Japanese Fashion
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This page was created on 5 June, 2007.
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¤ Traditional Kimono |
Japanese fashion is very distinct and is composed of modern and traditional styles of clothing that differ greatly from one another. Modern Japanese fashion is usually defined by a certain subculture of the Japanese population that follows certain trends in clothing and accessory styles. In this lesson, you can explore various styles of fashion ranging from traditional to modern. You can also learn about the typical shopping experience in Japan.
The kimono is the national costume of Japan and is a full-length traditional garment worn by both genders. The typical kimono is characterized by long sleeves and a wide belt (obi) that is tied around the backside. Kimonos are worn with traditional wood-platformed thonged shoes (geta) and split-toe socks (tabi). There are many variations in color, fabric pattern, and even style. Kimonos are often very expensive and range in price from over $10,000 US dollars to $20,000 US dollars. Today, the kimono is usually not worn on a daily basis, but most often for special occasions such as weddings or tea ceremonies. They are also usually worn only by women.
Image from japanesekimono.com
Men's kimonos are simpler in design than that of women. When wearing a kimono, the right side of the kimono is overlapped by the left side. Only corpses are dressed with the right side overlapping the left.
Other variations of kimono exist, such as the yukata, which is worn during the summer.
A special white kimono is worn by the bride of a wedding called a shiromaku. Shiro means "white" and maku means "pure."
Another type of wedding kimono is the uchikake, which was only worn by court nobles. This is a colorful kimono that is intricately embroidered and is the last time a married woman wears a colorful kimono. Only young, unmarried women wear colorful kimono.
Along with the kimono, a bride's hair is styled in a traditional fashion and adorned with gold combs and traditional accessories.
Cosplay
Cosplay is a fusion of the English words "costume" and "play" and refers to a Japanese subculture of dressing up as characters from manga, anime, video games, pop music bands, and other sources of pop culture. It is a hobby which consists of creating intricate costumes, dressing up, and showing off the costumes at cosplay venues. Japanese cosplayers call themselves "reyazu." Cosplayers are a common sight at anime conventions all over the world.
Kogal/Ganguro
Kogal is a subculture of young women from urban areas that even has its own set of slang terms called Kogalese. The typical kogal outfit consists of platform boots, a miniskirt, hair-coloring, an artifical suntan, and loose knee socks, accompanied by expensive accessories such as cellphones, makeup, and designer handbags.
"Ko" refers to the English word "girl" and "gal" originates from English. This fashion trend emerged during the 1990s and has been criticized for its materialistic nature.
Ganguro is another fashion trend that was especially popular in the late 1990s and in the year 2000. The ganguro look consists of blonde-dyed hair, a deep tan, the heavy use of white eyeliner, platform shoes, colorful miniskirts, and lots of jewelry.
Gothic Lolita
Gothic Lolita is a style of street fashion among female teenagers which imitates the look of Victorian porcelain dolls. This style originated sometime in 1998. The typical gothic lolita look is made up of lacy and ribboned knee-length skirts with frilly Victorian blouses. Long black or white stockings or tights are common. Accessories include lace bonnets, parasols, ruffly headbands. Lolita refers to Vladimir Nabokov's novel. These outfits are mostly visible in the urban areas of Tokyo and Osaka. Gothic lolita is also portrayed in comic book character outfits.
Shopping in Japan
The largest shopping districts in Tokyo are Shinjuku, Ginza, and Shibuya. The service in department stores is excellent with uniformed workers greeting you on every floor.
An important shopping tip is to not bargain. Unlike many other Asian countries, bargaining is not common in Japan and should not be attempted.
Tokoro created and updated by Eunice Lee
