For those of us who live in Japan and don't avoid Shibuya on the weekends, the sight of girls, or even guys dressed in the original Yamanba or Ganguro fashion with it's extreme make up is still a regular one. However it does come surprising to see the BBC have a story about two british teenagers who copy the style down to perfection, utilizing online social networking services. After all while most Otaku related hobbies like video games, anime or figures are beginning to invade Japanese mainstream culture, the whole gyaru thing is practically over without any sort of come-back for over ten years now and is certainly not considered hip anymore amongst the tokyo youth.

These are Japanese Gyaru/Manba fashion examples. For the british counterparts check the BBC link.

For some reason though it seems fitting when watching overseas artist like Gwen Stefani or the more recent Lady Gaga who seem to naturally embody the image these girls tried to convey. And as we over here all know, once something is cool abroad, the acceptation level on a national level always rises as did with the Akihabara culture. Could a Gyaru come-back be on the rise with international backing? I certainly hope not.

BBC report with Video

This article has been created in collaboration with
Akiba Keizai Shimbun

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