Thinking of Japan….
“So, how obsessed are you with Japan?”
Weeeeeeeeeeeell…
Hinamatsuri, or Girls’ Day, is a special day for girls in Japan, celebrated on the 3rd of March. It’s also called ‘Dolls Day’, due to the celebrations, or “Momo no sekku” (Peach Festival) due to it being at the same time as the traditional peach blossom blooming in the lunar calendar.
It’s a day to celebrate girls and wish them good health and good growth. Families with girls traditionally set up a doll altar and dedicate peach blossoms to them. The altars are usually seven-tiered or five-tiered and are decorated with a red carpet.
3rd Anniversary of Japan Earthquake
Today is the 3rd year anniversary of the 2011 Japan Earthquake (8.9 on the Richter Scale) that ravaged Japan. So, just a thought for the victims and their family.
Also, today is the day that, in 1302, Romeo and Juliet got married.
Harajuku Fashion!
Harajuku is a neighborhood of Tokyo. A normal one. Except on Sundays.
Sunday is HARAJUKU FASHION DAY. Head to Yoyogi Park, and you’ll immediately see what that means. Teenagers from all corners of Tokyo (and Japan!) come to Harajuku to show off their style. Here are the more common styles or ‘cliques’ of clothing:
The Gothic Lolita
Characterised by black, victorian (usually shortened) era style clothing with loads of lace and ribbons, the Gothic Lolita is very feminine, dark and elegant to make the wearer look like a porcelain victorian doll.
The Sweet Lolita
Inspired by the Rococo Era, it’s innocent and well, sweet. Uses loads of pink ribbons, cute rabbits, references to books such as ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ and ‘Alice in Wonderland’. (especially the latter. It’s an obsession)
The Japanese Punk
You see Punks? Add loads of layers to their clothes and stick them on a random Japanese person.
The Cosplayer
They dress up as their favourite character from an anime or manga. Not only in Harajuku, head to the nearest Comicon and you’ll see loads. There’re pros and…not pros.
Decora Style
It’s bright, it’s plastic, it’s decora style! Literally decorate yourself with anything. The flashier the better.
Kawaii
Literally cute. It’s innocent and playful and with lots of pastels, in a modern way.
Wamono
Mixing traditional japanese clothing with Western. I like it.