In recent years, Japan's kawaii culture has exploded in popularity. WSJ's Eric Bellman speaks with author Manami Okazaki about how cuteness has gained a global fanbase.

In Japan, ‘cute’ is a big deal. Their own word for it, kawaii (“ka-why-ee”), is more of an ethos than an adjective. Shops and billboards are filled with big-eyed fluffy figures.

The fashion world is about to embrace a wave of charm and creativity with the introduction of a new clothing brand, Kawaii. Inspired by the Japanese concept of “cuteness” by the creators of Hello ...

Gyaru fashion and style, a vibrant Japanese subculture that first emerged ... There’s manba gyaru, a style that celebrates all things kawaii and cuteness. It’s often represented by bright ...