The fashion industry is very diverse and has a very different approach worldwide. But it is recognized that Japan has the world's most unusual, innovative, and often very weird but otherwise cool fashion statements, and it is evident that non-Japanese people have noticed and used the current cultures and subcultures in the said country as their own declaration of individuality and fashion choice.
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Quite frequently, these styles are seen in Tokyo's Harajuku district, where anyone can be themselves openly without restrictions. In reality, many people come here just to dress differently or to explore their own uniqueness, how much they want to alter themselves. We will have a deeper understanding of certain cultures with the aid of short documentaries on how and why peculiar styles have become the way they are and how people actually embraced them.
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Listed here are some short documentary videos that would help you explore furthermore about Harajuku and it's famous reputation as the main fashion district of Tokyo.
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1. What Harajuku girls really look like
Photo: Refinery29
Discusses different style subcultures in Harajuku, and this video specifically focuses on Decora Fashion. Kurebayashi, an influencer and known decora girl, along with a decora boy named Juunyan gives a tour around Harajuku and it gives us an in depth history about this subculture. The look and what they feel about it is talked about in the video.
Watch video by clicking here.
2. Harajuku fashion walk
Photo: Tokyo Fashion
For most people in Japan who follow various subcultural types, the district of Harajuku is a place where they can be themselves without limitations and express themselves further. Fashion walks are arranged so that these fashionistas can meet, be themselves and have fun in the streets of Harajuku while showcasing their fashion statement. Organizing these events by passionate young people is a way for them to encourage and show their love for various types of subcultures.
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Watch video by clicking here.
3. Harajuku style in Tokyo
Photo: The New York Times
This short documentary generally shows how the Harajuku district is a place for freedom of expression, how people are coming here to be able to be themselves and just wear whichever clothes they prefer without fear of judgement from other people. These streets are really the place where you can parade your individuality and not be ashamed about it at all costs.
Watch video by clicking here.
4. The dark side of Harajuku fashion
(Trigger warning: watch at your own discretion)
Photo: Refinery29
Kuua is an artist and influencer who is embracing her look called Yami Kawaii (sick cute). The style is generally all pastel and soft colors, but with a touch of black or dark themes. Medical and disturbing themes are often incorporated with kawaii so there are a lot of contrasting elements. The prints and design are portrayed as cute but with dark messages or words along with it. Accessories with medical themes are often used for this look.
Bisuko, an artist and illustrator pioneered the trend and he's to discuss how this theme and designs came to be, and how he wants to change the negative image of mental illness through his vision. This documentary is discussing mental health and could be triggering to some, so watch at your own risk. Japan has the highest suicide rates in the world and this was somehow inspired by that. This video will make you have a better understanding why this become a trend.
Watch video by clicking here.
5. The story of Kumamiki's kawaii Harajuku fashion brand
Photo: Tokyo Fashion
Ah, the kawaii culture, this is will be one of those fashion trends that would never die down, in fact, it is extending internationally where non-Japanese people are making this their lifestyle and fashion statement.
Kumamiki is a designer from Japan whose primary focus is on this trend. This video looks at how her passion for Kawaii came to be in a very personal way. She also says that being young and feeling young at heart is never a bad thing and should be embraced.
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She talks about where and how she gets her inspiration from and how she incorporates them into her design which is always on the kawaii side. See how she prepared for her brand's first ever fashion show. The said brand, which was named Party baby during this time, has expanded and is now known as Pachi Pachi factory.
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Watch video by clicking
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6. Tokyo's genderless look
Photo: i-D
Exploring this style where a boy can wear clothing for girls and girls can wear clothing for boys, but their sexuality has nothing to do with this. They express themselves like that, because it's what makes them happy and relaxed. As long as they adopt their chosen form or style, they are not afraid of judgment from anyone.
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For this style, a mix and match of both girl and boy clothing is prevalent, such as boys wearing skirts and pants underneath.
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The idea is, regardless of gender, that you can literally wear anything.
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Watch video by clicking here.
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7. We asked Harajuku girls to take off their makeup
Photo: ASIAN BOSS
Now this one is rather intriguing, we all know that Japanese fashion gives a great deal with outer appearance that includes their makeup. How would they feel if their were asked to remove their makeup in public while wearing their fashion style for the day? Will they do it for a price? How does it feel if they did and what is the impact of this to their confidence?
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Watch the video here and find out.
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8. Harajuku & Lolita fashion
Photo: ICON Network
Explore the style that is influenced by Victorian era clothing, which is Lolita fashion. Watch as Rin Rin Doll, as Japanese fashion model, as she talks about her love for this particular subculture. Join her as she goes to different shops to put together a gorgeous street style for Sonya Esman with really kawaii results.
Watch the video here.
9. Conan hits the streets of Tokyo
Photo: Team Coco
How about a change of phase? This funny and cute short video that shows Conan, a famous talk show host, walking around the streets of Harajuku for some vending machine action and a super kawaii and funny makeover which was quite surprising, with mixed reactions from everyone. Check it out to find out what we meant by that and have a little laugh in the process.
Watch the video here.
10. Japan: Fascinating diversity
Photo: 外務省 / MOFA
Here explores the very diverse Japanese fashion scene not only in Harajuku, but also various parts of Tokyo like Shibuya and Akihabara, where Fashion statement and different cultures are a big deal. Join them as they go to cool Japanese clothing shops where some famous celebrities go shopping, like Lady Gaga. Aside from that, they try to witness a famous Harajuku kawaii event where new cute trends make their debut and Japanese girls and women can buy the clothes and accessories shown by the models afterwards, hoping to get the biggest and most popular piece for the day.
Watch the video here.
11. Walk on Harajuku at Tokyo (Fashion Street)
Photo: Walk Samurai
This video shows you what it's like to walk through Tokyo's Harajuku district. You will have inside the streets, real time experience and you can come to see real Japanese people and foreigners on clothes and lifestyles of different kinds, when passing by various boutiques,
hops and restaurants.
Conclusion
There really is no denying that when it comes to fashion in japan, Harajuku district is the place to go. If you are influenced by any of these styles (currently or later on), makes sure you pick the right look, something that you know will make you happy, comfortable and just being yourself.
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To get you started on the Japanese fashion culture, you can visit Kawaii Vibe and try to see items, clothes, decors or accessories that would help you be a kawaii person inside and out.
