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Not Just For Girls, Boys Want To Be “Kawaii” Too! Real Men Unleash Their “Kawaii” Power

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Not Just For Girls, Boys Want To Be “Kawaii” Too! Real Men Unleash Their “Kawaii” Power

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“Kawaii” now has the set meaning to describe the cute, and girly surrealistic world of Japan. Pastel colors, frills, cute and deformed characters or mascots creates the basis of the kawaii culture. And girls are naturally be connected as “kawaii,” which soon grouped in to the girls’ culture of Japan. But is “kawaii” just limited to Japanese girls or cute characters/mascots? Can there be any other types of kawaii that could create the new and different for what we have expecting? There are more male “kawaii” talents out there and besides their disgusted stereotypes of how men really shouldn’t be “kawaii,” these men are embodying both the “kawaii” culture and their own, unique identity and progressed as a new subculture. Let’s see those talented “kawaii” boys in Japan.

The Ultimate Macho-Kawaii, Ladybeard

ladybeard

Ladybeard

www.japantimes.co.jp

Since TGU has already covered their road to success of LADYBABY, you might already be familiar with Ladybeard. Currently actively working as the member of the idol unit, LADY BABY, Ladybeard has embraced his eccentric character and his strong presence in to being “kawaii.” Australian professional wrestler, pin-up crossdressing model, and now a pop idol, Ladybeard always surprise us his motivation to be “kawaii” and for us to be enjoyed by his presentation of “kawaii.” Innovative, and evolutionary, we always can’t wait to see what “Bea-chan” will come up next!

Review Ladybeard’s history and current success through these articles on TGU! :
Ready to Dance, Shout, and Be Kawaii?! LADY BABY Finally Makes International Debut in London in November!: http://tokyogirlsupdate.com/ladybaby-hyperjapan-christmas2015-20150959256.html
LADY BABY Whips Up a Frenzy at Tower Records in Shibuya During Release Event!: http://tokyogirlsupdate.com/lady-baby-manju-event-20150856431.html
Welcome to Nippon! Maid! Cosplay! Selca-bo! LADY BABY! Information: http://tokyogirlsupdate.com/lady-baby-information-20150751865.html

Ladybeard Links:
Official Site: http://ladybeard.com/
Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ladybeard_Japan
Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ladybeardjapan
Official Weibo: http://www.weibo.com/u/5548664034

Sailor Fuku Ojisan Will Bring You Good Luck

Sailor Fuku Ojisan

Sailor Fuku Ojisan

withnews.jp

Have you heard about “Sailor-fuku Ojisan,” the urban myth who brings you good luck if you see him at the street somewhere in Tokyo? The famous “Sailor Fuku Ojisan” is also considered to be “kawaii,” started out by being viral through young Japanese people rumoring him as four-leaf clover superstition on social media. Real name, Hideaki Kobayashi, in the early 50s has been working as an experienced engineer and currently also working as photographer. He have been dressing in to female high school uniform on weekends for about four years now, and has now become viral through social media posts of him. Now he collaborates with Ladybeard at some times, and appears in television media as well, which shows the public acceptance of him. When you visit Tokyo and find Sailor-fuku Ojisan, that means that you are in luck.

(Review about “Sailor Fuku Ojisan” more from the past coverage in TGU!: http://tokyogirlsupdate.com/sailor-fuku-ojisan-old-man-young-heart-20140724716.html)

Sailor Fuku Ojisan Links:
Official Site: http://www.growhair-jk.com/
Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/growhair

