Japan is an hierarchical society in which the pressures flowing from the top can build to unbearable levels near the bottom. The outlook for many is quite bleak

Japan is an hierarchical society in which the pressures flowing from the top can build to unbearable levels near the bottom. The outlook for many is quite bleak, with an unthinkably small possibility of escape from one’s allotted role. Many live in conditions that may be best described as human storage. Cute things offer an escape into a fantasy world devoid of life’s powerlessness in a manner compatible with consumerism. The aggressive and masculine traits valued near the top are sometimes too confrontational for most, resulting in a proliferation of cute, comforting and non-aggressive symbols throughout society. Even police boxes have cute mascots to soften the intimidation of their presence.