Happy New Year! Cheers to 2026!
Since this is the first post of the new year, I would like to post something a little more relaxed than usual, with the theme of “euphoria.” As this is my first post of the new year, I thought I’d post something a little more relaxed than usual, with the theme of “euphoria.” Japan’s “kawaii culture” has become well known around the world, and the word KAWAII has even been adopted globally as an English term. In fact, “kawaii” is not the same as the English words “cute” or “pretty.” In addition to the meanings of cute and pretty, the Japanese word kawaii also carries the nuances of “being attracted to small, weak things” and “adorable.”
Japan has always had an “aesthetics of subtraction” and an “aesthetics of imperfection,” and has a mentality that finds beauty and fulfillment in imperfection. This contrasts with Western aesthetics that pursue perfection, and can be said to be connected to the spirit of “less is more.”
In other words, at the heart of Japan’s kawaii culture lies the truth that “imperfection is what makes them lovable.”
I believe the reason why Japanese characters are so popular and considered “cute” not only in Japan but also overseas is not only because of their cute appearance, but also because of the healing and relaxing effect they have when you love them, and the way they recharge your energy after loving them.
At work, there are many situations where you have to behave perfectly, and the greater your responsibilities, the greater the physical and mental fatigue. But sometimes, why not relax, return to your childhood, and recharge your energy by admiring cute characters at home?
My Melody’s worldview: My Melody lives in “Rabbit Hill” in Maryland, and loves spending time in the flower gardens near her house. She is surrounded by her favorite furniture and accessories, including a bed, a rocking chair, and a tea table. If you look closely, you’ll see that they are shaped like hearts and rabbits.
When I mindlessly arrange small My Melody dolls, furniture, and other accessories around my house, I feel relaxed and energized for the next day, and I truly believe that it’s important to have time like this to recharge with kawaii things.
In addition to My Melody, Japan has many other cute characters, such as Pokemon, Astro Boy, Doraemon, Hello Kitty, Dragon Ball, Demon Slayer, and SPY×FAMILY, so find a kawaii character that you like and recharge your energy. “Kawaii is vitality!”