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prlester · Joined: 08 Jan 2005 Posts: 92

If Japan is five years behind the U.S. in U.S. fashions, and the peak of hip hop popularity in the USA was 2005, has anyone noticed a shift yet to another artistic venue in Japan?
When I first worked in Japan in 03-04, hip hop was popular, but was still surprised that it had completely dominated the nightlife, fashion scene just a few years later on my return. I've been in and out of Japan the last year and have seen no let up.

Anyone notice a change?

move · Joined: 30 May 2009 Posts: 132

I don't get what you're saying here. Why would Japan be behind on US fashion? I think a lot of fashion that starts in Japan goes to the US and other parts of the world. Except for Crocs, ugh. I think Japan is several years ahead of the US on fashion, and several years behind on music.

As far as hip hop, it's not just a fad. It's music, art, fashion, and it's been around for over 20 years going strong. Well, if Yuki turns 19 and starts clubbing and wants to take hip hop dance lessons then that's another thing.

GambateBingBangBOOM · Joined: 04 Nov 2003 Posts: 2021 Location: Japan

If Japan is behind the US by five years in US fashion, then the US must behind Japan by a couple of hundred years in Japanese fashion- the only thing Japanese-y I ever see on foreigners outside of Japan are kimonos- and only very, very rarely - and hopefully not in public.

Bread · Joined: 24 May 2009 Posts: 318

Hoser · Joined: 19 Mar 2005 Posts: 694 Location: Toronto, Canada

Unfortunately hip hop is not a fad Sad

If only it were.

ShioriEigoKyoushi · Joined: 21 Aug 2009 Posts: 364 Location: Japan

OneJoelFifty · Joined: 06 Oct 2009 Posts: 463

Japan is well ahead of the US in the fashion stakes, designers actually spend time on the streets of Tokyo checking out what the kids have started wearing to get inspiration for new designs. Or so I read...

Hip Hop dress isn't much of a fashion in itself, it's really just a very mainstream image. I don't think it's going anywhere any time soon either.

On the subject, has anyone listened to any Japanese Hip Hop? It's interesting...

gaijinalways · Joined: 29 Nov 2005 Posts: 2279

That is true that designers are looking at Japanese fashion for ideas, but the main fashions and music adopted here tend to appear in the US first. Think disco, rap, hip hop/ Western clothing - jeans, T-shirts, tie-dyed, bell bottoms, hip hop fashion, etc.

As to what the next trend here will be, haven't a clue. I'm still wearing my jeans and T-shirts and listening to punk, jazz, classical, and rock when I can (sorry, J-pop doesn't do it for me).

OneJoelFifty · Joined: 06 Oct 2009 Posts: 463

Actually you're right. I remember traipsing round half of Tokyo looking for some Japanese-designed t-shirts, and being very disappointed that nearly ever shop was selling vintage or new American and English stuff. Then I discovered Uniqlo and all was well.