AKB48 Kawaii - Cuteness gone wild? (Moe vs Kawaii)

Japanese Kawaii moments (Kawaii = Excessivly CUTE in Japan) can happen at any time and during the most unexpected moments. Lets watch a brief collection of Japanese Idols caught roaming loose in their natural habitat (Television) to view Japanese cuteness emerge as nature intended.  

Not sure about the difference between "Kawaii" and Moe? Essentially they mean similar things however, Moe is usually used for 2-D Japanese Anime characters or art styles. This doesn't mean live 3-D girls can't be Moe as being Moe is 'subjective' to each persons tastes. One hard fact is that one can not be Moe without first being incredible "kawaii" to begin with. If you're not very cute to start off your chances of being viewed as Moe become "Non-Existent". Being "Moe" is a trait specific to an individual. Some examples of Moe traits could be how a girl looks when she's angry, which is often labeled as being "Tsundere", emotionally running hot & cold, ( TV Tropes Definition of Tsundere characters HERE! ) or how adorable she becomes when she's scared or even how she weakens when offered sweets or stuffed animals. Having "Moe" characteristics is difficult to fake because the owner 99% of the time doesn't think their behavior is Moe - which ironically makes them more Moe to the observers.

Watch above as Haruka Shimazaki (Paruru of AKB48) is tricked into displaying Anime Moe faces while her friend Mina Oba (also of AKB48) does the same exercise. The stark comparisons are practically night & day and produce two totally different vibes. Haruka isn't trying to be Moe - she just is. Mina is trying but just seems "comically amusing" or like she's imitating an imitation. Could this be the origin of the age old phrase "Know Thy Self"? probably not in the slightest but in knowing thyself one can harness & listen to ones "inner Moe".