Day 12 - May 27 - Kyoto to Tokyo

Day 12 Phototgraphs

Kawaii - The Cute Culture

Kawaii is one of the most used words in Japan. It means childlike and celebrates all that is sweet, adorable, pure, gentle and sweet in social behavior and physical appearance.

The popularity of kawaii is immediately apparent when you step off a plane in Japan. From billboards, bus tickets, women's dress and the charms hanging off of book-bags and purses the appeal of kawaii is everywhere--absolutely everywhere.

A stuffed maneki-neko sits in front of a restaurant.
The cat figures are thought to bring in customers.

One example is the Maneki-neko which means "Beckoning Cat." It is also known as Welcoming Cat, Lucky Cat, Money Cat, or Fortune Cat. The Maneki-neko is a common figurine in Japan which is believed to bring good luck to the owner. The cat is usually a calico/Japanese bobtail with an upright paw. The cats can have different hand or paw gestures. The most common belief is that the left paw raised brings in customers, while a right paw brings good luck and wealth.The cat is usually displayed at the entrance to shops, restaurants, parlors, and other businesses. 

Maneki-neko come in different colors and styles. In addition to ceramic figurines, maneki-neko can be found as keychains, piggy banks and miscellaneous ornaments. They usually have some sort of decoration around their neck. This can be a neckerchief or a scarf but the most common attire is a collar, bell and decorative bib. 

The bib might be related to the bibs often decorating statues of the divinity Jizso Bosatsu. Jizō can be found guarding the entrances to Japanese shrines and graveyards. Jizō is the protector of sick and dying children. Grateful parents of children recovered from illness will place a bib around Jizō as a gift of thankfulness.

Jizo Bosatsu

Kawaii characters are just not there to look cute. They also are used to help communicate helpful information to the public such as bus passes, bank cards, shopping bags and even condoms. Cuteness in Japan transcends both age and gender.

Kawaii on a Kyoto bus pass.

Companies also use kawaii to connect with customers. Japanese believe that funny mascots indicate that the business is friendly and unpretentious.

Kawaii used for corporate identity.

Japanese also have a fondness for charms and mascots to hang on their bags, purses and belt loops. Many Japanese feel that they can find a character or mascot to fit their personality. People adopt a character as a means of seeking their own identity. Wearing one of these public mascots is a way of communicating with others like themselves. There is a belief or consensus that wearing a cute mascot means you are a fun-loving, easy going person. So, if you a visitor in Japan, look for a friendly Japanese person wearing some kawaii.

Many Kawaii mascots to choose from in Japan!