Kawaii International - Season 8 / Year 2019

The theme for this episode of Kawaii International is "Kakkoii!! 80s & 90s Back in Style!" showcasing past trends currently experiencing a revival in Japan! Mr. Yabatan reports on the Kekenoko-zoku, a colorful dance group that was active during the 80's in Harajuku! Check out flashy "bubble" style street snaps as worn on the streets of Harajuku and see why retro Japanese-style cafés have become all the rage! Don't miss it!

As a 100th episode gift to you, Lolita princess, RinRin Doll is sharing the future of Lolita fashion! In China we meet Lolita social media influencer Xie Anran, for her report on Lolita life.

So, you think you know Kawaii Culture inside out? Well, think again! In this episode Misha and RinRin, joined by the intrepid Mr. Yabatan, are exploring the next evolution of Kawaii Culture. Spoiler alert → advancing technology has taken a lead role in the next evolution. We're not quite at science fiction level of fashion technology but, just between us, that's the direction things are going. 3D printed accessories, virtual reality shopping, loose socks with a musical secret, and so much more! Who saw this coming? The future is now and we'll show you!

Are you ready to meet the Harajuku icons, whose status influences the next big thing. How, you ask? Tokyo has a long history of reverence for ShopStaff of the coolest boutiques, raising them to celebrity status. These days their clout dominates the streets and social networks alike.
We also chat with Baby Mary, the owner of world-renowned shop, Faline. Baby Mary witnessed Harajuku's rise to fame, firsthand. She handpicks customers as her ShopStaff and stars are born. Shinako, an internet star whose videos catapulted her and the most popular street-sweet in Harajuku to fame. She's got some pro-tips on making viral videos to share!
For Zutti, the street is a runway, towering in 26cm heels, parting the Harajuku masses. He gives us a peek at some of his incredible clothing collection.
This is THE episode. We're still recovering!

Ladies and gentlemen, the Pixie has landed.
5th Round Kawaii Leader, Pixielocks, journeyed from Canada to Japan and we had plans… and a few tricks up our sleeve. While she and Misha were trend-hunting in Harajuku, Pixie was given the surprise of lifetime when she emerged from a dressing room to discover her fashion idol, Sebastian Masuda, waiting to critique her designs! After sampling some kawaii desserts with Misha, our favorite magical girl served some Cardcaptor Sakura realness during a professional cosplay photoshoot.
Dreams come true and we're so happy to share some of Pixielocks' with you!

In this edition of our Tokyo Tour, RinRin is joined by Taiwanese social media star Meg Lu. Little did Meg know, we'd planned a surprise makeover dream tour! The first stop was a makeup tutorial and then it was time for Meg to get into some "Tokyo Girl Street Mix" threads chosen by a professional stylist. Next, RinRin and Meg went for a spooky meal served by a vampire… don't worry, they weren't on the menu! After their fright, RinRin decided it was time to work some Lolita style magic!
Be bold and try new styles, like Meg! You won't regret it!

We've always been told not to judge a book by its cover. The influence of kawaii culture stretches far beyond fashion and pop culture. Japanese patissiers got the memo and their jaw-dropping creations are putting dessert lovers to the test. In the world of Japanese confectionary, things are not always as they appear… To say attention to detail would be a vast understatement.
This episode is guaranteed to cause at least one double-take and an insatiable craving for something sweet.

Long ago, before the advent of streaming services, watching a movie at home was prefaced with a rental. Those days are long gone. However, Japan's rental service game is growing stronger every day! What's for rent? Pretty much everything! From a limousine party to that designer handbag that suits your look but not your budget. When it comes to rentals, the sky's the limit!
What else is for rent, in Japan? Tune in to find out!

In Japan, there are lots of unique toys people of all ages can enjoy! In the studio, Misha and RinRin try out some useful cooking toys. While Mr. Yabatan challenges himself to spend a whole day with just toys!
We'll also introduce you to Japan's analog game craze! Plus, an analog game idol joins us and talks about her favorite boardgames.
Don't miss it!

This time we're bringing you our special vacation episode! From an authentic "gyaru" experience to a visiting a famous candy factory, this episode will introduce you to all kinds of exciting tours, as well as the best souvenirs to take back home with you. Plus, a special travel-expert will share some of their favorite vacation goods and packing techniques!

Japan is known to have some of the craziest drinks around, and now the country is obsessed with tapioca tea!
We'll bring you some of Japan's most recent hit drinks!
Join and learn about Japan's unquenchable thirst for new beverages.

Tokyo is a t-shirt lover's paradise!
Are t-shirts with messages a way of communication? We visit the t-shirt scene in Harajuku to find out more!
Plus, learn about the first store to only sell white t-shirts.
In the studio, we welcome a vintage t-shirt expert to learn how to differentiate between different types of vintage tees!

Japan is a stationery lover's paradise, and this time we're bringing you all the newest items!
We visit an event about a particular type of ink that is all the rage among stationery girls and learn the secrets to writing cute notes and diary entries.
Plus, the newest info on Japan's unique hanko stamp culture!

In the studio, a pen spinning world champion shows us techniques the pros use.

Right now, people all around Japan are falling in love with birds!

We visit people who care for birds and get to see the kawaii behaviors of parakeets and Java finches first-hand. We also check out a popular bird cafe and find plenty of bird-themed desserts and merchandise.

Japan is full of various goods that reinvent Japanese traditions with brand new ideas! This time, we're introducing you to items and shops in Tokyo and Kyoto that are based on Japanese tradition and culture.

Also, don't miss our special on kokeshi, traditional Japanese wooden dolls that have been in a mini renaissance lately. Kokeshi fans tell us what they love most about the traditional Japanese craft.