The First Signs of Kawaii Culture In History
Kawaii culture dates back as far as the Edo period (1603-1868), woodprints were made depicting lovely women wearing beautiful kimonos. This type of art was called びじんが, continuing through the Meiji and Taisho Eras (1868-1926).
The most well known signs of kawaii culture date back as far as the Taisho Era (1912-1926). Predominantly seen in a youthful handwriting style known as まるもじ, were the characters are more rounded and softer instead of rigged and harsh. It was characterized as a very feminine way to write.
Known as the first kawaii shōjo illustrator and the first kawaii goods proprietor in the 1914
The Print Shop Shop Minatoya, 1914
Beauty with a Round Fan
Late Spring, 1926
Northern Winter, 1920
Under Japanese Militarism and World War II cute items weren’t favored. After the war though kawaii had a boom with the help of あかほん(cheap manga) and かしほん (manga to rent). Kiichi Tsutaya's paper dress-up dolls flourished in popularity for their very cute and childlike art style. Junichi Nakahara (1946) created Soleil Magazine, a magazine highly influenced by fashion designers with a very modern but adorable art style.
1914-2005
Nurie by Kiichi
Showa Life
Art Box
Osyare no Ehon
1913-1983
During the 1960s and 70s しょうじょまんが (a manga aimed for younger girls) grew in popularity playing a prevalent role in developing kawaii culture. The creation of Hello Kitty in 1974 by Sanrio propelled kawaii culture even further into the spotlight in and outside of Japan.
