Gyaru: Fashion

It is still pretty trendy. Gyaru Fashion is not only popular in Japan, but has several subdivisions of this subculture. Despite the fact it isn't a "reputable source," I'm going to quote wiki on "Gyaru subculture is still a large influence in Japan's fashion economy with gyaru brands branching out and becoming more accessible in rural areas. In Tokyo, more often than not, a shopping center at each main train station is dedicated to offering the newest and trendiest items from popular Gal brands. Some brands are also reaching overseas by having their items easily accessible in webshops offering world-wide shipping services. A Gal Circle is a meet up of gals to hang out together" (Wiki Gyaru).

I know it is a dying trend, but the fact that most of the stores in Osaka sold clothes similar to it is pretty impressive. It is a rather long running trend that still hits the news once in a while. I noticed that while it may not be the utmost popular in Japan, it is a growing trend in western countries. There is even an International Gyaru day. I believe it was on October 12th in 2012, and June 25th in 2011. I don't know why doesn't seem to be on a successive day... but I'll try to figure that out later.

The gyaru in Japan don't seem to get clique-y and fight each other and quarrel over "who is doing it right." It is a lifestyle in Japan and most people do it on a daily basis. The makeup, the fashion, the hairstyle are all learned and updated with new trends in the styles. Its just as modern hipsters go through different trends. But international gyaru tend to be clique-y. They make their little communities of friends, as would the Japanese, but then they attack and insult others. There is no "right or wrong way" to do something if you're trying your best and practicing. But in the online international gyaru community there is always bashing and insults. Online gyaru communities fight and attack people's attempts. Instead of boosting their own self esteem by hard work and practice, bashing others over physical appearance, race, and facial features occurs instead.

Online gyaru style competitions never end well either. Even the people hosting the competition end up getting hurt and then the community suffers more. Not to mention that most people haven't adapted the makeup styles to suit their faces. Instead they're imitating the Japanese who often don't have the same facial structures as Europeans or Americans. With all of the hate going around, it is intimidating for people who have figured out how to adjust the makeup and fashion to fit their features to post instructional videos and tutorials online. Individual communities, online or off seem to fare well enough on their own, but when they spot other groups they don't treat them as passersby, instead they attack them and judge them harshly when they're just going about their day as well.

I can't imagine what it would be like to have a following on youtube or on well-known sites like tumblr or facebook where strangers can openly state harsh judgments based off of a picture. I spoke to one of my friends and she said she would help me get more information on Japanese gyaru and international gyaru trends and lifestyles. I'm in no rush for this so I can't wait to see what she has gathered.

Thanks for reading, bye bye.