What is kawaii about your friend? - All of him!
he is the cutest!
Do you think using the word "kawaii" is cultural appropriation?
Not at all!
Do you WANT people to use the word kawaii?
Yes please do!
Hey guys and girls this is your flashy fashion reporter
Cathy Cat live from Tokyo!
You know I dress in kawaii fashion here for years and years now
Been part of the kawaii culture for a long time
but this year the word "kawaii" made the news
when people online claimed it was a slur and not a positive word
We thought how about we hit the streets of Tokyo (music bus driving past)
And we thought how about we hit the streets of Tokyo
and actually ask Japanese people what they think about the situation.
So let's go and Ask Japanese!
A famous black influencer used the word "kawaii"
and got a flame war on the internet. Have you heard it? - Yes that cosplayer!
Yes you heard about it?
What did you think when you head that?
I haven't thought much about kawaii culture until now.
What do you think when foreigners use the word "kawaii" and dress in the "kawaii" fashion style?
I think that's "kawaii".
We mean that's cute.
When you see people like me, or her who was doing cosplay, what do you think?
I think you guys look kawaii.
What if I use the word "kawaii"?
Wow she knows how to use the word kawaii!
I don't feel any negative feelings towards you using this word
Do you think kawaii can be used to diss someone?
It's not a word used to diss anyone.
What do you use the word kawaii for?
Kawaii is a kawaii word! - We use it to praise people!
It's positive. - It has a plus meaning.
Right. - I saw this on Twitter
People were claiming that it was stealing Japanese culture.
I didn't understand what that self-proclaimed Japanese person wanted to say at all.
As Japanese person I don't understand why they made a problem of our culture
The person who was talking about Japanese culture appropriation like that, was probably not really a Japanese person.
So the person's starting the flame war, might not actually be real Japanese people? - I thought so yes.
When foreigners wear kawaii fashion, how does it make you feel?
I think they are doing their best.
If I show you a picture of Sincerely Nymphe... - I think she looks kawaii.
Can she use the word kawaii? - Of course she can.
I actually want her to use the word kawaii.J
I think it's cute that she uses the kawaii word.
Instead of using the word "kireii" for "beautiful" using the word "kawaii" fits
Have you head of the incident? - Nope.
What does the word "kawaii" mean to you and when do you use it?
It's a word of praise. - If I used the word, how would you feel?
I would be happy you are praising something or someone.
If I called someone "kawaii"? - That would be totally fine.
Is there a time when you do not want me to use the word "kawaii?" - Generally no
There are some people who would rather be called "kakkoi" for cool than "kawaii" for cute
But generally we are happy to hear kawaii.
Can foreigners use the word "kawaii" - No problem at all!
What is kawaii to you? Fashion? Things?
If you have cute facial parts. - Like big eyes!
Or when people have charming behaviors. Those people are cute.
And with things, maybe some cute mascots
Mascots are kawaii.
So whenever you want to say "cute!" you would use kawaii.
What do you think about foreigners cosplaying as Japanese anime characters?
We are happy about it.
Do you think cosplaying Japanese characters is stealing your culture?
If you think you look cute as that character, then it's ok to say that.
If you think you look kawaii then you are definitely kawaii.
So I don't think you stole culture saying that.
Let me say it: Girls you look kawaii today.
Thanks so much!
You look kawaii too. - Thanks so much!
And that's how you use kawaii.
This girl dressed up in cosplay.
She said she thought she looked cute and used the word "kawaii" in her post.
For that people online attacked her.
People thought she was stealing Japanese culture.
What do you think about that? - That's not good.
I am actually happy she did that. - Really?
What do you think about foreigners dressing like this?
I think you should wear what you love wearing.
And you as girl?
I thought you look cute
Do you not want foreigners to use the word "kawaii"?
Not at all - Kawaii is a cute word
Men seem to like "kakkoi" for cool better than cute "kawaii" but
Can you boys point out kawaii things about each other?
There are so many kawaii things about them!
There are too much kawaii things about him!
- Tell me what is kawaii about your friend! - Everything about him is kawaii!
His sleepy face is kawaii
His personality is kawaii - His mannerisms? - Yes.
He is the first born son of his family but...
we are treating him like a younger brother
Right? - Right?
Look at him. He is so shy.
Shy boys are cute.
I guess so. - What other things are kawaii?
I think he also looks kawaii. - Yes he always smiles
His smile is so cute
Do you sometimes tell him he looks kawaii? - We tell him every day!
We tell him that he is cute all the time.
We call him kawaii and cool too.
Does your friend on the left have some cute facts too?
He is not the kawaii type. He is more the levelheaded type.
Rather than kawaii he is kakkoi (cool).
He is super reliable.
When a boy gets called cute, how do you feel?
I am glad to get praised.
Kawaii or KAkkoi, either of them makes me happy.
What is kawaii about her? - She is like an older sister!
Some of her behaviour are really kawaii about her.
And she likes him a lot, which makes her even more kawaii.
That's so nice. I think you all have some kawaii traits there.
We do.
We are super kawaii.
What does "kawaii" mean? - That's tough
It's when your heart flutters.
When you praise someone
It's a wonderful word.
I think so.
Can anybody use the word kawaii?
Yes. - Yes. - Free to use!
So foreigners and Japanese, everyone can use it? - Yes.
Kawaii is ok!
I also think the word kawaii is easy for foreigners to pronounce.
Ready go:
KAWAII
When do you use the word Kawaii?
Kawaii? I use it all the time. - When I think something is cute
We use it for makeup, clothes - Yes clothes! - A lot.
When I go shopping and see something nice I say it's kawaii
Or when I see a cute looking girl on the street I will say she looks kawaii.
How many times did you say kawaii today?
I said it about 5 times today - Not 10 times yet
What when you hear kawaii as part of an English sentence like "This is kawaii"
It makes me happy
We are glad that people around the world know words from our language.
It makes us happy.
I dress like this and I also cosplay on Twitch, what do you think about that?
We think that's kawaii. - Thank you so much.
Does it not make you feel uncomfortable?
Not at all.
Do you think foreigners using kawaii is stealing your culture?
Not at all.
We are happy that people around the world enjoy our culture.
We are happy they know about it.
Please tell me what is cute about each other.
Everything! - Everything!
She recently changed her hair - It's brighter now
She looks good with bright hair!
I think that's cute. - Her clothes...
She is now a university student and her clothes look like she is really enjoying the uni lifestyle. It's kawaii.
Do you want foreigners to use the word kawaii?
Yeah we wish they would use it.
I said this before on my instagramm and I am gonna say it again
If you don't believe me that kawaii is a good word, and it's ok to be used
Then believe the Japanese people here in Tokyo guys. We've done
several interviews over the years about the word kawaii
check those out in case you are still not sure what kawaii means
what a positive word it is and how many people it has brought together to enjoy
the kawaii culture that is here
a big thing on the streets of harajuku where we are right now.
be sure to check out this video if you are still curious
it might help you and thank you so much for subscribing
I'll see you soon in Tokyo. Bye