Harajuku Fashion Style: Why Is It So Popular?

If you’re a fashion lover, you surely can’t miss the vibrant Harajuku fashion style in beautiful Tokyo! The Harajuku fashion style has had a strong influence on global fashion. So, come along with us to explore Harajuku fashion trends throughout the years and discover some of its iconic styles!

How has Harajuku fashion changed?

Harajuku fashion started rising in the 1970s when Japanese youth abandoned tradition and explored new, creative dress styles. In the 1980s, Takeshita Street in Harajuku became the go-to spot for bold looks. Styles like Lolita, Visual Kei, and Decora began showing up. As time went on, Harajuku became a full-on playground for fashion lovers. 

By the 2000s, Harajuku fashion had gone global, inspiring trends in Europe and America. Though these trends are still alive today, they’ve changed a bit. While the wild, colorful outfits aren’t as everyday as before, you can still find stylish and expressive looks around Takeshita Street. Many young people now mix Harajuku’s playful spirit with more modern, wearable fashion.

Takenokozoku

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, a new Harajuku fashion style burst onto the scene called takenokozoku. Though the name originated from a Shibuya shop called Takenoko, the fashion became its vibrant style. It all started with youth dance groups gathering on Sunday afternoons to show off colorful outfits and fun, choreographed dances. 

Teens wore super loose, baggy jumpsuits called harem suits, inspired by traditional Japanese and Chinese clothing. These suits were made from flashy polyester and other cheap materials, which gave them a shiny, eye-catching look. They came in cheerful colors like neon pink, bright red, yellow, green, and violet. 

The outfits were usually tied at the waist with string and decorated with kanji symbols, name patches, plastic whistles, or small plush toys. Their shoes were soft kung fu-style slippers, perfect for dancing all day.

While the takenokozoku trend faded in the 1980s, especially after the rockabilly dancers took over Harajuku, its spirit lived on. It inspired future Japanese fashion tribes like gyaru, decora, and even parts of the kawaii movement. There have been revival groups like KEKENOKO trying to bring back the look.

Gyaru

Gyaru is a bold and playful Japanese style that emerged in Shibuya Ward in the 1970s and became famous in the 1990s and early 2000s. The name originates from the English word “gal.” It describes young women who want to break away from traditional Japanese beauty standards, like pale skin and black hair. Instead, these girls wear tanned skin, bleached hair, flashy clothes, and lots of makeup.

Their hair was often dyed blonde or light brown, styled with curls, waves, or teased into big bouffants. Their faces were full of contour, long fake lashes, and glossy lips. Many wore bright miniskirts, crop tops, platform shoes, and decorated nails.

There were also many types of gyaru! For example, kogyaru wore short school skirts and big socks. Ganguro had dark tans and bright white makeup. There was also himegyaru, the princess-style gyaru, with fancy dresses and big bows. B-gyaru was inspired by R&B and hip-hop, often wearing sporty or urban looks.

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Lolita

Lolita is a charming and unique Harajuku fashion style that started in Japan in the late 1970s and bloomed in the 1990s. It takes inspiration from Victorian and Rococo clothing. This style began as a way for young people to rebel against fashion rules and dress like dolls for their joy. Instead of following trends, lolita is about creating a magical, fairytale look that’s sweet, classy, or even a little spooky, depending on the substyle.

Every lolita outfit, called a “co-ord,” is carefully planned. It includes dresses or skirts that puff out with petticoats and cute blouses. Fun accessories like gloves, parasols, or mini handbags complete the look!

The materials are usually high-quality cotton, lace, and sometimes shiny satin or velvet. Standard colors include soft pinks, baby blues, deep reds, and classic black-and-white combos. Some famous lolita fashion shops include Baby, The Stars Shine Bright, Angelic Pretty, and Metamorphose!

Decora

Decora is a colorful and fun Harajuku fashion style that started in the late 1990s. It was inspired by pop idols like Tomoe Shinohara, whose fans loved her wild and creative outfits. Soon, these fans added accessories, brighter colors, and playful items to their looks. This new trend was named decora, which comes from the word “decoration”.

The materials and designs in Decora fashion are soft and colorful, often inspired by 80s and 90s toys and characters like Hello Kitty and Pokémon. Glittery makeup, star-shaped stickers under the eyes, or bright wigs add to the overall look. Hairstyles, like pigtails or braids, can be simple but filled with dozens of hair clips and bows. Shoes can be anything from high-top sneakers to cute Mary Janes. 

There are also different types of decora, including casual decora (a bit simpler), pink decora (all pink everything!), and even dark decora (with darker colors and moods).

Visual Kei

Visual kei (visual style) is an artistic fashion movement from Japan. It started in the 1980s with rock bands like X Japan and Buck-Tick. The style mixes glam rock, gothic, punk, and traditional Japanese fashion. It began as a way for musicians to stand out on stage, but soon fans joined in, dressing up in similar dramatic outfits full of personality and mystery.

The visual kei look is centered around standing out. Big hair, teased, spiked, or dyed in bright or dark colors, is just the beginning. Outfits mix soft and edgy styles, from lace shirts and leather pants to plaid or fancy coats and even royal-style ballgowns. Accessories such as chains, gloves, and bold earrings add extra flair. Both boys and girls wear dark eyeliner, smoky eyes, and pale or sparkly makeup for a dramatic look.

Why are these Harajuku fashion styles important?

These styles are meaningful because they allow people to express themselves without following strict rules. In a society where tradition and uniformity were once expected, Harajuku fashion opened up a space where color, creativity, and individuality could shine.

Though the scene is quieter than years ago, Harajuku fashion styles continue influencing people’s thoughts about personal style worldwide. Fashion becomes a way to connect, share culture, and be seen! What kind of style do you think best shows who you are? Let us know in the comments!