Drawings Featuring Characters With Stars in Their Eyes (Literally!) - A Twinkle in the Eye

Sometimes known as Wingding eyes, characters’ eyes in manga and anime occasionally change into specific symbols meant to convey their emotions. In particular, pupils shaped like diamonds or plus signs and shining like stars, described as “me ga shiitake” (目がしいたけ, lit. “shiitake eyes”, a reference to the plus symbol often found on the top of shiitake mushrooms) in Japanese, are often used to express anticipation or happiness. It's a great way to express the excitement of someone whose favorite food is only inches away!

Have a look at the illustrations below and share these characters’ happiness with them! Can you feel their joy radiating off the screen?