Kimochi Warui Kedo, Kawaii: What is Kimokawaii?

Japan is famous for its vibrant colors and cuteness, giving off an excellent kimochi ga ii (good feeling). You might see this in many lovely characters like Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, and Pikachu. But did you know there are also creepy and gross things but still cute? Let’s dive into the kimokawaii world and discover some famous characters from this unique style!

What is kimokawaii?

Kimokawaii, often called “creepy/gross-cute”, is a unique style that blends cute, or kawaii, elements with creepy or weird aspects. The term is a shortened form of kimochi warui kedo, kawaii, meaning “weird but cute”. So, it’s about finding something strange or gross and seeing it as cute.

This style first appeared in Japan in the 1990s, when people grew tired of sweet and pure-hearted characters and began to embrace a mix of cute and eerie. This creates a look that surprises you initially but then grows on you as oddly charming.

In the world of kimokawaii, you’ll find dark and spooky themes paired with traditionally cute things. People who follow this style might wear creepy clothes or accessories, like those with skulls, ghosts, unusual designs, or dark colors, but in a way that still feels adorable.

Kobitoducan

Kobitoducan is a one-of-a-kind world created by the talented Japanese illustrator Toshitaka Nabata. The word kobito refers to small mythical beings, while ducan denotes a comprehensive collection of knowledge. The idea of Kobitoducan first became popular with children. However, it quickly captured the hearts of adults, too, thanks to its quirky and sometimes dark charm.

Kobitoducan takes you on a playful journey where you can discover Kobitos that look like a mix of plants, insects, and tiny humans. Each one has its own story, personality, and strange habits. For example, the Hiding Peach Bottom Kobito loves sugar and has a peach-shaped bottom, while the Stormy Black Wing Kobito flies over graveyards and is said to bring bad luck. They might bring us a kimochi warui (bad feeling) at first. Yet, you’ll soon find that they are oddly fascinating.

Fans can explore different Kobito-related festivals and events in Japan, where they can meet life-sized Kobito mascots and join in the fun of hunting for Kobitos in nature. The world of Kobitoducan also includes a wide range of products, from DVDs and books to adorable figurines, puzzles, and even umbrellas featuring Kobito designs.

Are you looking for amazing snacks while checking out kimokawaii things this Halloween? Check out TokyoTreat! TokyoTreat delivers limited-edition Japanese noodles, drinks, snacks, and sweets right to your door so you can enjoy the latest Japanese drinks and snacks directly from Japan!

Hiyawan

Hiyawan is the famous mascot from Nabari City, Mie Prefecture. This charmingly unique dog-like character is famous for its unusual face among other mascots. The mascot’s design was created by Yukiko Miyahara in 2014. It cleverly combines the word hiyawai, which describes Nabari’s narrow alleyways, with wan, the sound of a dog’s bark.

Hiyawan’s appearance is quite distinctive. Its face resembles a Noh mask, giving it a slightly spooky look. This character is said to be a supernatural creature or yokai (supernatural entities) with unique abilities. It can change its size to fit the narrow alleys of Nabari and is visible only to those who love the city.

Nabari City is smaller, but it gained fame thanks to Hiyawan. The mascot has become a local favorite and has inspired many catchy theme songs such as Hiyawan Koyoi mo Nakama to Nabari Sake and One Chance. It also appears in local shops and festivals, where visitors can find Hiyawan-themed merchandise. 

Koro-sensei

Koro-sensei is a memorable character from the manga and anime series Assassination Classroom. He is the eccentric and colorful teacher of Class 3-E at Kunugigaoka Junior High School. Koro-sensei is a giant, bright yellow octopus with a huge, happy smile and tiny, shiny eyes, fitting perfectly with the “kimochi ga warui, kedo kawaii” aesthetic.

He’s about three meters (nine feet) tall, which is enormous! Instead of regular arms, he uses his long, wiggly tentacles to move around and do things. He wears a fabulous black robe like a teacher, a square cap on his head, and a tie with a fun yellow crescent moon on it.

Originally, Koro-sensei was a feared assassin called “The Reaper.” After being betrayed and captured, he underwent experiments that transformed him into his current form. He can move fast and has cool powers, like changing his skin color to show his feelings or blend in with his surroundings. He can also make big explosions and heal himself well. 

Even though Koro-sensei has a scary reputation, his goal is to teach Class 3-E for a year and then destroy the Earth. Yet, he cares about his students and wants them to succeed. Moreover, Koro Sensei’s classes are very unusual. He makes crazy requests but is dedicated to helping his students.

What makes kimokawaii special?

Kimokawaii is special because it combines cute and creepy in an exclusive way. The term kimochi warui kedo kawaii truly shows how strange things can be endearing in numerous beloved Japanese characters. Who are your favorite characters in the world of kimokawaii? Leave a comment and share your thoughts!