In Japan, ‘cute’ is a big deal. Their own word for it, kawaii (“ka-why-ee”), is more of an ethos than an adjective. Shops and billboards are filled with big-eyed fluffy figures.

In recent years, Japan's kawaii culture has exploded in popularity. WSJ's Eric Bellman speaks with author Manami Okazaki about how cuteness has gained a global fanbase.

Ultra-cute as a lifestyle exploded throughout Japan in the 1950s and ’60s with artist Rune Naito, whose illustrations (and later, netsuke-style ceramics) of adorable girls and big-eyed animals ...

That's likely the magic of kawaii drawings at work! This Japanese art style, translating to "cute" or "lovable," has taken ...

Did you know that Japan has over 3,000 different mascots representing everything from cities to events? During the pandemic they may not be out as much, but usually you would see them around ...

Editor’s note: This series showcases what we are calling “kawaii” (cute ... can also be used as beauty masks to enjoy a Japanese-style facial at home. Address: 510 Higashikawaracho ...

I was also training in Hong Kong-style cinematic ... Metal (or ‘Cute Metal’), which mixes some elements from heavy metal and J-Pop. One of the pioneers of this genre is a Japanese idol trio ...