product design.

Kawaii is often seen as an expression of Japanese society and culture, which traditionally focuses on showing respect and politeness. Kawaii offers a counterbalance to the hierarchical and formal aspects of Japanese society and is a way to express emotion and individuality. The popularity of kawaii has now grown into a global phenomenon and is also recognized outside of Japan as a unique and cute aesthetic.

Why do we like Kawaii so much?

People often like kawaii because of the positive emotions it evokes, such as joy, endearment, and happiness. Kawaii images, objects, and characters usually have large eyes, soft colors, round shapes, and a cute appearance, making them easily accessible and evoking a sense of comfort and security. In addition, kawaii is also popular because it offers a way to express emotions and express individuality. Kawaii is a form of self-expression and can act as a counterbalance to the hierarchical and formal aspects of society. Finally, kawaii can also be seen as a response to the stress and pressures of everyday life. By surrounding themselves with cute and lovely objects, people can relax and feel better.

Where can you find kawaii?

If you are looking for kawaii, you should of course go to Japan. But in the Netherlands you will also find very nice webshops where you can go for kawaii. For example, MostCutest has a large collection of kawaii consisting of Japanese Candy and Popin Cookin , kawaii surprise boxes , cute stationery , cute cuddly toys , kawaii craft packages and many more cute gifts !