The Duality of Japan
October 8th, 2008An ongoing series…
KAWAII!*
Terry cat
“Soft stuffed cat of terry cloth (pile cloth) of towel. It’s washable.”
KAWAI!**
5 feet girl doll with big breast.
“She is a soubrette.” (As well as a hybrid of Raggety Ann and a RealDoll)
*”cute”, mostly used in English to indicate Pokemon-style minimalistic hyper-cuteness
**”scary”
October 14th, 2008 at 6:30 am
This is so freaky. I was reading various Mad Men stuff online, came across your amazing pictures, so I keep thinking “wow, these are so great, who is this chick ?” and had to come along here – and the first thing I see, after your blue tiger, is: you are answering my bepuzzlement about “Kawaii” and “Kawai !” So you are double amazing !
I knew about Kawaii because I love Hello Kitty and watch anime and read manga, and blogs about Japan and stuff. I was watching the new season of Vampire Knight last night, and I kept hearing people saying “cute” when they meant “afraid” or “scary.” It was bugging, so thanks for saving me from that search – I don’t know Japanese either, though I pick up bits. I like to be able to pronounce the names of animes and their characters, but now that I’m singing along to the opening and closing songs, is that a bad sign ? Can you OD on anime ?
I’m off to email my fellow Mad Men fanatics about your illustrations – I know no art language either, but Wow, and thanks.