From the archive

The ultimate act of love? The truth behind Japan's charaben culture

By banzaitokyo15 March 2017

Adorable "kawaii" food is uniquely ascendant in Japan.
In eateries across the country, diners feast on dishes made to resemble Snoopy, Moomin, and Peter Rabbit. Bakeries sculpt sweet and savory treats into the shapes of other beloved cartoon characters.

Discussion

Yubi #12882

When the kids are in the kindergarten, their mothers make this kind of stuff on "lunch box days" on which the kids take lunch boxes from home. I wish I had these when I was small!

banzaitokyo #12885

yeah, I try to push my wife to make my luch for work this way, but so far I haven't succeeded :)

BarbaraEbara #12906

Lucky kids!!

BarbaraEbara #12905

I love all things kawaii, so naturally this is something I am a huge fan of. There is just something about these kinds of foods and treats that warms the child inside me. I think that is why many adults are drawn to this part of the culture to begin with.

Explore more from the archive →