In this video from Vox they discuss what has made the Japanese Sanrio character Gudetama so popular, They talk about how and why Japanese Kawaii culture developed and how the Japanese notion of cuteness isn’t as simple as the ideas of good and evil in American culture.
Students will discuss characters, cuteness and the stress of modern life.
Warm Up – ESL Questions
1. What is your favorite fictional character? Why?
2. What is cuter, a kitten, a puppy, a hamster or a baby? Wy?
3. How lazy are you?
4. What do you think is the most stressful thing about modern society?
5. What is something you do to calm down and relax?