ok. i had to look this up, because this seems just too ridiculous. and wiki does not disappoint: “…
the hognose snake will often roll onto its back and play dead with its mouth open and tongue lolling, going as far as to emit a foul musk from the cloaca.
Emission of cloacal musk is considerably less likely than in many other
species. If the snake is rolled upright while in this state, it will
often roll over again as if to insist that it is really dead.”
ok. i had to look this up, because this seems just too ridiculous. and wiki does not disappoint: “…
the hognose snake will often roll onto its back and play dead with its mouth open and tongue lolling, going as far as to emit a foul musk from the cloaca.
Emission of cloacal musk is considerably less likely than in many other
species. If the snake is rolled upright while in this state, it will
often roll over again as if to insist that it is really dead.”
No, no, you have no idea. It actually IS the beginning of the whole so-called “kawaii culture”. And it started because girls started using mechanical pencils, which provided fine handwriting. After being banished (more precisely, during the 80s), this kind of writing started being used in products like magazines and make-up. And, during this time, icons we usually associate with the whole kawaii industry (like the characters from Sanrio) came to life too.
And what many people don’t realize is that this subculture was born as a way for young girls to express themselves in their own way. And it was also used as something against the adult life and the traditional culture, often seen as dull and boring and oppressive. By embracing cuteness, these young girls (and adult women, after a while) were showing non-conformation with the current standards.
So yep. Kawaii is important, and it all started with cute, simple handwritting a few hearts and cat faces in some girls’ school notebooks ❤
!!!!!
NO OK THIS IS SO IMPORTANT!
This is also how the kawaii fashions started! Girls began dressing in cute and off beat styles for themsleves, they were criticized by adult figures telling them “you’ll never find a husband if you dress that way!” to which they began to reply “Good!”
All the Japanese subcultures and fashions that evolved out of this became a rebellion to tradition and the starch gender roles and expectations the adults were forcing on the younger generations. As early as the 70s and still to this day you’ll see an emphasis on child-like fashion and themes in more kawaii styles and the dismissal of the male gaze with styles like lolita (a lot of western people assume lolita is somehow sexual due to the name of the fashion, but ask any Japanese lolita and they will tell you that men hate the style and find it unattractive which is sometimes a large reason they gravitate towards the style – they can express their femininity and individuality while remaining independent and without the pressure to appeal to men)
Its so so so important to understand the hyper cute and ‘odd’ fashions of Japanese girls carry such a huge message of feminism and reclaiming of their own lives.
so are you telling me that Japan’s punk phase was really the kawaii phase
Kawaii is so goth
Lolita fashion in particular is punk as hell. Where society preaches modesty, you’ve got the flashiest, most complex dress you can. When society tells you to not take up too much space, you add an extra layer of fluffy ruffles to your skirt. When people want you to be subtle, demure, *useful*, you’re being adorable in the loudest, most impractical way you can without messing up any of your *own* goals.
November 14th, 2018: Shino (紫乃) of Fukushima (福嶋) in Gion Kobu has changed to sakkō ahead of her November 21st erikae! She has actually been wearing the style for almost a week now, but not many pictures have surfaced until now. Although slightly hard to see, her kanzashi features a wire Silver Crane with a Gold Tortoise, which is a popular combination that symbolizes harmony and longevity. Along with her kimono that features Ume (梅 – Plum blossoms) and Take (竹 – Bamboo), which represent new beginnings, her outfit is a wonderful pairing for a bright future! To fully bring out the motifs of the season, her obi features Ichō (銀杏 – Ginkgo Leaves) and her maezashi is a silver leaf with a jade center ^^
Chartreuse Abstruseness Export 