カワイイ Ambassador

Back in February, the Japanese government hatched a plot similar to ours.  In order to “make more active use of Japan’s pop culture, which has been enjoying very high popularity among young people around the world” (true dat), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs decided to vault three young Japanese into the esteemed role of カワイイ Ambassador, or “Trend Communicator of Japanese Fashion.”  The new ambassadors include Misako Aoki, “charismatic leader who features Lolita fashions”– a quick Google search reveals that she models frilly, Minnie Mouse-inspired clothing.  Gwen Stefani will probably not get the call, as Yu Kimura (“a leader of Harajuku-style fashion”) is also on the list.  They are into wearing polka dots and pink, but since this was seven months ago, it might not be avant garde any more.

[Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs]