Why is Japanese subculture so sexualized?
Japan is known for its unique fashion and subcultures that stand out from the rest of the world. From striking technology to even more striking fashion trends, the country is a source of surprises. In this article, we take a closer look at ten of the most notable subcultures in Japan.
1. The Lolita subculture:
This is a fashion movement that focuses on a Victorian and childish style, with an emphasis on voluminous skirts, bows and variegated prints. Inspired by European fashions of the 19th century, this style strives for an innocent and dreamy look. One of Japan’s enchanting subcultures.
2. The Visual Kei subculture:
This subculture caters to musicians and fans of the Japanese rock and metal scene. Visual Kei stands out for his extremely striking and theatrical clothing, especially the eccentric hairstyles and makeup. This style emerged in the 1980s and is considered an expression of individualism and creativity.
3. The Ganguro subculture:
This is a fashion movement that focuses on a summery, bronze look. Ganguro girls often wear extremely dark sunscreen, bright makeup and eye-catching clothing and accessories. This subculture emerged in the 1990s and was a reaction to Japan’s formal and strict fashion standards. Some ganguro girls even took it so far as to paint themselves black and pretend to be real black women.
4. The Yamanba subculture:
This subculture is inspired by mountain goddesses and focuses on creating a rugged and natural look. Yamanba girls wear knitted ponchos, gold jewelry and natural makeup to emphasize their appearance. Bright lipstick or “kuchibeni” is very common in this regard. Some Yamanbas even wore prosthetic mutilated limbs and teeth painted black.
5. The Harajuku subculture:
This is a popular fashion movement in Japan that focuses on striking and colorful style. Harajuku girls often wear more than five layers of clothing, neon colors and eye-catching accessories. This subculture originated in the 1990s and was inspired by Japanese street fashion. Some wear so many bracelets they can barely move anymore
6. The Decora subculture:
This is a fashion movement that focuses on overloading clothing and accessories, such as flashing bracelets, jewelry and clips. Decora-girls strive for a “more is more” there, trying to wear as many different accessories as possible. Originating in the 1990s, this subculture was inspired by Japanese pop culture and kawaii style.
7. The Kyary Pamyu Pamyu subculture:
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu is a popular J-pop artist known for her unique and distinctive fashion style. Kyary is influenced by Harajuku fashion and strives for a colorful and imaginative look. Her fans follow her style closely and create their own version of her unique look.
8. The Goth-Loli subculture:
This is a combination of the Lolita and Goth subcultures. This style focuses on creating a dark and cool version of Lolita fashion, emphasizing dark clothing, makeup and accessories.
9. Cosplay subculture:
Cosplay is a popular activity in Japan in which people dress up as their favorite anime or manga characters. Cosplayers often create their own costumes and accessories to resemble their character as accurately as possible. This subculture originated in the 1970s and has since grown into a worldwide movement.
10. The Kawaii subculture:
This subculture focuses on creating the cutest and sweetest look possible. Kawaii girls often wear eye-catching clothes and accessories with pastel colors and candy motifs. This style originated in the 1970s and has since become one of the most popular fashion movements in Japan.
Expression of individualism
Japan, of course, is strict in relative terms compared to Europe and America. It is less natural in Japanese society than with us to “get out of line. It is simply less accepted. In these subcultures, many people come together and find a well-accepted form of self-expression. In Japan, then, these subcultures are scrupulously observed and are an expression of individualism and creativity. Whether you find them striking or remarkable, at least they offer a unique perspective on Japanese fashion and culture.
Subcultures in Japan and sexuality
Subcultures in Japan are often associated with sexuality for various reasons. First, sexuality and fashion are often seen as part of the same form of expression, with people dressing in a way that suits their sexuality.
Anime and manga play an important role in sexualizing subcultures
Moreover, Japanese media, especially anime and manga, plays an important role in the sexualization of subcultures. In these media, characters are often identified by their fashion and clothing styles, and subcultures are often depicted as sexually expressive subcultures.
popular culture
In addition, eroticization in popular culture also plays an important role in the sexualization of subcultures. For example, there are erotic photo shoots, music videos and events where subcultures have been used as inspiration. The use of sexuality as a marketing and sales strategy is a well-known phenomenon in Japan, and has led to the further sexualization of various subcultures.
It is important to note that the sexualization of subcultures in Japan is not seen as disturbing by many and is considered part of popular culture. Yet there are critics who argue that it goes too far and leads to false expectations and perceptions.