Have you ever heard of the Japanese slang expression “gurokawa?” It’s a combination of the katakana words for grotesque and cute and is used to describe a distinct fashion style or character.

Here are a few “gurokawa” examples.

 Gloomy Bear 

Gloomy Bear is a cute-looking but violent pink bear that eats humans. The character was created by illustrator Mori Chack.

Image: CHUCKNOCHAX

Gloomy is a little over 6 feet and weighs as much as 2,000 pomegranates. Owned by human Pitty, he’s well trained for the most part, but he can never remember that he’s not supposed to attack humans. Still, a pet owner must take ultimate responsibility for his pets. Recalling warm memories of Gloomy as a cute cub, Pitty tries to lead a life of peaceful co-existence with his pet bear. (See video below.)

You can find more specific information about Gloomy at CHUCKNOCHAX Website.

There are various Gloomy goods such as cushions,clocks, cups, tissue covers, and so on. (See image below.)

Image: Amazon.co.jp

Gloomy goods are available from Amazon.co.jp too.

 ‘Gurokawa’ stationery goods from fashion brand BEAMS

Popular fashion brand BEAMS has a line of of stationery in its DRUG STORE BEAMS line. The “gurokawa” items include pens that look like a syringe, eyeballs and bones, a brain keychain, and so on. Other items resemble human body parts and medical instruments. Prices start at 630 yen.

Photo: Fashionsnap.com

Photo: Fashionsnap.com

Photo: Fashionsnap.com

Photo: Fashionsnap.com

Source: Fashionsnap.com

 Eyeball Fashion Items

Eyeball fashion items are currently popular because fashion model and singer Kyary pamyu pamyu wears them. (Find out more about Kyary pamyu pamyu from the articles: “Kyary pamyu pamyu a big hit on You Tube” and “Kyary pamyu pamyu, one of Japan’s pop culture symbols“)

Here are some eyeball fashion items below.

Photo: EpicureanGarden

The photo above shows an eyeball bracelet.

Photo: EpicureanGarden

The photo above shows elastic eyeballs.

Photo: EpicureanGarden

Here is an eyeball ring.

Photo: EpicureanGarden

And eyeball print socks.

Photo: EpicureanGarden

How about an eyeball shaped bag?

See more eyeball fashion items at Epicurean Garden Website.