From Sanrio characters to starry-eyed idol singers, it’s no secret that kawaii (“cute”) culture is huge in Japan. Whole museums and theme parks have been dedicated to the concept of kawaii. Heck, it’s ...

Japanese Pop Group CHAI is redifining beauty standards through their fashion and music. From left to right: Yuuki (bassist and lyricist), Yuna (drums), Mana (lead vocals and keys) and Kana (guitar).

From Hello Kitty to Pikachu, the country changed what the world considers adorable. But do these characters represent joy — or rage? By Ligaya Mishan Artwork by Hiroshi YoshiiKimiaki Yaegashi and ...

Japanese street fashion and alternative culture has been more influential than many realize and this new exhibit featuring work by the man many consider the “king of Kawaii” – Sebastian Masuda– makes ...

Born from the trauma of World War II, this bow-wearing cartoon icon became a powerful tool for diplomacy, reinvention, and cultural soft power. Dressed in a kimono, Hello Kitty performs a classical ...

Kawaii Kon, Hawaii’s premier Anime Convention, is back this year to celebrate all things anime, manga, and Japanese culture from March 29th to 31st. Offering a plethora of activities and events, ...

A new exhibition at London’s Somerset House attempts an answer by unpacking the rise and stay of cuteness in contemporary culture. Simply titled, Cute, the exhibition showcases hundreds of plushies, ...

Marie Kondo reflects on some elements of Japanese culture—kintsugi, umami, the kyureki calendar—that have informed both her ...

You can trace the word “kawaii” all the way back to the start of the 11th century, when an early form of it, “kawayushi,” which at the time translated more to “having pitiable qualities,” appeared in ...