Harajuku's fashion rebirth

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for free here:

Tokyo’s Harajuku neighbourhood has long been associated with colourful and eye-catching fashion. But how did this once-quiet corner of the Japanese capital’s Shibuya Ward become an international fashion mecca? In this episode of Cultured, we explore the history and legacy of Harajuku and meet some of the rising stars working to build the neighbourhood’s foundations for future generations.

Related stories:

More fashion stories on SCMP:

Support us:

Follow us on:

#scmp #Cultured #Japan

[SouthChinaMorningPost]

More fashion stories on SCMP: sc.mp/uk88o

[lizawithaz]

I love that the "Harajuku" style/Neo-Deco fashion is returning. When I first began travelling to Japan back in 2008, the "Harajuku" girls and boys would hang out on the bridge next to the old train station, proudly parading their creative, unique styles. They would always happily oblige posing for a photo for me, a foreign tourist. Harajuku has changed a lot since then - it's become gentrified with the introduction of various high end designer labels in the Ometosando area and the fashion is somewhat homogenous, so yes....bring on the colour, liveliness and originality of the Neo-Deco fashion!! ❤🧡💛💖💚💙💜

[kcos]

For me as a little girl, my interest in Japan started with Harajuku fashion back in 2004/5, finding out about it because of Gwen Stefani 😅20 years later and it's still so inspiring to me. These kids are rebels, standing up to a boring reality in which we all dress the same. I'm so happy to see that Harajuku and its fashion are slowly starting to thrive again!!

[Finntroll]

It's really sad to see what Harajuku has become in the last few years. They got rid of most of the unique shops that it was famous for and replaced them with stores you can find anywhere. I imagine a lot of tourists who visit are probably disappointed.

[KaleidoSTAR_PH]

Harajuku fashion should make a comeback, glad these Gen Z are interested on making it popular again like how it was in 2000s

[Miserycordya]

discovering this world in 2003 in many ways changed the trajectory of how i viewed my own brand of self-expression. i am forever grateful.

[Bianca_Di_Giorgio]

Wonderful! People should be able to express themselves like this, without fear, in any part of the world! So much respect and admiration for Harajuku 🫶🏻

[swordsnorchids]

Haters gonna hate but this fashion is a lot more fun than the same old lame boring stuff you see everywhere and everyday.

[nikko_faded]

Wow I can’t believe it, I’ve gone emotional seeing this as a writer and as a fashion enthusiast it’s so fun to see things come back to what they were although different.

[melocitysolo]

I can assure you that Harajuku fashion will never disappear. It will definitely come back. Everything in this world has ebbs and flows.

[cheyanneturner]

First time I went in 2017 it was sort of still quirky but I went in summer 2023 and there was barely anything. Now all that remains are bubble tea shops, k pop shops, aliexpress tacky shops and crepe stands

[damieismediocre]

ive loved j-fashion since i was very young, im so happy to see all corners of it get popular again

[secondway]

Harajuku might have changed a lot during the last years and the increasing numbers of tourist but the creativity and the people’s urge to express themselves never change, it just finds a new place. A new generation will create a new Harajuku somewhere ☺️

[kimackerman]

I love Harajuku style! I've been trying to dress up more like it now, was into the goth/punk fashion still love it of course! But the colorful clothes just makes me happier to now wear 🌈

[BallistaKlayton]

theres a big community in Los Angeles that has monthly meets and this year its expanding and doing a whole lot more collabs.. some of the nicest groups and friends I've met there. Just wanted to share this :3

[leylafashion]

I am happy that these people still can express themselves with fashion!! I only wished Harajuku was not so crazy crowded. We went in the morning, then it was ok. But when we went back it was packed with tourists. I remember the days 20 yrs ago when it was really for the fashion people, I loved to shop there back in the days.

[npcimknot]

The problem is when things go up it becomes less tangible.. harajuku was about fashion but many elements of harajuku fashion was diy and independant not big brands.. but when the independant stuff also is getting too expensive it’s not really about expression anymore.. and more about competition.

[bobenton]

Early 2000s I lived in Japan for two years and this fashion was booming it was one of the best and most fun times of my life! I would totally go and live in Japan for my retirement. Japanese people are amazing!

[yonathanasefaw]

I still love Harajuku for all that it is but still it makes me feel hopeful for its future.

[Thewhiteandorange]

that girl and her friends are breathing a new life into Harajuku. beautiful.