Streetwear in Japan

Author: paulinaroddick | Posted: 08.03.2012

It might not be a common thing for most people to see the youth sporting extreme and borderline provocative items of clothing. But in Japan, streetwear is focusing on the extreme and the provocative as well as cute to be described. Stroll around the streets of Tokyo and one can see a lot of teenagers dressed in attention-grabbing pieces. Apparently, this is what’s in trend for most teens in Japan today, as they also see it in their idols in television. To sum up, streetwear in Japan is mostly made up of structure, bold colors and details, extreme accessories, makeup and hair color to complete the look.

Suyo is a popular brand utilizing the street look. In Japan, it is common for both young boys and girls to sport a strong look for their age. Street is somehow similar with costume play or cosplay, but differs on the use. Streetwear is more appropriate as a daily dress code which teenagers’ outfits are based on. They wear it to school, to the mall or while hanging out with friends. However, cosplay is more on occasion, particularly appropriate during anime conventions being held in the country. Cosplay utilizes the element of inspiration from anime characters on television, while wearing street is more typical for day-to-day activities.

The popular fashion trends in Japanese streetwear include the Lolita, the Ganguro, the Harajuku style, and Kawaii style. The Lolita is based on the clothing of Victorian-era women mostly evident in skirts, ribbons, and dull colors. The Ganguro is the incorporation of the western look into Asian features. Usually, teens following the Ganguro sport bright-colored hair which is opposite the black hair most Asians are born with. The Harajuku-style adopts the anime-inspired look something similar to the cosplay. Lastly, Kawaii is all about cuteness and femininity in details.

Like Suyo streetwear, there are many clothing brands available in Japan through its own shopping districts, but teens can opt to make their own clothes with materials from supply stores. Suyo for example, offers clothes, but these are not enough to be called as fashionable in Japan. To have a complete trendy look, Japanese teenagers mix their clothes with extremely bright hairstyles or wear neon-colored wigs, and also sport thick layers of makeup. Add more accessories to the outfit like silver chokers, spiky bracelets and thigh-high rainbow leg warmers. Japanese fashion is definitely not boring.

Suyo and Japanese streetwear have similarities as well, like the youth is the primary wearer of these fashions. Japanese street fashion is stated to have come from the country’s fascination of Western style but they have edited it to make it as their own. It is also a reflection of the hyper club culture famous in Tokyo undergrounds, as well as in events and local concerts. Japanese fashion is not only applicable to the locals but is equally famous to the celebrities who sport loud and visual attires during their gigs and concerts. If one wants to witness fashion in the works, Japan is definitely a place to go.

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