Introduction Art and ceramic making is firmly engraved in particular contexts and most of the time, these are linked to certain groups. Some may be direct such as art movements while others may be indirect such as globalisation. Kawaii movement This movement started in the 1970s in Japan and was used to represent everything about the culture that was cute and adorable. In fact, Kawaii is derived from the Japanese word kawaisa. It is largely recognised as a fashion movement but its effect has penetrated into different arenas of life including ceramics, art, entertainment, behaviour and the like. It should be noted that this movement grew and changed as time progressed. At the onset, the movement was first recognised as a way of writing; here teenage girls would use round figures in order to put something down and they added small symbols and smiley faces onto them. Adults and experts asserted that this just complicated the Japanese language and should be abandoned. Subsequently, the kawaii writings were banned but resurfaced in the next decade through commercial packaging of products as well as through comic books and the like. It was then assumed that these magazines and companies were the ones that had created the kawaii writings. However, research revealed that teenage girls were actually the ones who came up with it. Eventually, the entire nation began embracing elements of this movement in their lives. It was not just about fashion and writing but went on to become part of the nation’s culture. There was kawaii in household items, kawaii on airplanes, kawaii on television and kawaii amongst the police (Sugiyama, 2004). Ceramics making and art in general would be deeply influenced by such a movement because it either represented kawaii in itself or was used as a way of modifying other kawaii aspects. For example, a person who embraces kawaii fashion may need to accentuate her look by carrying toys. Those toys are usually ceramics and my become part of the whole fashion statement. Alternatively, others may simply collect or use kawaii ceramics as they are. These kinds of ceramics will often be easily identifiable; some of them will be little animations of a mouse or a child, others will look like a little smiley face with a cute flowery encapsulation. Normally, those ceramics will rely on colour to bring out their cuteness; they often be rich in bright colours such as pink and red. They will also use little characters associated with kawaii and are quite appealing to the eye. In essence, the kawaii movement, much like any art movement represents the effect of groups upon the individual. Art movements usually have specific meanings that can be imperative in the creation and the development of certain art works. In the kawaii movement, Japan society interpreted it as way of propagating harmony in society by calling for a subtle way of expressing oneself. In other words, through the sentiments held by a group, an individual can be influenced to carry on those principles through art. In fact, when one examines most kawaii ceramics, one can read such harmonious messages in them; some of them will be made up of little hearts to send out a message of love or affection (Sugiyama, 2004). In other words, groups affect individuality because individuals are the route used to express the beliefs and values held by a group. The kawaii movement as a group wants to send out a message of happiness in the face of adversity. It wants people to express their own happiness. The only way this can be achieved is through individuals finding within themselves the