You got to love the Japanese. There’s something different about them, and it’s even more apparent in Tokyo. The stereotypes make sense to me – they’re fashionable, trendy, extremely polite, care about fine details, service-quality oriented, very modern and yet with high respect for their traditions, strongly emphasizing self expression while being careful not to overstep others’ boundaries.
No other area in Tokyo is better for people watching, and especially street fashion and pop-culture observations than Harajuku and the nearby Yoyogi Park.
This here is the entrance to the busiest youth fashion street in the area…
Just nearby the interesting metro station…
Two steps away is Yoyogi Park, with some very interesting characters dancing to the sounds of Rock & Roll.
Check out the video to see them in action :
Fashion-wise, the youth seems to like it extreme, with a mix of colors and designs I’ve never seen elsewhere.
If you’re thinking “that’s Cosplay”, it’s not, though I sometimes myself get confused and lose the fine distinction between what is self expression and what is a costume to imitate Anime characters. There is one bridge in Harajuku which is specifically intended for Cosplayers with an even more extreme cross-gender dressing and costumes.
Where do they get this stuff? everywhere, and those things ain’t cheap. That long street from the beginning of the post hosts an endless array of extreme fashion stores, usually crowded with eager teenagers.
Back to Yoyogi Park, since it was a Sunday, a street market was setup, with delicious affordable street food.
… with occasional bands playing Japanese pop/rock.
Love that area. Best day stroll I’ve had in Tokyo.
some of the girls are wearing the lorita style dressing… which should be very similar to the European elegant style (which I don't think so).
However, I am sure some of them are playing cross play… you see the suitcase and you will know. Cross-player usually gather together, take a lot of photo, very expressionalism, and most of them bring a suitcase to carry their custom.
Why I know so much? My student is a cross-player.
Cass – while some surely are Cosplayers (especially on that bridge), I'm almost certain most aren't. I think the clear line between Cosplaying and fashion here in HK isn't as clear and straightforward in Japan, especially in that area.
I love it. You gotta cut loose somehow!
Beautiful photos!
Beautiful girls!
Thanks, Neil.
Thanks, Nitzan. The Tokyo girls are a sight, no doubt about that. 🙂
I wish i lived in japan v_v i love thier fashion and cultural, i hope i can visit japan one day.