Reading this chapter and watching the music videos, I was surprised because they sang about themselves. As an example, in “Sci-Fi Wasabi,” she sang “I’m Miho Hatori….” I don’t know about Hip Pop well, but I don’t think they’re made only for money. Listening to their songs, I deeply understood what they wanted to tell us. I suppose the reason why, even when they are singing about themselves directly, they can became popular is that they are in America. In Japan, most of them are the same race and they don’t like to be highlighted. Japanese don’t often tell their opinions in front of people. So, I really like this American culture which people can say anything without caring, and I am glad that Asians also can tell their feelings through this culture.
In addition, I was actually excited to discuss about the meaning of “kawaii.” I couldn’t say anything in the class, but since I came here, I found that “kawaii” became like one of English words. This is because “kawaii” in English doesn’t have the meaning “kawaii” in Japanese. I felt the same strangeness as in this chapter, “the Japanese term kawaii translates as “cute” and is used to describe a gendered aesthetic style that melds the image of the underaged, sometimes coyly innocent nymphet with the pleasures of consumer capitalism.” (Dave, p295) Sometimes I heard “kawaii” from some people, but I couldn’t agree with them because the meaning of “kawaii” is changed from Japanese language. So, I considered about what “kawaii” means exactly. Then, I found that Japanese “kawaii” has many meanings. For example, in Japanese fashion on clothes, there are plenty of kinds. So, depending on the fashions, it is different that people say “kawaii.” In my opinion, “kawaii” in English is only used in anime, so people misunderstand the word is only for them. I want people who don’t know the meaning exactly to know that “kawaii” is not only for anime, and also it depends on the tastes.
I researched “kawaii” on Google image.
And also I did “可愛い(kawaii in Japanese) ” on the same way.
Which one is your image closer against “kawaii?” For me, the image of Japanese kawaii is similar of my image. There are people, babies, animals, and no characters. I hope my posts will make more clear what “kawaii” means.