A culture of kawaii, or cute, has permeated Japanese culture for years, from Hello Kitty to little adorable bento boxes with food inside in the shape of animals.

Some people say this culture of cute began as early as post WWII when in the aftermath nuclear destruction, people needed an escape mechanism to focus on the adorable and the peaceful.

We met this young woman on the Navy base during an open base event. Open base events allow Japanese nationals to come on to the military base for festivals in the interest if friendship and goodwill. I asked if I could photograph her unique style.

She was so kawaii (cute)!