Author: Pleiades

Yami Kawaii is bubbling to the surface from people too far down to see the light. Sprouting from the Yume (dream) Kawaii aesthetic of ethereal pastels crossed with Guro and Goth Kawaii’s darker themes, Yami Kawaii is a style defined by the harshest truths of mental health issues framed by tooth-aching sweetness. Some of the culture’s hallmarks include cute bandages, syringe-shaped jewelry, and fabrics with pill patterns. While some might see the movement as the glorification and commercialization of people’s suffering, the reality is that it may be saving lives. The trend can be traced back to Menhera-chan (“menhera”...