Chiikawa & Navigating Adulthood

Photo provided by Joshua Vaughan

How Chiikawa reminds us to slow down, embrace our emotions, and find joy in life’s smallest moments.

Introduction:

Welcome back! I am Joshua, and this is the sixth installment of Narratives of Change. Throughout this series, we have explored some heavy topics, so this time, let us lighten things up with one of my newest media hyperfixations: Chiikawa!

In this piece, I will be diving into how Chiikawa has captured the hearts of so many and why children’s shows like it continue to resonate deeply with adults trying to navigate the endless hustle of modern life. As always, I highly recommend experiencing the manga or anime for yourself, so I have linked a fan-made resource page at the bottom of this article to help you get started!

What is Chiikawa?

Chiikawa takes its name from the Japanese phrase “Nanka chiisakute kawaii yatsu” , meaning “something small and cute,” with Chiikawa being a portmanteau of chiisakute (small) and kawaii (cute). The series began as a manga posted on social media, quickly gaining popularity in Japan before eventually being adapted into an anime.

Throughout the show, Chiikawa and his best friends, Hachiware and Usagi, embark on everyday adventures. Much like us, these animals enjoy food, exercise, go to work, and spend the money they earn. And while the series may seem lighthearted or even childish at first glance, these characters do not just experience happiness — they face both good days and bad. They laugh and they cry, but as caring friends, they always lift each other up and try to make the best of whatever life throws their way.

As the series gained momentum across Asia and began growing in popularity in the West, its simple yet meaningful message resonated with audiences: in an ever-busy world, it reminds us to slow down, embrace our emotions in full, and appreciate the small joys in life.

Why Are Shows Like Chiikawa Popular Today?

With shows like Bluey and Chiikawa, it is easy to see why so many older generations have developed a genuine fondness for these newer children’s series. Beyond the obvious nostalgia for a time when life felt simpler, these shows often carry surprisingly deep, multifaceted lessons wrapped in seemingly straightforward plots with subtle subtext: lessons that resonate across all ages.

In a world increasingly driven by profit and efficiency, we are often pushed to sideline our emotions in favor of keeping pace with the endless rat race. But shows like Chiikawa remind us, especially as adults, to slow down and appreciate life’s small, but meaningful moments: sharing a good meal, spending time with friends, or simply allowing ourselves to feel, whether it is sadness, joy, or the bittersweet mix of both.

As modern life sets the bar for happiness against massive, often unreachable goals, like owning a home or starting a family, it is easy to overlook the smaller, everyday achievements and simple pleasures that give life its true warmth and meaning. Chiikawa gently reminds us to pause, take a breath, and embrace those little victories. In doing so, they help ground us in a world that too often seemed rushed.

The Weeding Exam:

One of my favorite storylines in the show is when Chiikawa and Hachiware decide to study together in hopes of passing the weeding exam, a test required for earning a higher job position in the Chiikawa universe. We see a montage of the two quizzing each other, spending time outdoors, and bonding over the shared experience of working toward a difficult goal. When the day of the exam arrives, they promise each other that no matter the outcome, they will celebrate with a bowl of ramen once it is all over. Side by side, they take the exam.

Later, they return to check their results. To Hachiware’s surprise, they pass and they rush off to find Chiikawa, only to discover that Chiikawa did not pass. With a sorrowful pout, Chiikawa quietly turns and begins walking home. Hachiware follows, offering encouragement, and though Chiikawa manages a small smile, Hachiware can tell the disappointment still lingers. As they pass by the ramen shop, neither says a word — they skip their promised reward and silently head to their separate homes.

That night, Hachiware sits alone, looking at their newly earned weeding ID. Even as they feel proud of the achievement, an unmistakable sense of sadness lingers, knowing Chiikawa’s dream was left unfulfilled. The next morning, Hachiware wakes to find Chiikawa standing at the door. Surprised, Hachiware rushes to greet them, and Chiikawa, to Hachiware’s amazement, hands them a congratulatory cookie. Then, Chiikawa pulls out the practice booklet and asks if they can start studying together again for another shot at the exam. Overjoyed, Hachiware eagerly agrees, vowing to help Chiikawa pass no matter what, and the story closes with the two friends laughing and quizzing each other once more.

On the surface, this storyline may seem simple, but it beautifully highlights the importance of allowing space for emotions and the strength of supporting others whether you are facing success or failure. While most kids’ shows tend to sugarcoat hardships, Chiikawa does something different: it lets its characters sit with their disappointment. Even as Hachiware offers comfort, the show does not rush to force a silver lining. Chiikawa skips the ramen, allowing space to breathe, and Hachiware takes the time to process the emotional complexity of feeling both proud of their own success and heartbroken for a friend at the same time.

In a world that often moves too fast for real emotional comprehension, Chiikawa gently reminds us that it is okay to feel sad, to cry, and to embrace those emotions rather than suppress them. Beyond that, it shows us how to celebrate others’ victories while still holding space for our own setbacks and how true friendship means helping each other rise after failure. In a time when the fear of failure is increasingly magnified by its consequences, Chiikawa offers a comforting reminder: failure is a natural part of life, and with patience, self-compassion, and support from others, we can always try again.

Despite its cute and simple appearance, Chiikawa carries lessons we often overlook in a world obsessed with profit, productivity, and speed lessons about slowing down, honoring emotion, and cherishing the connections that make life meaningful.

Conclusion:

Children’s shows often offer deeper insights into our lives than we give them credit for, especially as we navigate the complexities of adulthood. They remind us of lessons we have long forgotten, buried under the pressure of keeping up with the fast pace of modern life. Chiikawa has been one of those rare joys for me during my college years. I have found myself relating to its quiet, honest depiction of failure and resilience, especially when it comes to the all-too-familiar struggle of failing an exam and feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to move on. Chiikawa reminds me that it is okay to sit with those emotions, to process them, and to lean on the people around me for support before trying again.

If you are interested in watching, reading, or exploring the world of Chiikawa, I have included a link below to a fan-organized page that helps people outside of Japan access and experience the series for themselves and all the ups and downs that come with it!

Chiikawa Resource Page: https://pikakirakuzu.com/2024/06/22/resource-chiikawa-fan-resources