The Japanese word for cute, ¡±kawaii,¡± has been popping up more and more in the English lexicon in recent years. From the popularity of Hello Kitty to singer Gwen Stefani¡¯s new kawaii-filled cartoon ¡±¡± being cute means making money, and it¡¯s no different in the world of music.
Spurred by the global success of Harajuku model-turned-pop-star Kyary Pamyu Pamyu and the headbanging teens of Babymetal, Japanese acts that traffic in up-tempo beats and playful electronics can also expect to be labeled kawaii.
One such act is Tokyo-based producer Yoshino Yoshikawa. His songs are often described as cute by music critics and fellow creators (Canadian producer Ryan Hemsworth mashed-up a Yoshikawa track with one from rapper Danny Brown calling it ¡°Kush Coma [Kawaii Yoshino Yoshikawa Version].¡°) And the label fits ¡ª some of Yoshikawa¡¯s original works include ¡°Kawaii Candy,¡± ¡°Kawaii Macaron¡± and at least three cuts featuring the word ¡°cat.¡±
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.