Interview with Betico Rouge

Betico Rouge is a Japanese artist, model, showgirl and performer! Her mission it to convey the power of kawaii in all girls. Her goal is to take the magical feeling a young girl gets when she thinks of Barbie and Princesses and transfer that feeling to adults. Betico is always dressed up with a sparkling smile. She fills everywhere she goes with fun and excitement, Kawaii but a little bit naughty at the same time!

Betico collaborates with Japanese illustrator Macotic as her model and muse. Her illustrations take a wide form of variety. Together they offer modeling and photography for glamour and fashion in fresh and interesting way. They have worked locally in Japan but also have worked overseas.

Betico Rouge loves the stage and to dance. Her orange hair reminds you of the Goldfish Cleo from Disney’s Pinocchio. Betico is frequently asked to perform during fashion shows and other events. She also performs a pinup show modeled after US pinup girls like Betty Page and Betty Boop. She has been invited to perform at many clubs and house parties.

“One of the things I enjoy the most is being a woman and I want to show others the power of “kawaii”. I’ve been influenced by books, magazines, movies, manga and anime since I was a child. I always felt the feeling of “cuteness” when I was a young girl. That feeling is very important to maintain when we get older. Young girls, when they get older, no longer play with toys, watch cartoons or read picture books. I want that feeling to stay with them.”

Macotic and Betico have a unique collaboration. Betico is a real and living example of Macotic’s illustrations while the illustrations are 2D representations of Betico. It is as if Betico has walked off the page and into real life. Macotic recently had a solo exhibition themed around a girls feelings and is working on future projects that may include magazine and overeas exhibits. She wants to spread the philosophy of kawaii, not just in Japan but all over the world.

When you were a child what things did you love to do and play with and who were your idols as a child?

I loved playing house. My mother’s dressing table was my first toy. It felt like magic to wear lipstick and put on the accessories she had in secret.

I had a crush on all the heroines in Japanese animated cartoons. One of my favorites were the magic girls series. because they had magical powers.  <3

Tell us a little about your interest in pinup girls and cabaret.

When I watch pinup girls my heart beats very quickly. Although they seem innocent they have a mischievous streak. I always wanted to become an attractive woman like that. When I was a child I had the same feeling as I got when watching heroines in animated shows as I have with  pinup girls now and that is what makes me perform as one now.

The cabaret show is the same magical feeling. It attracts many women and men as well. It feels to me like the opening of an animated cartoon. It is a magical feeling but it is also hot!

When the audience sees your show what do you hope they think?

I hope their hearts beat quickly the same as mind does.

I wish I beat fast to see my show. It is Japanese” tokimeki”. I think “tokimeki” means of palpitation. I think that I want I feel the “tokimeki” and bring it to everyone’s everyday life <3

Why is it important that women remember the concept of kawaii as they get older?

I think it is a feeling that can make you feel younger and prettier no matter what age you are. A way of always feeling youthful.

I watched some women who had given up. They became ill-natured and sad. The feeling is infectious. It reaches the younger girls and they stop having the “kawaii” feeling. I think that I it to be a world where many women can continue having hope and youthfulness. <3

What other artists inspire you?

There is a lot. Pretty actresses like Marilyn Monroe and Betty Page, elegant actresses in old Japanese movies …and macotic <3  I am roused by all artists who have passion for what they do as well as an artist who produce pretty things. I really respect them. <3

Tell us how you first met Macotic? Did you have the same ideas in mind?

Macotic and I were immediately attracted to each other. I think that we were destined to work together. She drew an illustration of the crew of the Asian pinup model whom I belonged to in old days. I felt that we had the same goals and we spoke about working together in the future.

When we were together we do not plan in advance. We do not always talk about it. We both know and understand the other and we just work well together. I am always surprised by it!

What did you like about her artwork?

Her work makes me feel many different ways. I remember the comics that I would read in the  old days when I see her work. The girls in her artwork are my idea of ideal girls. I love their sense of fashion and their expressions.

What plans do you have for the future?

At first I want to have a exhibition with her abroad. I think that it is important to have people understand what we do. I want to meet people all over who have the same ideas and feelings as we do. I want to work with her on various projects including television, film and magazines.

I would also like to collaborate with a fashion designer and do fashion shows. Music videos and film are another way to spread the concept of “kawaii”. To be successful we have to get out word out more and expose ourselves in the media as much as possible. Finally, I want to become a pretty grandmother who continues to spread the conception of “kawaii”

Where can we go to find out more about you and your work?

There is my blog. But this is blog for Japan: http://ameblo.jp/beticorouge/

facebook: http://www.facebook.com/betico.rouge.naki

twitter: https://twitter.com/beticorouge

I intend to make an English homepage in future<3

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