Fashion styles in Japan pattern themselves after European styles: platforms, floppy hats, retro skirts, and flare jeans are all making their way into the Land of the Rising Sun, as well as names like Calvin Klein and Christian Dior. Fashion-consciousness can be seen reflected in the various fashion magazines that focus solely on clothing, hairstyles, and beauty tips; though these magazines often don’t feature men’s clothing, famous singers and Caucasian models are often highlights.

The desire to use foreign faces as models can be seen in commercials and ads as well. Commercials are often imported from America and Europe, while unsuspecting tourists may be picked off the streets to become models based solely on the fact that they have blond hair. This preoccupation with foreigners colors Japan distinctly: one fad popular with teens and idols is to die hair blond, red, blue, or multi-rainbowed, while the hair styles also mirror foreign influences like dredlocks and straight baby cuts.

The Japanese show their unique trait of taking an idea and expanding on it with fashion fads as well. Platforms hit it big in Japan, but they took it to new heights – literally – as 6”, 8”, 10”, and 12” platforms emerged. Girls and boys try to outdo each other in unusual hair colors and piercings, and it’ll be interesting to see what people can think of next.