Ero kawaii
Encyclopedia
, or "erokawa", is a Japanese subculture that draws on Western notions of sexiness, in contrast to the popular cuteness
(kawaii) trend. The term, coined in 2005, is a fusion of ero (shortened from the English word 'erotic', which has negative connotations in Japanese culture) and the lighter 'kawaii', meaning something like 'cute'.
using the term to describe her own style. Recently, fashion magazines have taken to using the term "erokawa" in captions. There have been accusations of poor taste directed at such fashions as onēkei which are very conscious of erokawa. There are also similar terms , , and .
Cuteness in Japanese culture
Since the 1970s, cuteness, in Japanese the noun , has become a prominent aspect of Japanese popular culture, entertainment, clothing, food, toys, personal appearance, behavior, and mannerisms...
(kawaii) trend. The term, coined in 2005, is a fusion of ero (shortened from the English word 'erotic', which has negative connotations in Japanese culture) and the lighter 'kawaii', meaning something like 'cute'.
History
Ero kawaii started with singer Kumi KodaKumi Koda
, better known by her stage name , is a Japanese singer and songwriter from Kyoto, known for her urban and R&B songs. Having debuted in 2000 with the single "Take Back", Koda gained fame for her seventh single, "Real Emotion/1000 no Kotoba", the songs of which were used as themes for the video game...
using the term to describe her own style. Recently, fashion magazines have taken to using the term "erokawa" in captions. There have been accusations of poor taste directed at such fashions as onēkei which are very conscious of erokawa. There are also similar terms , , and .