The Anime Blog - We Go Beyond Anime!

Love it or hate it, one can’t help but be intrigued by modern Japanese fashion. With their loud colors, strange accessories, and daunting hairstyles, trendy fashions among Japanese young people seem almost alien in comparison to America’s goth, punk, and emo fashions.

It’s perplexing how some of the obnoxious, brash, and downright garish street fashions evolved from the elegant and subdued attire of traditional Japan. Perhaps these modern day styles are a way of creating an individual statement in the world. A, “Hey, I don’t follow your rules!” done in fabric and visual protest instead of petitions and demonstrations. Any way you look at the fashions, they’re still almost works of art and should be appreciated for their artistic appeal.

The traditional clothing of Japan are also quite artistic, if in a more subtle and refined way. Most clothing worn at the time were utilitarian and served a purpose: keep a person dry and warm or to better enable the drawing of a sword. Some was ornamental, like the many layered kimono favored by women of rank.

How much do you think you know about Japanese fashion and attire, past and present? A lot? A little? Do you consider yourself a Japanese clothing historian, or are you up to date on the latest in Shinjuku? Find out in Past to Present: A Quiz for Fans of Japanese Fashion!

(Answers and actual fashion facts given are below the quiz. The quiz is off site but come back to rate your score and see how you did!!! No peeking until you’re done!)

Rate your score!

• 100-90%= Sugoi!! You’re a regular Japanese fashionista!!!
• 89-80%= Yatta! Way to know your Gothic from your Lolita!
• 79-60%= Genki. You’re learning Japanese fashion one geta at a time!
• 59-40%= Ma-ma. Meh, you can do better.
• Below 40%= Baka! You need to spend some serious time in Harajuku!!

1. False. Geta are wooden clogs much favored for wearing during the rainy and snowy season since they keep feet dry by virtue of being elevated on two wooden blocks.

2. True. Obi is translated literally as kimono sash. These sashes can be simple and utilitarian or beautiful and artistic. They serve as both closure and decoration.

3. False. These are all hairstyles worn by women in different stages of their geisha training. Wareshinobu, Ofuku, Katsuyama and Yakko-Shimada are worn by maiko (geisha in training.)

4. False. Tabi are the split socks used when wearing geta or zori. Anyone can wear them, no matter their rank.

5. True. Yukata are light weight summer kimono. Cotton is an ideal choice for yukata since the fabric “breathes” well.

6. False. This elaborate kimono from the Heian Period is actually made of twelve (ju ni) layers, not fourteen.

7. True. Kanzashi are seasonal, decorative hair ornaments worn by women to compliment their elaborate dos. It’d be a no-no to wear momiji (maple leaves) in spring.

8. False. Happi are traditionally short coats worn by shop keepers. Nowadays, sushi chefs, taiko drummers, and festival goers also sport happi.

9. True. And like their American counterpart, zori hurt like the dickens.

10. True. Shibori is the Japanese term encompassing, but not limited to, tie-dyeing.

11. False. The line of the kimono should be on the right hand side. Only the dead wear the kimono aligned to the left.

12. True. Hakama were originally worn only by samurai, but the practice spread to other classes as well.

13. False. Yukata are summer kimono, and are worn by both men and women. Kimono are also worn by both sexes.

14. False. Yo- refers to the West and -fuku translates as clothing. Yofuku: Western clothing.

15. False. Street fashion is genre of fashion which is anything but “mainstream”. Wearers of street fashion really stand out in a crowd, not blend into it.

16. True. The wa- refers to traditional Japan. The fashion was made popular by Japanese fashion designer, Takuya Sawada.

17. False. This is one school uniform worn only by girl’s. Sera, is “sailor” and fuku is clothing or uniform; in this case, uniform. It’s popular in anime for schoolgirl’s to be wearing sailor suits.

18. True. But Aristocrats don’t have much in common with their colorful, puffy counterparts. Aristocrats like to dress in a dignified manner reminiscent of Victorian schoolmarms.

19. True. These “gals” prefer to spend cash and show off how they spent it. High heels, dark tans and blonde hair are indicative to the style. There are also various sub-styles to the Kogals, but Kogal was the first on the scene.

20. False. This fashion craze has been going strong for some time now. Schoolgirls like to accessorize their rather blah uniforms with these baggy leg warmer-like creations. The style shows no sign of letting up any time soon, either.

21. False Actually, Yamanba, characterized by wild hair, super-dark fake tans, and aboriginal-style makeup, is a sub-style of Kogal.

22. False. Yet again we have another sub style of Kogal. Ganguro (black face) sport blonde hair, white eyeliner and lipstick, long nails, short miniskirts, and high heels.

23. True. But only on the weekends. However, many street style-wearing young people flock to Harajuka to hang out and be seen, not just goth lolis.

24. True. Long, highly decorative nails are a favorite among young women.

25. False. Those dark colors won’t go anywhere near a sweet loli. Pinks, lilacs, creams and baby blues are the only colors fitting for a confection such as a sweet lolita.

26. False. Gotcha! Mana is the person responsible for creating the EGL/ EGA brand of clothing, however, Mana is a man, not a woman.

27. True. And how! Decora fans look like over qualified applicants for the Rainbow Brite show. They practically glow with all the blinding colors they adorn themselves with.

28. True. Goodbye black hair, hello auburn!

29. True. Ojisama means prince, and the men who follow this style do look like European princes in their tails and ruffles.

30. False. Think of Japanese street styles as young people’s way to express themselves within a highly conforming and homogenized society. It’s their way of making a statement via fashion.