Interview Series Vol.3: What Does ‘Kawaii’ Mean to You?

14.November.2022 | FASHION / FEATURES

“Japan is such an interesting country, where so many cultures blend and evolve.”

 

Moshi Moshi Nippon is dedicated to sharing Japanese pop culture with audiences around the world. Recently, we launched a new interview series with foreign influencers active in Japan, and for the third edition, we’re chatting with Zhu Zhu! A popular influencer with over 2 million followers on Weibo, Zhu Zhu claims that since coming to Japan, her fashion has become ‘softer.’ We sat down to ask her what kind of Kawaii she’s found in Japan.

Q. Why did you first come to Japan?

“In 2013, I moved to Japan with my family because Beijing’s air pollution had become really bad. It’s already been nine years!”

 

Zhu Zhu when she first came to Japan

 

Q. When you first arrived in Japan, what surprised you?

“When I first came to Japan, what really surprised me was the wide use of the word ‘kawaii.’ It’s so interesting that literally anything can be called kawaii. Sure, it makes sense to call girls, animals, or clothes cute, but in Japan, people call things cute that people in other countries would never refer to in that way. I mean, I think calling things ‘cute’ when you mean ‘good’ is something really commonplace here. (laugh)” 

 

Q. Tell us what you find the most Kawaii in Japan!

“There are so many cute things in Japan, but I think that the sweets take the cake. I was surprised by how small they are unlike in other countries. And there are so many kinds! Cakes, baked goods, wagashi, they’re all so incredibly kawaii!”

 

Q. How did your encounter with Kawaii culture in Japan change you?

“Since I first came into contact with the Japanese version of kawaii, I think my style has become softer. When I was overseas, I typically just worse really simple outfits and makeup, but now, I’m always conscious of looking girly and cute.”

 

Q.In Japan, what are you interested in right now? Where do you want to visit in the future?

“I recently read an article about Yufuin Floral Village, which is England-inspired. It looks so cute and I really want to go!”

 

Q. Do you have anything to say to our readers who want to visit Japan in the future?

“Japan is such an interesting country, where so many cultures blend and evolve. No matter how many times you visit, you can always find something new. Please visit!”

 

Zhu Zhu Profile

An influencer from China with 2 million followers on Weibo. Nicknamed “Big Cousin” on social media, she has been a favorite of many Japanese brands for years. Since moving to Japan, Zhu Zhu has actively shared fashion, beauty, travel, and food posts on social media. In addition to appearing on TV and in magazines, she has collaborated with a number of major Japanese apparel and cosmetics companies. 

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    Text: Masatoshi Mayuzumi Photo: Shinsuke Hayashi / Miki Higashi

     

    ■Setlist

    [IDOLATER] Kesenai…(short ver.) Endless Summer Vapor City Kimi ni MuCHU♡XX Mahouno Kagiwo Teniiretara DIAMOND Endrollwo Mukaeru Maeni   [FRUITS ZIPPER] RADIO GALAXY Sekaiwa Kimikara Hajimaru Happy Chocolate Kanpeki Shugide☆ Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro   [CANDY TUNE] hanamaru Kiss Me Patissier Nanairo Prologue Mikanna Seishun hanamaru (MV.ver)   [KAWAII LAB.] Watashi no Ichiban Kawaiitokoro
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