Is Harajuku a Subculture?
Introduction
Harajuku has become an increasingly popular cultural phenomenon, especially in the West, but what exactly is it and why has it become such a popular subculture? This article will explore the origins and history of Harajuku, its fashion scene, and its current status as a subculture to answer this question.
What is Harajuku?
Harajuku is a district in Tokyo, Japan that is known for its unique street style culture that has been around since the 1980s when young people began gathering there to express themselves through fashion and music. The area has become a center for youth culture and creativity with many different styles of dress influenced by punk, gothic Lolita, visual kei, hip-hop, cosplay, and more. It’s also home to numerous shops selling clothes and accessories related to these styles as well as restaurants and cafes catering to the creative crowd.
History of Harajuku
The area now known as Harajuku was first developed in the late 19th century during the Meiji period when it became an affluent residential neighborhood with large mansions owned by wealthy families from Tokyo’s upper class society. After World War II, however, many of these mansions were demolished or converted into apartments which attracted young people from all over Tokyo who were looking for affordable housing in the city center. In the 1970s and 80s new music scenes started emerging in this area which drew even more young people to it and eventually led to the emergence of street style culture that we know today as “Harajuku” fashion.
Harajuku Fashion
The term “Harajuku fashion” refers to any type of clothing or accessory that is inspired by or related to Japanese street style culture originating from this district in Tokyo. It includes various types of punk-influenced looks such as gothic Lolita or visual kei styles as well as hip-hop inspired looks like those seen on Kogal girls or Ganguro girls (girls who dress up like tanned California beach babes). Other popular styles include cosplay (costume play) where people dress up like characters from anime or manga series; decora which involves wearing colorful accessories; kawaii (cute) which includes pastel colors and cute animal motifs; gyaru (gal) which features more mature looks such as fake tans; shironuri (painted face) which involves wearing white makeup; mori girl (forest girl) which focuses on natural fabrics and earth tones; fairy kei which uses bright colors; hime gyaru (princess gal) featuring girly dresses; dolly kei featuring vintage items; oshare kei featuring more avant-garde looks; yamanba/manba featuring extreme makeup looks; agejo featuring sexy clubwear; ganguro featuring dark skin tones with bright makeup…and much more!
Harajuku as a Subculture
Over time, these various fashion trends have come together to form what we now refer to as “Harajuku culture” – a distinct subculture within Japan that has spread internationally due to its unique look and influence on mainstream fashion trends around the world. As such, it can be considered both an aesthetic movement rooted in Japanese street style culture but also an international social phenomenon where people all over the world connect through their shared love for this unique style of dressing up – whether they are physically present at one of Tokyo’s famous shopping streets or just browsing online shops from halfway across the globe!
Popularity of Harajuku in The West Westerners have long been fascinated by Japanese culture so it comes as no surprise that many have embraced this particular style too – not just through buying clothes but also through creating their own versions based on what they see online or while visiting Japan itself! In recent years there has been an increase in events dedicated solely to celebrating this unique subculture – from conventions such as Anime Expo in Los Angeles or Hyper Japan Festival in London where attendees can show off their latest outfits inspired by Japanese street style trends – all evidence pointing towards its growing popularity outside of Japan itself. Furthermore, influential figures such as Gwen Stefani have helped bring attention towards this scene by incorporating elements into her own work while also giving recognition to some designers associated with it.
Criticisms Of The Harajuku Scene
As with any other cultural phenomenon there are always going to be criticisms associated with it too – especially when it comes to something so visible like Harajuku fashion. Some argue that certain aspects are too extreme while others point out how some styles can be overly sexualized or even racist at times due to their appropriation from other cultures without proper acknowledgement given back. There are also those who feel that commercialization has taken away some of its authenticity due to big brands jumping onto the trend bandwagon without truly understanding what makes it special in the first place. However despite these criticisms there is still plenty of room for everyone within this scene regardless of race/gender/sexuality/etc., making it one of the most inclusive places around!
Conclusion
In conclusion, Harajuku can definitely be considered a subculture due its unique aesthetic roots combined with international social appeal – making it one of most recognizable cultural phenomena worldwide today! Furthermore its openness towards different types of expression make it a great place for anyone looking for something different – whether you’re interested in exploring traditional Japanese street styles or creating your own version based on what you see online – you’re sure find something special here!
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What culture is Harajuku?
Harajuku is known internationally for its popularity among Japanese youth, and for its high-quality fashion brands.
What is a subculture in Japan?
Gyaru is the Japanese term for a fashion subculture that has been around for two decades. Gyaru fashion is often divided into many different subcategories, including kogyaru (kissy girls), hime gyaru (pretty girls), ganguro (black hair), banba (stripey skirts), yamanba (bamboo skirts), and more.
Does Japan have subcultures?
In Japan, there are a surprising number of internationally recognized subcultures. Cosplay, Kawaii, and Otaku are all common enough expressions in everyday English that they have their own dictionary entries.
Is Harajuku pop culture?
Harajuku is known as the most popular place for people in Tokyo to enjoy popular pop culture. You can walk around the streets and enjoy the colorful and quirky outfits of Harajuku-style teenagers.
Is kawaii culture a subculture?
Kawaii (which means “cute” in Japanese) has gradually gone from a small subculture in Japan to an important part of Japanese modern culture. Characters associated with kawaii are popular all over the world, and kawaii themes are found in a wide variety of products.
What is Japanese punk culture called?
Kawaii is the pinnacle of postmodern incorporation of avant-garde artistic movements, while still incorporating concepts rooted in Japanese culture. It will be introduced on January 23, 2021.