Amigurumi (編みぐるみ
This is the Japanese art of crocheting or knitting small stuffed animals, dolls, or whatever you can create. These tiny stuffed "toys" are crocheted "in the round." This means that there are no set amount of rows when making this, just keep going in circles around until you have your desired size. They must be "cute" "kawaii" and have a rather large head in relationship to the rest of the body. These wee little creatures can be anything that you can imagine.
The crocheted sitches must be tight enough so the stuffing will not show. Some people use poly beads (like in a bean bag) but plain fiber stuffing is better.
Ami means crocheted and nuigurumi means stuffed doll, putting together you have Amigurumi, a little crochet stuffed doll.
kawaii (可愛い), Means "cute" and it is fast becoming a part of the Japanese culutre. These little amigurumi "toys" can be made into anything and are quite a part of the "cuteness" culture in Japan. They are becominng more and more popular in the U. S. as with the addition of a small chain and holder, they are clasped onto cell phones, back packs and even on knitted belts. They can be seen hanging from many of the "rear" view mirrors of cars here as well as in Europe. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuteness_in_Japanese_culture
A link to a more in depth project page concerning "cuteness" in Japan.
This is a link to an article in the July 14, 2006 "The Japan Times" that has a good article on the Toyoko Toy Show showing a photo of the Amigurumi Park knitting toy. This show promoted toys that offer healing not only to children but to adults as well.
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nb20060714a2.html
Just a note to the the men that say, "Nope, that is not my style, cute little crochet/knitted toys, well, most of you men have played with one form of this toy. Can you guess what it is?
You have seen them quite a lot on campus, around parks, and just about anywhere. Still in the dark?
Just have to wait and see.