When it comes to Japanese TV dramas, it’s always easy to spot the rebellious teen boy type, as he’ll invariably be the one moodily sporting an elaborately coloured and carefully coiffured mane. And the badder he is, the bigger and bolder said bouffant will be.
Now whether this is art imitating life or vice versa is hard to say, but for the sake of this young man’s mother, it’s to be hoped that he spends as much time on the likes of maths as he does in front of the mirror.
andra says
Kawaii!!
Jeffrey says
First thing that popped into my head was “A Japanese Rod Stewart circa 1967.”
As much as I was shocked at how circumscribed children’s lives seemed to be when I first lived in Japan in the mid-1980s, I also wonder now if it wasn’t really okay. As you say in your caption, I hope he isn’t just a rebel without a clue and can still do what’s needed to get on in life. Yes, one can make a life outside what is considered the mainstream in Japan, but it seems that too much is akimbo of what used to work for the society. Life may have been too conservative back before the Bubble burst (which seems to opened the flood gates of change simply for change’s sake beyond confusion), but has the pendulum swung too far or is the train so far off the tracks that there’s no finding a happy medium? (Did I just write that cliche laden dreck?)
Lee says
Yes, there is a bit of Rod Stewart there isn’t there?
My experience of Japan is only post-bubble, but even several years ago I got the impression that while there might be a fair bit of rebelliousness, once school was over, the recruit suit would be bought and a job with a company would be in order.
I’m not sure about that anymore though. For quite a few it’s still obviously the case, but with the job for life system on its last legs, and more and more Japanese workers hired as temps or part-time, the need to conform (for better or worse) may not be there anymore.
Grass Jelly says
I have always wondered, but what is the general reaction after someone notices you taking their picture? Do people get upset? Do you ever approach your subjects or has anyone ever approached you?
Lee says
I almost never approach the people I photograph as I much prefer natural, unposed pictures. Personally I’ve never really had any trouble doing this, but I do try to be as discreet as possible. I certainly don’t want to upset people or make them feel uncomfortable. The vast majority of my street pictures are shot with an 85mm lens too, which allows me to be fairly unobtrusive. But sometimes I do ‘get caught’, like in the picture above, although generally people are fine. A smile I find can go a long way!
jamesmallon says
Even in Japan, squandering their own future is the way teenagers rebel.
Peta says
Too funny 🙂
Rex Dgrey says
Teenage rebels in Japan seem too stereo type.