Monday, July 13, 2009

The Japan Countdown & Harajuku

I have spent the last few hours researching Japan and reading blog posts from some friends on their recent trip to Japan and I can't even explain how excited I am getting. 64 more days!

Today the topic of Harajuku came up and it has occured to me that I can not write a fashion blog and not go see the Harajuku kids while in Tokyo. That just seems so wrong! Only problem is I will not be in Tokyo on a Sunday so I will have to head over on Saturday morning and HOPE to catch a glimpse of them... I'm sad I can't squeeze Sunday in but our schedule is so packed with places to go and we are trying to limit our time in Tokyo as it's the most expensive city we'll be visiting... But who knows, maybe that will change.

What is Harajuku you may be asking (Dad, I know you are), well here is your answer from Wikipedia:
"Harajuku is the common name for the area around Harajuku Station on the Yamanote Line in the Shibuya ward of Tokyo, Japan. Every Sunday, young people dressed in a variety of styles including gothic lolita, visual kei, and decora, as well as cosplayers spend the day in Harajuku socializing. The fashion styles of these youths rarely conform to one particular style and are usually a mesh of many. Most young people gather on Jingu Bridge, which is a pedestrian bridge that connects Harajuku to the neighboring Meiji Shrine area.

Harajuku is also a fashion capital of the world renowned for unique street fashion. Harajuku street style is promoted in Japanese and international publications such as Kera, Tune, Gothic & Lolita Bible and Fruits. Many prominent designers and fashion ideas have sprung from Harajuku and incorporated themselves into other fashions throughout the world. Harajuku is also a large shopping district that includes luxury western designers like Louis Vuitton, Harajuku native designers, and affordable shops catering to youths."

We can pretty much thank Gwen Stefani for bringing Harajuku kids to our attention in the US. Had you heard of them before? If so, explain. :)

Enjoy!


Ja mata! (じゃ、また)

4 comments:

Unknown said...

Check the park next to the bridge too and you might find the Elvis guys. Apparently, most of the harajuku girls aren't from Tokyo at all, but from small towns outside who ride the train in on Sunday morning with their suitcases and then get dressed up one they arrive. It is strange in that they are there to be photographed and admired? Have fun!

Sam said...

Most of the Harajuku kids are out on Sunday morning but I have been there on other days and have seen them...so you probably won't totally miss out if you can't make it on a Sunday!
Just a couple of months til you go! Awesome!

Rozdeen said...

Check out FRUiTS mag. too for more Harajuku goodness.

www.rozdeen.com

Courtney said...

Hey! I saw some of the Harajuku kids on week days, so I bet you'll get a glimpse for sure! Have SO MUCH FUN!!!!!