Harajuku

"What is now known as Harajuku (like Halloween in Japan every Sunday) style started as teens in the district began to integrate traditional Japanese attire, especially kimonos and geta sandals, into their dress. Before, they wore primarily clothes that were influenced by the West, but by mixing the traditional with the modern, they created a new style." - From http://www.wikihow.com/Dress-Harajuku-Style

As I said, the street fashion of Japan has been one of my favorite things since I discovered such a thing existed about four years ago. Every week, teenagers in strange often brightly colored or halloweenish clothing gather primarily on Takeshita Dori (a street) to hang out and shop in the many, equally as strange, shops.

"Japanese Harajuku Girls and Harajuku Style has been used to describe teens dressed in many fashion styles ranging from Gothic Lolita, Visual Kei, Ganguro, Gyaru, Kogal, to "cute" Kawaii style clothing." - From http://www.harajukustyle.net/

I found this interesting article on WikiHowTo that explains the fashion really well.: http://www.wikihow.com/Dress-Harajuku-Style

The crazier the better really! I think its such a cool idea and I wish there was a place in America to be so expressive with clothing choices (on a day other than Halloween or Mis-match-day) and people wouldn't look at you weird. I think being able to dress as freakishly as you want from time to time is a good outlet for creativity and lets be honesty if you saw people walking around dressed almost clownishly, it makes you smile. I think the world needs a bit more sillyiness. People would take themselves and all their issues a little less seriously and we would all smile and laugh more.

Here is a video that gives a really cool overview of the Harajuku district. Check out the crazy costumes and all those stores!



If I do end up going to Japan with my friend this summer, Harajuku is the place where I will probably end up spending most of my money. All those brightly colored articles of clothing and accessories would just be to great to pass up!