Japan, Harajuku

Here is where the "Harajuku girls" hang out


When thinking about issues with accepted or different cultures, a destination that comes to mind is Japan, Harajuku. Japanese Culture is eclectic in nature and has now become modified into a hybrid culture that combines influences from Europe, North America and Asia. The Japanese are known for their ability to absorb western culture and capitalism while ultimately maintaining their cultural identity.

Harajuku is a popular iconic placed in the world of entertainment, inside and outside of Japan. It is the center of Japan's most extreme teenage cultures and travelers experience exotic kinds of fashion styles including Gothic Lolita, Gothic Maid, Wamono, Decora, Second-Hand Fashion, and cyber fashion. I was there 2 years ago, and was fortunate to experience the youth culture at its most extreme.(many young people gather around Harajuku Station and engage in cosplay ("costume play"), dressed up in crazy costumes to resemble anime characters, punk musicians, etc. ) Harajuku, in short, is a fantasyland for urbanists -- and fascinating for anyone with any interest in Japanese culture and people.

-Amie Han