Tokyo – The Japanese term “kawaii,” meaning cute, is today widely recognised around the world. Kawaii International is a monthly programme on NHK World TV that is aired after midnight on Sunday mornings. Examining a wide variety of topics, ranging from people to products and experiences, it highlights the kawaii culture of Japan’s young women.

In this episode, three trend-setting producers from the Japanese kawaii fashion scene visit Myanmar. Inspired by the country’s largest city, Yangon, each of the producers mix the culture of Myanmar with the latest trends from Tokyo to create their own fashion designs. The outfits are then showcased in a Tokyo studio and a jury selects the best creation. All the outfits are worn by Myanmarese women living in Japan. The programme follows the three fashion producers’ trip to Myanmar and closely documents the process of their work, culminating in the outcome of the contest.

Myanmar’s economy has grown rapidly since the country began its transition to civilian rule. This project emerged from a proposal made by MNTV, a broadcasting company in Myanmar, and this episode was made possible thanks to the support of MNTV. It is a perfect example of what Kawaii International is all about and demonstrates that “kawaii” has the power to cross borders.