'Cute ambassadors' roam globe to promote Japan's pop culture
Three female "ambassadors of cute" appointed by the Foreign Ministry have started traveling abroad to introduce Japanese pop culture to young people overseas.
One of the "kawaii ambassadors," Shizuka Fujioka, the "magician clothing coordinator" known for her school uniform outfits, took part in an event in Thailand in March. The other two will hit Paris in July.
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"I think it will be in Japan's national interest if there is at least one person in the host country who thinks I'm pretty," [Fujioka] said.
(source)
Congratulations on setting your gender back 50 years, Miss Fujioka.
I'm not sure how the wider Japanese population feels about something such as this. There's certainly no denying that Japan pop culture is a source of soft power and a cultural asset, but to me it's still about as cringe-worthy as Crocodile Dundee, Steve Irwin or Ken Done paintings being cultural ambassadors for Australia.
I know exactly what you mean. However, I think part of the reason that this happened is that many in Japan would have trouble understanding your perspective. This is another good topic for discussion.
ReplyDeleteIs someone being a tight-arse? Deep down inside it's highly probable that the Japanese people approve of this. Any publicity is good publicity! And knocking Crocodile Dundee! How could you?
ReplyDeleteWomen in general tend to use whatever means they have to get ahead anyways, we only assume that the kawaii thing sets them back by 50 years. It's possible that the whole kawaii movement makes them feel empowered, and throughout Asia these girls are saluted for their fashion prowess! Good on them, actually. Not that I personally feel it's cool, but I can see why being acknowledged as "cute" or whatever, matters to them. ;)
See? I do have the guts to comment on your very happening blog!