Make Someone's Day w/ Kawaii for 49¢ USA #12

I'm just curious about something that isn't in the guide, and I don't meet the requirements to join any kawaii group or attend "Kawaii College," so I'll just shoot my question here: why exclude Korean/Taiwanese kawaii? are they lower quality and less kawaii?

They're just not welcome in THIS swap. There are occasionally more broadly welcoming kawaii swaps that will include other types of kawaii. On swap-bot, the term kawaii is generally VERY specific.

yes, but why?

I mean I understand that Japan sets the standards, but is it like haute couture where the best stuff is rigorously regulated in one specific country? Is it really a nationally bound & brand-specific institution in which you can attend a course that doesn't even explain the aesthetic, doesn't cover the other "types of kawaii" or why they are inferior? If Miffy & Molang commit seppuku, do they not bleed? This "keep out" mentality stanks of weeaboo snobbery.

@Crysotheme I think the issue is that some people spend money to pay for shopping services from japan and such and easily pay $6+ for a set of 4 letter sets (although i realize there are knock off japanese sanrio items) and then get cheap knock off or korean cute papers in return. Its often a problem even with the strict kawaii lettter set swaps. Ive given away part of japanese sets (2 sheets and an envelope) that i paid $8 orignially for and ive gotten random asian scraps of paper that are nameless and another time i got 4 american hello kitty index cards , i wouldve been much much happier with blue bear memo sheets.

But im not defending the host entirely as i love asia disney items, morning glory/blue bear. I just know the annoyance of giving away 4 items of better quality to get crap in return. Also Kawaii is cute in japanese. So it feel like kawaii is generally only associated with japanese items due to that.

I apologized, I have only just seen the comments right now. Most Kawaii swaps are limited to Japanese brands only due to the difference in quality and price range. I, myself, am a fan of Korean/Taiwanese Kawaii stationery but I understand someone spending quite a bit of money for San-X stationery and getting cheap, counterfeit or lower quality items in return. Therefore my swap and most are very specific in what brand you can send. It really isn't snobbery but the need to make a swap where everyone would be happy with what they received.