I was recommended this little video from YouTube.
It’s a great display of all the diverse people in Japan and specifically Harajuku. I like how diverse the ages are, not just nothing but 20 somethings. There’s families, a couple of 40/50+ men, and even a sweet old business man that I guess might be about 70.
I also like that it supports but dispels some of the ideas of the Harajuku area. It’s probably best known for being “the center of Japan’s most extreme teenage cultures and fashion styles” (taken from Tokyo Travel). So it’s natural to include a lolita girl, some cafe maids, a cross dresser and even a bear (why not!). But the majority of people in the video are “normal” people. Very bold, expressive, stylish people, but not the stereotypical image of who abides in Harajuku.
And that’s how it should be, a realistic reflection of the residents of Harajuku. It’d be like making a video in Liverpool with nothing but footballers and Beatle-wannabes. It’s not styled like a tourist video. Yes it has sumo wrestlers, traditional kimonos, chefs (and even an appearance from Asimo!) but there’s businessmen, shop owners and people at a hanami (flower viewing). But the majority of the participants in the video are fun, vivacious, stylish people. To me it looks like a realistic snapshot of life in Harajuku. And it just makes me want to visit even more.
Enjoy!
