Hello Kitty en Gothic Lolita's - schattigheidscultuur uit Japan

If we are to describe the Japanese culture in one word, the word kawaii, or "cuteness" is most apt. "Cuteness" is ubiquitous. It dominates the street scene and public places like train stations and offices. Well-known exponents of Japanese cuteness are the trendy "Gothic Lolitas", the fashionable "Lolitas" and the worldfamous character of Hello Kitty. In Japan "cuteness" is no longer reserved for children, schoolgirls and women. Men and even the police in Japan have embraced it as part of their everyday lives. Japan is no longer the country of cherry blossoms and geisha. Modern Japan is 'Cool Japan', and cool can very well be "cute". This is the first publication in Dutch on the phenomenon of the Japanese culture of cuteness. Published in collaboration with the Japanese museum SieboldHuis in Leiden for the "kawaii/cute" theme and exhibition "Hello Kitty, Hello Holland".

About the author

Ivo Smits is professor Japanese and Kasia Cwiertka is professor Modern Japan Studies at the University of Leiden.

Product details

• Assisted by: Katarzyna Cwiertka (Editor), Ivo Smits (Editor)
• Publisher: Universiteit Leiden hodn Leiden Universi
• Languages: Flemish
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 31.05.2012
• Dimensions: 145 mm x 190 mm x 12 mm
• Weight: 215 g
• Subject: Humanities, art, music > Humanities (general)