Successful “Transgender” Porn Star, Kaoru Oshima

Kaoru Oshima

Kaoru Oshima

www.anapnet.com

Is your sexuality or gender really matter with your own true identity? Kaoru Oshima, proved this question with, “No.” “Otokonoko (男の娘)” boom has been conspicuous for a while within the Japanese subculture. This started as extension of fantasy from manga and animation character portraying atomically male character who is dressed and looking wonderfully cute and girly. Kaoru Oshima started to cosplay or crossdress as a cute girl when he was teenager even before the “Otokonoko” boom had started, and he soon superficially became a “girl” than acting to be one. He started to star in pornography to make his fantasy come true from the erotic fanzines of “otokonoko.” But also to prove that there are men who can just simply enjoy dressing up (jyosou (女装)) in “kawaii” clothes and still identified to be as male.  He soon became a subculture icon as, “Otokono AV jyuoyuu (男の娘AV女優)” and many of his female fans accepts that, “Kaoru-chan is a lot cuter (kawaii) than normal Japanese girls.” He still has the conscious of being a male and not identifying himself as a female, but also being “kawaii” as well.  Not just being a male, female, or even “otokonoko,” Kaoru Oshima proved to her audiences and fans that the gender barrier and/or sexual preferences doesn’t truly have to reflect on who you really supposed to be.

Currently, he published his first photo book with essays titled, “Boku Rashiku” and the book tour went successful.

Kaoru Oshima Links:
Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/oshima_kaoru
Official Blog: http://blog.livedoor.jp/hinatakaoru/

The New Face “Onee” Television Personality, Yushin

Yushin

Yushin

avex-management.jp

Yushin, is young, upcoming “onee” television personality followed by big names like IKKO or Ai Haruna. Yushin became viral by being too beautiful or cute, and having no surgery to beautify her look. She admits that she used to be the tough jock playing rugby during highschool, but she realized to be “onee” when she turned 18 years old. There were times that she had worried about her sexuality of liking both male and female, Ai Haruna was the person who have insisted about accepting who you really are. And now, Yushin really looks up to Ai Haruna, and started to live with more confident as “onee” in the Japanese society. She didn’t take any plastic surgery, just taking good care of herself at all times. Yushin is currently appearing on popular television shows like “London Hearts,” along with the other “onee” TV personalities, and many people expect her to be the next breakthrough of the “onee” entertainer of Japanese television shows.

Yushin Related Links:
Official Blog: http://ameblo.jp/avex-yushin/
Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/yushin5bunno3
Official Instagram: https://instagram.com/avex_yushin/

The First “Okama” Idol Group In Japan, Kama-chan Club

Kama-chan Club

Kama-chan Club

https:

Now working hard to make it, three beautiful “okama,” underground shemale idol group known for their cute looks. Kama-chan Club consists of the members, Ami Takeuchi, Rioka Asou, and Marina Mihiro, who are charming, and hardworking idols to the very first, “okama” idols of Japan. Ami Takeuchi was awarded for runner-up in 2010 Miss International Queen (the world’s most prestigious and largest beauty pageant for transgender women, held in Pattaya City, Thailand). Marina Mihiro was also appeared on the television program, “Fuka Ii Hanashi,” as they introduced as beautiful “onee” who looks like Nozomi Tsuji (of ex-Morning Musume.) Currently, they are on Nico Nico Nama Housou every Monday hosted by the group and just released their first single, “Kamatte Choudai.” Wil they make it as the “first ‘okama’ idol group of Japan”? Let’s find out with your support!

Kama-chan Club Related Links:
Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/kamachan_club

Ami Takeuchi Twitter: https://twitter.com/ami1106usagi
Ami Takeuchi Blog: http://ameblo.jp/takeuchiami-1106/
Rioka Asou Twitter: https://twitter.com/asou_rioka
Marina Mihiro Twitter: https://twitter.com/mihiromarina


Whoever they be, and where ever they are, there are always opposition to the “weird” or “queer.” But the keyword “kawaii” becomes the sign of acceptance, and as that “kawaii” spreads, s/he becomes one-and-only who no one else can ever be. The people above, obviously  didn’t go on the fast lane to current public acceptance. But what they have achieved through their struggle was to be themselves which makes them happy and embracing life, which coincidentally has lead to be “kawaii.” And they have shown us that you can be “kawaii” in any way and we can always push the boundaries, or challenge the stereotypes.  What would be “kawaii” for you?

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Author
Satsuki

Grad student in Tokyo. Born in Tokyo, raised in New York, studied in London. My interests lies in Tokyo's urban street cultures and girls cultures,rock music, fashion and manga. Just livin' it up :)

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