Kimokawaii is a relatively modern concept in Japan describing something that’s so kimoi (gross) it’s kawaii (cute). Well if that’s the case, this family of mushrooms is the most adorable thing we’ve ever seen. The Nameko Family is a new television series featuring Nameko, an anthropomorphic nameko mushroom, the slimy fungi often found in miso soup, and features an entire household full of deformed, strange and down right kimoi characters. But has this new show crossed the line, being too gross for even the biggest kimokawaii fan to find cute?
So far, the show’s official trailer is our first and only taste of what life in this mushroom family is all about. In the clip, each character is introduced accompanied by a strange song saying good morning to them.
Here we have the star of our show, Nameko, who has just woken up from a sound sleep on his futon. Because, you know, mushrooms don’t sleep in beds.
Next we’re introduced to Nameko’s mother, Long Nameko. She’s cooking miso soup full of mushrooms for the family’s breakfast.
Here’s older brother, Bad Nameko, who has gone down the wrong path and runs around town all night, returning home in the early morning.
Father, Rock Nameko, sits on the tatami reading the newspaper and waiting for his mushroom-filled breakfast.
While the family prepares for their morning meal, Muscle Nameko, Nameko’s younger brother, pumps iron in the yard.
And there’s grandma, Plum Nameko, stroking Neko Nameko, her pet mushroom cat.
If you find any of these characters to look…shall we say phallic in shape, you’re not alone. But hey, it just adds to the “so gross it’s cute” concept, right? Check out the trailer below and decide for yourself.







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