Harajuku is well known for being on the cutting edge
of Tokyo fashion. Many a fad has it's roots in this
eclectic mix of neo-hippy youth, many of which weren't
even alive during the 60's, or even the 70's for that
matter.
Video
Clip (3 meg)
Harajuku is truley an island oasis of originality,
youthful energey, freedom, and personal expression in
the sea of conformatism that is the modern business
culture of Tokyo.
One of the more exotic of Harjuku's attractions is
the Cosplay (Costume Play) tribes that take over the
bridge that crosses over the Yamanote line at Harajuku
Station.
On the weekends these women walk the streets Harajuku
and Yoyogi Park where they pose for tourist’s pictures
and sit together, enjoying the attention they are all
getting.
In recent years, Japan has developed a youth culture
obsessed with costumes and dressing up. The most popular
of cosplay themes are the Anime character and Gothic
Lolita look.
While Cosplay conventions are dominated by Anime characters,
the street scene is more in tune with the Gothil Lolita
look. And it is an interesting contrast between child-like
innocensce and raw sexuality. Adding even more credence
to the illusion is the notoriously child-like physical
look of young Japanese women.
The attention these women get does validate what they
do. They are constantly surrounded by photographers
and some seem even to have developed somewhat of a cult
following. I noticed on more than one occasion that
a spectator had gotten some pictures developed from
a previous weekends photo shoot and was letting the
model thumb through them, picking the ones she liked.
It was my first time to see this feast for the eyes,
and it will deffinitely not be the last. These girls
are a photographers dream. They really enjoy being photographed
and each seems to be trying to out-do the others in
their bid for the photographers attention.
Between the mobs of photographers, I even had the chance
to talk to some of them. The more Scarey looking ones
really try to put forth the attitude of a dark, brooding
loner. They are more hesitant to answer questions, but
most every one of them is more than willing to pose
for a few photos.
The ones dressed in the Gothic Lolita look are a lot
more approachable and are willing to discuss their theme
and what type of image they are going for.
You will notice that I have posted a lot of pictures
of Yuki, Ue, and Kazuna. Ue in particular was going
for as young a look as possible. I asked her age, and
she at first told me "Naisho" (secret).
But after a little while I eventually pried it out of
her.
So how old is she?....Naisho.
I'll let my readers guess how old she really is. Drop
me an email or post a message in the community message
board and I'll let you know if you were right.
So in closing I woud like to thank Azraela (bottom
of the page) and Yuki, Ue, and Kazuna for their help
in making Sushicam a more interesting place.
Domo arigatou gozaimashita!
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