Kawaii Japan Lab: Culture Deep Dives

kawaii japan lab

Beyond Souvenirs: Japan’s Snack Revolution Driven by Global Influencers and Culinary Curiosity

A new survey by PEPPER LIKES reveals that international influencers predict Japanese sweets and snacks will be the next big trend for visitors, highlighting a shift towards seasonal flavors, unique local tastes, and inclusive food options.
kawaii japan lab

iQ Lab Transforms into Japan’s Newest Future-Creation Think Tank

Pioneering Integrated Research and Social Implementation through Academic and Corporate Synergy, iQ Lab announces its corporate spin-off and expanded alliance with Imago and Kyushu University.
kawaii japan lab

WIRED Innovation Award 2025 Illuminates Future Visionaries, Crowns Pop Icons Perfume as Final Innovators

The prestigious WIRED Innovation Award 2025, in partnership with Sekisui House, honored 21 groundbreaking individuals and groups, with techno-pop unit Perfume unveiled as the final recipient for their pioneering blend of music and technology.
kawaii japan lab

Global Creatives Reimagine Cities with “Kawaii” Magic in Roblox Metaverse!

The "newgame Creative Verse!" contest, themed "KAWAII x WORLD," brought together 24 creators from nine countries to transform real-world cities into whimsical Roblox metaverse maps. The winning entries, announced on November 30, 2025, showcase a vibrant fusion of global landscapes and Japanese "Kawaii" aesthetics, pushing the boundaries of digital creativity.
kawaii japan lab

Unveiling Japan’s Gen Z Obsessions: Trepo’s 2025 Second Half Trend Ranking Reveals the Next Wave of Kawaii Culture

Dive deep into the heart of Japan's youth culture with Trepo's latest trend report. Discover the top influencers, buzzwords, characters, fashion, and lifestyle phenomena shaping Gen Z in the latter half of 2025, offering a vibrant glimpse into the future of Kawaii.
kawaii japan lab

Gen Z’s Secret Weapon: Transforming Awkwardness into Affection with the “2R1S” Marketing Framework

Z-SOZOKEN, a Gen Z-focused think tank operated by Fiom LLC, has unveiled a groundbreaking marketing framework called "2R1S." This innovative approach leverages Gen Z's unique perception of "awkwardness" to build brand trust and foster widespread engagement, turning what was once a negative emotion into a powerful source of connection.
kawaii japan lab

Unpacking “Awkward Content”: Why Japan’s Gen Z Finds Solace in Shared Cringe

A new report by Z-SOZOKEN reveals that over half of Gen Z in Japan watch "awkward content" not for laughter, but for profound empathy, transforming uncomfortable moments into relatable entertainment.
kawaii japan lab

Nori Okawa’s Acclaimed Solo Exhibition “Shokutaku” Comes to Fukuoka, Unveiling New Works and Exclusive Goods

Experience the captivating world of contemporary artist Nori Okawa as her highly anticipated solo exhibition "Shokutaku" (The Dining Table) makes its way to YUGEN Gallery FUKUOKA. Following a successful run in Tokyo, this Fukuoka iteration promises fresh perspectives with new artworks and limited-edition merchandise, inviting visitors to explore themes of self-formation through encounters with the 'other'.
kawaii japan lab

Norio Nakamura’s Graphic Odyssey Lands in Ginza: A Journey into Minimalist Imagination

Ginza Graphic Gallery (ggg) is set to host 'Norio Nakamura On Graphic,' an exhibition celebrating the groundbreaking visual world of graphic designer Norio Nakamura. From his iconic work with 'Maywa Denki' to PlayStation's 'I.Q.,' Nakamura's distinct blend of minimal expression and imaginative visuals promises a fresh perspective on his diverse career.
kawaii japan lab

Z-Generation’s Crystal Ball: Unveiling Japan’s Hottest Trends of Late 2025 and Beyond

The Z Research Institute announces its '2025 Second Half Trend Ranking,' revealing what captivated young hearts and minds in Japan, from customizable cuisine to idol sensations and nostalgic characters, alongside a compelling forecast for 2026's emerging trends.
kawaii japan lab

Decoding Gen Z’s ‘Awkward’: How Japan’s Youth Simplify Complex Emotions into a Single Word

A new study by Z-SOZOKEN reveals how Gen Z in Japan is transforming emotional expression, channeling a spectrum of feelings from anxiety to apology into the concise term 'kimazui' (awkward). This phenomenon, dubbed 'emotional simplification,' reflects a sophisticated adaptation of communication for the modern, high-context social landscape.
kawaii japan lab

AI Unleashes Your Inner Artist: ‘DIY KIT Starter’ Transforms Everyday Items into Masterpieces with Professional Engraving

Discover how the new 'DIY KIT Starter' laser engraver, powered by AI, makes creating custom, photo-quality art and personalized goods effortlessly accessible, from small keepsakes to large-scale décor.
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