Month/Year of Graduation

5-2024

Department

Art and Art History

First Advisor

Adrian Duran

Abstract

Over the past 50 years, the Harajuku neighborhood in Tokyo, Japan, has become an epicenter for innovative fashion trends that have reached global audiences. Fashion, as a medium, is an art form that can be as powerful as traditional work. It can convey a multitude of messages, and most notably, it can be a wordless statement against dominant culture and societal norms. Social groups have used fashion as an identifier, and they are commonly linked with a subcultural identity. Self-expression is a powerful tool to fight against the status quo, and fashion enthusiasts in Japan have advocated for a rebellion against the strict customs of their society. This paper explores five styles found in Harajuku, and it aims to explain that there are social movements behind them that have kept them alive. Carefully coordinated outfits have different meanings, and they are identifiable through elements like accessories, colors, and other motifs. The vibrant subcultures found in Harajuku encourage people to build community, experiment, and be themselves. It addresses modern-day issues that have surfaced since the early 2000s; this includes the influences of social media and overconsumption in the fashion world. There are also Western influences that have affected people’s perception of Harajuku fashion. The goal is to provide an introduction to the rich subcultural landscape of Harajuku to get people involved in the preservation of its youthful energy and spirit. Since fashion culture experiences ebbs and flows, it is up to Harajuku lovers to keep styles from becoming dying trends.

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