INSECTS × KAWAII
A Kawaii art & clothing brand website that makes insects feel more friendly and approachable.
For people who already love insects — and for those who might start to like them someday — we hope this place brings you just a little bit closer to the world of insects.
Our Story
Cute things warm our hearts — from little children to grown-ups.
Sparkling jewels, fancy ribbons, colorful flowers, fluffy animals, singing birds, beautiful tropical fish...
Sparkling jewels, fancy ribbons, colorful flowers, fluffy animals, singing birds, beautiful tropical fish...
But what about insects?
Are they scary?
Do you want to stay away?
What kind of insect did you picture?
Some people say, “I’m okay with them,” but still, insects are often pushed aside.
Are they scary?
Do you want to stay away?
What kind of insect did you picture?
Some people say, “I’m okay with them,” but still, insects are often pushed aside.
"The Lively Garden" is a fun and magical place where insects can shine.
Here, they dance, laugh, and show their cuteness.
You might even find something new and surprising.
You might even find something new and surprising.
Would you like to take a little peek?
Oops...
You guys aren't exactly
“insects” ...
But you're cute, so come join us!
You guys aren't exactly
“insects” ...
But you're cute, so come join us!
Illustration by my daughter
The Lively Garden began when my daughter started to love insects.
I wasn’t good with them, but I didn’t want to say no to something that made her so happy.
She caught insects with a big smile, and I didn’t want to take that joy away.
I wasn’t good with them, but I didn’t want to say no to something that made her so happy.
She caught insects with a big smile, and I didn’t want to take that joy away.
We kept many types of insects — ladybugs, crickets, grasshoppers, ants, caterpillars, and stag beetles.
One summer, we found butterfly eggs.
We watched the tiny caterpillars grow, become chrysalises, and waited excitedly for the moment they would turn into butterflies.
One summer, we found butterfly eggs.
We watched the tiny caterpillars grow, become chrysalises, and waited excitedly for the moment they would turn into butterflies.
But not all butterflies make it.
That summer, I learned for the first time that some don’t survive when they try to come out of their chrysalises.
That summer, I learned for the first time that some don’t survive when they try to come out of their chrysalises.
When I saw my daughter crying so hard, I thought,
“How fragile these little lives are.”
And little by little, I started to feel a quiet love for insects too.
“How fragile these little lives are.”
And little by little, I started to feel a quiet love for insects too.
After that, I started drawing pictures to support my daughter’s love for insects.
At first, I drew on drawing paper. Then in notebooks.
Later, I made T-shirts and even started drawing comics.
At first, I drew on drawing paper. Then in notebooks.
Later, I made T-shirts and even started drawing comics.
Seeing her happy made my heart grow warm.
Little by little, my dream grew too:
I wanted to bring smiles to others who love insects, just like my daughter.
And one day, I hoped even people who don’t like insects could start to feel a little closer to them.
That’s why I began this journey.
Little by little, my dream grew too:
I wanted to bring smiles to others who love insects, just like my daughter.
And one day, I hoped even people who don’t like insects could start to feel a little closer to them.
That’s why I began this journey.
If we can live gently together with insects, we may feel the value of life more deeply.
And we may remember that insects are also a part of nature.
Perhaps they can help make our hearts a little richer, too.
And we may remember that insects are also a part of nature.
Perhaps they can help make our hearts a little richer, too.
Momoko Naganuma
Hi!
I'm Momoko, a Japanese illustrator.
I studied illustration and design at a vocational art school, and after graduating, I worked as a designer of miscellaneous goods in Japan.
I’m now based in the U.S., working as a freelance illustrator.
I always create with cuteness in mind, because I believe that cute things bring kindness and happiness into our lives.
I'm Momoko, a Japanese illustrator.
I studied illustration and design at a vocational art school, and after graduating, I worked as a designer of miscellaneous goods in Japan.
I’m now based in the U.S., working as a freelance illustrator.
I always create with cuteness in mind, because I believe that cute things bring kindness and happiness into our lives.
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