Translated by AI

Many of us have probably watched "Geikawa," the show that recently captivated audiences in Japan and Taiwan.

Among its most debated characters is Momo, who happens to be my favorite.

As Momo became more popular, many told me it resembled a cult.

I even encountered extreme comments such as: "Anyone who likes Momo should see a psychiatrist."

Yet, there are discernible patterns here, and today we'll explore appearance anxiety and egocentric behaviors by examining Momo and my personal journey.

Momo is often disliked for two main reasons:

1. Selfishness

2. Body possession

Momo's selfish tendencies stem from a desire to enjoy tasty food, seek attention, and receive compliments on cuteness.

Concerning body possession, the soul currently inhabiting Momo's body is a fearsome-looking creature, and for unexplained reasons, it swapped bodies with the original Momo's soul.

I find the relationship between Daqiang and Momo too complex to comment on.

However, the soul inside Momo now (Daqiang) might detest consuming cuties, explaining its constant craving for delicious food.

Possibly, its former appearance caused fear among many cuties.

To those it considers friends (those kind to it), there exists no disdain.

Momo's presence reminds me of Haruki Murakami's words in "Norwegian Wood": "All I’m searching for is complete selfishness. Utter selfishness. Say I tell you I want strawberry shortcake, you drop everything, run to buy it, return breathless, and say: 'Here, Midori, your cake,' handing it over, and then I say: 'Oh, I don’t want it anymore,' and toss it out the window. That’s what I seek."

"Momo merely wants to be wholly selfish to verify it is loved."

A character transformed from a cutie into a chimera (monster) refused to revert despite gaining strength.

So why can't Momo act spoiled for its cute body? It's just unconscious pleading since it never learned what normal boundaries are or how to interact appropriately.

As for why I like Momo,

I once suffered from appearance-related insecurities for a long time. Striving to look prettier seemed critical for survival. Today, I am comfortable without makeup. I believe many share these experiences.

I've cried before mirrors, anxious about imperfect features while applying makeup, leading to tremors and breathlessness—a repetitive cycle of applying and removing makeup.

In the past, I prioritized appearance over substance, seeking affirmation based solely on looks without needing recognition for other talents. Just being acknowledged as cute and pretty sufficed.

That was enough.

I once loathed my oily hair, oversized black-framed glasses, and persistently troubled skin.

I endeavored to overcome these issues, only to later realize they were minor yet indicative of deeper obsession. I don't begrudge my younger self for her valid concerns and perceived wasted time.

I'd comfort her past insecurities with: "No rush; you are absolutely beautiful, barefaced or made-up. My love for you is boundless and requires nothing in return; pure love is evidenced by itself."

But she is unreachable now, having dissolved somewhere to bloom anew.

Meeting Momo inspired me to provide everything for this character—not because of appearance, but because it reflected my own insecurities and invited acknowledgment.

Regardless of being Momo or Daqiang, every being is ultimately worthy of profound love.