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Kawaii (Page 9)
Delicious, foamy coffee art at home! We try new 3-D latte art machine “Awataccino”!
As some of our more creative and caffeine-addicted readers might recall, we recently reported that Japan is now supplying a variety of DIY latte-art related goods which will enable anyone to create awe-inspiring masterpieces at home. Of course, we were fascinated by the prospect of being able to stun friends and casual acquaintances with our barista-style foamy coffee sculpting skills. So when the opportunity to test out Takara Tomy’s Awataccino machine came around, we jumped at the chance!
- Japan
- (art • awataccino • coffee • cute • foam • Kawaii • latte • latte art • Takara Tomy)
Mochi Mochi Animal: When cute animals meet delicious rice cakes in gashapon
- Hayashi 'Fang' Hougi
Dec 2, 2014
One of the most symbolic foods of the Japanese winter season is the grilled mochi rice cake. You set up a charcoal grill and put a few slabs of pounded white mochi on it. After a while, the mochi will soften, blow up, and eventually become a warm, golden brown gooey delight that is crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside like a kind of savory marshmallow.
But what happens when you combine cute fluffy animals with these grilled mochi? Well, toy maker Bandai has the answer for us in this series of adorable mochi anime capsule toys!
There’s a Doraemon Christmas tree in Singapore
- Anime News Network
Nov 28, 2014
Shoppers at Singapore’s One Raffles Place can get into the holiday spirit with the help of Doraemon. Or rather, dozens upon dozens of Doraemon, which have been turned into a cute and wonderful Doraemon Christmas tree, complete with Santa hats.
Kawaii concrete? Japanese retailer selling cuddly tetrapods for a limited time only
- Hayashi 'Fang' Hougi
Oct 24, 2014
When I first chanced upon these soft toys, I was really confused. By the word tetrapod, I thought the oddly shaped plushies were meant to resemble an entire classification of animals including myself and my neighbor’s cat. However, after doing some research, I discovered that tetrapods are actually concrete structures used in coastal water irrigation. And some genius decided that these should be made into limited-edition soft toys that belong in your room instead of next to the ocean.
These peculiar plushies are available for pre-order between October 18 to 26 only, so if you’re a fan of these huge solid blocks of concrete that cover a worryingly large amount of Japan’s coastline, hurry and grab them whilst stocks last!
Japanese lingerie company designs special bra for Japan’s marshmallow girls
- Hayashi 'Fang' Hougi
Sep 14, 2014
Since last year, chubbiness has become more accepted in Japan. Chubby girls (that’s chubby by Japanese standards) are now called ‘marshmallow girls‘ and they’ve become so popular that there’s now an entire idol group dedicated to them, and even a fashion magazine for girls of various sizes. I think we can all agree that Japan definitely still has some body image issues, but nevertheless, the marshmallow fad continues!
The latest addition to this marshmallow boom is a series of bras designed for marshmallow girls. They are called “Pochakawabra”, which is a portmanteau of pocha (chubby), kawaii (cute), and of course the object itself, bra. I’m not sure if I appreciate the name, but the designs sure are cute!
- Japan
- (bra • cute • Kawaii • marshmallow)
The world’s smallest remote-controlled helicopter is impossibly cute, yours to buy in December
- Hayashi 'Fang' Hougi
Sep 5, 2014
At just 46mm (1.8 inches) long, the Pico-Falcon claims to be the world’s smallest remote-controlled helicopter. Produced by Japanese toy maker Bandai’s subsidiary CCP, this adorable little thing will go on sale on December 5. Just look at how it sits on the fingers!
- Japan
- (cute • helicopter • Kawaii • toy)
【Monday Kickstart】Kitty meets cat in a box
- Michelle Lynn Dinh
Nov 18, 2013
It’s Monday again and you know what that means! Your Monday Kickstart video is here to get you going through another week.
This week’s video features a cat’s up-close encounter with a popular coin bank found at stores in Japan. Watch and prepare to say, “Awww.”
Posted by Is Japan Cool?
The amazing 3D latte art of Kohei Matsuno: But is it too cute to drink?
- IS JAPAN COOL?
Sep 2, 2013
Kohei Matsuno is no ordinary barista. What started as his way of sprucing up an ordinary cup of complimentary coffee for patrons at his part-time job has blossomed into a form of creative expression that has people around the world smiling. Known as “Mattsun” by his Internet followers, Mr. Matsuno brings life and whimsy to an otherwise ordinary cup of joe. Come with us now for a sneak peek at the work that goes into some of Japan’s most beautiful latte art.
All’s right with the world when you’re wrapped up in a giant pastry
- Michelle Lynn Dinh
Aug 29, 2013
From Kraso, online Japanese retailer of quirky home goods, comes the Fluffy Big Bread Cushion Party collection that promises to “wrap you up in a dreamy state of mind.” The collection consists of four different styles of overstuffed furniture food that you can cuddle up with. Because sometimes you just don’t want to deal with the world. And sometimes, the best way to do that is to turn into a delicious baked good.
Posted by Is Japan Cool?
I’m dreaming of Kitty: One fashion designer’s love of Japan’s most famous feline
- IS JAPAN COOL?
Aug 21, 2013
Romi Mizukami, a fashion designer for popular Japanese clothing brand BEAMS, is without a doubt one of Japan’s biggest Hello Kitty fans, or rather “Kittylers.” Her home is a veritable shrine to the little kitty that could, with blacks, whites, and reds as far as the eye can see, and for the past few years she has slowly incorporated the uniquely kawaii Hello Kitty style into not just her design work but her very own wardrobe.
Come on in and meet the real-life Kitty-chan!
- Japan
- (cute • fashion • Hello Kitty • Is Japan Cool? • Kawaii)
Our Reporter Accepted as Special Resident to “Cute Ward,” Welcomed by Mayor Mariko Shinoda of AKB48
- Master Blaster
Nov 4, 2012
Our correspondent Kuzo has been extra busy recently eating single noodle udon, disgusting ramen, and encountering thousands eerie of dolls. However, when he returned home, he was welcomed by a large envelope with the return address: Kawaii (Cute) Ward, Fukuoka.
Could it be? Earlier he had applied for special resident status of the Japanese administrative district of all that is cute. Now it looks like he has his answer.
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MOST POPULAR
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Today
Japan ends tax-free shopping system for foreign tourists, new refund request system now in effect
Beautiful Ghibli diorama kits lets you build anime characters’ homes inside yours [Photos]
Liquid croissant coffee is coming to Japanese stores this month
First-ever cafe on Tokyo Imperial Palace Garden grounds is now open
Godzilla becomes a Japanese randoseru backpack, as do two of his greatest rivals [Photos]
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Japanese government announces criteria for creating backup capital of Japan
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Weekly
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Monthly
Pokémon Company announces first-ever permanent Pokémon store to open outside Asia
Japan ends tax-free shopping system for foreign tourists, new refund request system now in effect
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New Studio Ghibli anime gets extended run at the only cinema in Japan where it’s being shown
Beautiful Ghibli diorama kits lets you build anime characters’ homes inside yours [Photos]
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Osaka’s famous Glico Running Man will be removed and replaced with a new-look sign
Yearly
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
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