We Are Obsessed with Chiikawa

There are not many people in this world who can resist the call of cuteness. It’s so appealing that it has become a whole culture in Japan. When you think of kawaii culture, Hello Kitty is probably the first character that comes to mind. But there’s a new icon that has taken center stage with a smile.

Chiikawa is just a cute little thing—literally. They’re a small white animal with big sparkly eyes and rosy cheeks. Are they a mouse? A bear? A hamster? No one knows, but they sure are cute.

From Webcomic to Phenomenon

This little cutie comes from a webcomic that started on Twitter in 2020. Over the last few years, a few humble drawings have grown into a manga, an anime series, and a cast of characters so popular you can find them on clothes, as plushies, and even on the sides of trains.

Chiikawa has collaborated with brands such as Converse, UNIQLO, and Miniso. There have even been official crossovers with the most popular Sanrio characters.

Chiikawa and Friends: A Timid Hero

Chiikawa is an endearing creature. They don’t speak, only making little noises and pointing. They’re also very emotional, bursting into tears when they feel scared or upset. Despite being naturally timid, they always power through their fears to protect the ones they care about.

You’ll usually find Chiikawa hanging out with their friend Hachiware, a white-and-blue cat. Hachiware can speak, so they often serve as the voice for Chiikawa. Sometimes Usagi, a hyperactive foodie rabbit, joins in too. Similarly to Chiikawa themself, not much is known about the author, Nagano.

The Anime Brings Them to Life

The anime really helps you get familiar with Chiikawa and their friends. With episodes that are just 1–2 minutes long, there’s a decent smattering of lore about the world these creatures live in. The stories include themes like working hard to save up for a dream item or studying for a difficult test.

In just four years, Chiikawa has become comparable to Sanrio and Mofusand for capitalizing on cuteness. They’re a friendly face you’re bound to encounter one way or another.