Fashion

May 03 2007 1 Comment

Hello Hello Kitty

For fans somehow not content with the recent release of the Hello Kitty banana case, Japanese mobile phone operator SoftBank has teamed up with Sanrio to produce a series of limited edition feline phones, each one decorated with dozens of crystals to faithfully depict the deadpan deity’s rather featureless face.

A set of cell phones that are touted as gorgeous, although tacky could well be more truthful.

But either way, for those hoping to get their hands on such a prime piece of pussy, only 100 models of each design will be available, making them telephones to be treasured for the lucky few.

Or alternatively quickly traded online for a massive amount of money.

Apr 30 2007 12 Comments

Tokyo T-shirts

For some people, shopping is something to suffer rather than celebrate, with smash and grab like raids or resorting to online retailers the only means of survival. Many Japanese on the other hand seem to see shopping as a source of happiness, or even a hobby, which practically turns popular shops into places of worship — sort of.

A mindset that makes the movie mantra of ‘If you build it, they will come’ ring very true indeed, especially in regards to recently opened outlets; however a fondness for fads also dictates that a fair number of them will fail in the far from distant future.

Such a situation makes the newly opened UNIQLO UT in Tokyo’s Harajuku district an intriguing one indeed, as the combination of a nationally well-known brand and an especially novel new shop means its immediate success is guaranteed.

But as it only sells T-shirts, will the fact that they are served tucked up in tubes rather than fastidiously folded on shelves be enough to hold the attention of the capital’s consumers in the long term?

Although considering Japan’s long lasting love affair with vending machines, the answer is probably a positive one.

Perhaps.

(click images for higher-res Harajuku homage)

Apr 18 2007 Leave a Comment

Maid to measure

For those mesmerised by all things maid related, costumes can be picked up in plenty of Tokyo retailers for a pretty good price.

As far as real fanatics go however, order-made outfits are the only option, with Japanese company Candy Fruit kindly coming up with the goods — culling together a classy collection of costumes that includes apparel perfect for a leisurely lunch outside.

Or for the less active, there are ensembles better suited to slouching on a sofa in a semi-vegetative state; although the application form’s request of â€œIf an order is placed, please be exciting and waitâ€ could prove problematic for some purchasers.

Alternatively, if it’s simply a night at home watching anime, then the addition of a nice set of stockings and extra frills would seem to be more suitable.

The ‘please be exciting’ prompt possibly not needed.

(big thanks to the wonderful What Japan Thinks for the tip)

Apr 10 2007 1 Comment

Tokyo tie-in

The much maligned Japanese salary man is generally not renowned for his sartorial elegance, with nondescript suits and equally unremarkable neckwear — the latter only distinguishable by the diversity of stains from boozy nights out and rushed breakfasts. However for the office worker looking to personalise his appearance but at the same remain practical and presentable, these Ara Shoji designed ties might be just about perfect.

The particularly playful dotted pattern is cleverly countered by the sensible subway map on the back, meaning its wearer will not only never get lost, but may even garner a few looks from the ladies at the office . Plus the availability of numerous train networks including Tokyo, Osaka and Kobe gives the garment even greater versatility, making it a product that a company representative feels will not only give people a sense of direction, but somewhat optimistically also aid social skills. “Even if you’re in an unfamiliar place due to personnel reshuffling or business trips, you won’t be struggling to find topics for a business chat if you have these ties.”

Brisk sales both in the shops and online meaning that businessmen need to beware when meeting colourful tie wearing new contactsâ€¦

Mar 24 2007 14 Comments

Japanese fashion and fetishism

It’s not necessarily unusual for a Japanese TV talent or idol to have very little of the former — a particularly prominent body part (or two) often enough to secure someone fame and fortune. The point perfectly proven by the Kanou sisters, with their super-sized breasts earning them regular media exposure.

Yet whereas bulging boobies are one thing, garnering a reputation for merely wearing a hay fever mask is arguably another; however that’s exactly what young Anna Nakagawa appears to be doing, whilst at the same time earning herself the moniker of ‘mask idol’.