かわいい、可愛い(kawaii)
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| 赤ちゃん (a baby) |
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| こいぬ (a puppy) |
When
you visit Japan, you might hear the Japanese word, "Kawaii" here and
there, especially at shops. The adjective is often used as an
exclamation of delight whenever people see something cute, lovely, charming or
adorable.
 |
| おべんとう(a boxed lunch) |
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| キティグッズ (Kitty goods) |
Japanese people are easily attracted with
"kawaii" items. It is used not only to express the appearance but also
to express one's character. "I want to be a kawaii obaachan in the
future." means "I want to become a gentle and lovable old woman when I
get aged.
Every prefecture and many organizations have their own mascot character called "Yuru chara" to attract many people's attention.
 |
| タボくん(Tabo-kun- Shiga Pref.) |
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| ぐんまちゃん(Gunma-chan-Gunma Pref.) |
Recently, it has developed as a word which
expresses whatever Japanese young girls like - beautiful, fluffy,
colorful, weird, pop, etc. And now, due to this expression, new fashion
genres are popping up, such as anime, mascots, nail art, sweets, and
celebrity idols such as Kyary Pamyu Pamyu and AKB48, etc. There are no
rules. Anything, anywhere can be kawaii.
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| キャリー・パミュパミュ (Kyary Pamyu Pamyu) |
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| AKB48 |
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| かわいいおばあちゃん (a lovable old woman) |
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| スマートフォンカバー (smartphone cover) |
