The Complexity of Cute podcast
Photo for CBC Radio
I’m featured in this CBC podcast called “The Complexity of Cute,” which interviews scholars from many fields on their research into cuteness. I talk about the history and development of kawaii, but other topics include the phenomenon of cute aggression and the uncanny side of the cute spectrum. Hello Kitty makes several appearances throughout the show!
Hello Kitty road construction barrier in Tokyo
Ten years ago these cute road construction barriers started popping up all over Japan. They didn’t all feature Hello Kitty. There were frogs, dolphins, rabbits, etc.
Rabbit road construction barrier
The sudden appearance of these cute construction barriers made me wonder why kawaii had such a public position and importance in Japanese society. They led me on the road to studying cuteness all over the world.
