Fashion trends change every year, but Japan has its own unique fashion culture.

Just as the fashion of tourists visiting Japan from other Asian countries, such as China and Korea, can feel a little strange, Japanese fashion as seen by people overseas also gives them an impression that is uniquely Japanese.

Here, we will introduce the types of fashion that Japanese women particularly like, fashion trends overseas, and overseas reactions to Japanese fashion.

The fashion that Japanese people like is extremely diverse

The fashions preferred by Japanese people, especially Japanese women, are very diverse, and the main fashions that have developed uniquely in Japan include the following:

Conservative

This is a term for a style of fashion derived from the English word "conservative." Conservative fashion is characterized by a style that is not influenced by trends and that emphasizes a feminine, neat, and clean look.

In terms of image, the clothing worn by female announcers and the style known as "office casual" are considered conservative.

Suit Fashion

A distinctive feature of Japanese fashion, not just for women, is the "recruit suit." Just like a uniform, there are set rules for how to wear it, from the color and pattern, to the way you button your shirt, to shoes, bags, and other accessories.

The most common colors for job hunting suits are black, navy blue, and gray, but in Europe and the United States, black suits are often considered "high-class" and worn for formal occasions such as weddings and funerals. The sight of a large group of Japanese people job hunting in black suits can be said to be very Japanese.

Gal type

Gal fashion was a style that became a huge hit in the early Heisei era. It was characterized by tanned skin, blonde or other colored hair, pale light lips, and vivid, revealing casual fashion.

Gal fashion continues into the Reiwa era, but it is divided into various types, such as casual and elegant, and is designed to whiten the skin without tanning.

Gothic Lolita

"GothLoli" fashion, an abbreviation of Gothic & Lolita, is a uniquely Japanese style that combines "Lolita fashion," which incorporates plenty of frills and lace like those worn by bisque dolls, with British Gothic fashion.

It incorporates elements such as frills and lace from Lolita, and monochrome and crosses from Gothic, and is gaining attention overseas as a "cool Japanese style fashion."

Fashion trends in major countries overseas

Next, let's take a look at the fashion trends preferred by women abroad.

American fashion trends

American women's fashion can be divided into several directions, such as conservative or casual, but what can be said about all fashions is that they tend to be more mature than Japanese fashion, with emphasis placed on sexiness and coolness over cuteness.

The style they aim for is a well-defined, glamorous figure, and their makeup is heavy and colorful, but outside of parties and events, many of them seem to wear simple outfits like T-shirts and jeans.

British fashion trends

Class consciousness still remains in the UK, and speech and fashion differ depending on the region. While radical styles such as punk fashion are popular, traditional fashions such as those worn by the Royal Family are also popular.

I get the impression that many people value their own personal preferences rather than chasing brands or the latest trends.

Korean fashion trends

Korean fashion has some similarities to Japanese fashion, but many young Japanese women in particular are fascinated by the fashion represented by K-POP artists, and Korean cosmetics and Korean brand clothing are gaining popularity in Japan as well.

Many young Japanese women in particular are fascinated by the fashion represented by K-POP artists, and Korean cosmetics and Korean brand clothing are gaining popularity in Japan as well.

How do people overseas react to Japanese fashion?

How do people overseas feel about Japanese fashion?

Not sexy enough?!

In Japan, where words like "innocent," "young," and "girlish" are often used to compliment women, fashion tends to look childish. Perhaps because it exposes less skin, it is often seen by people overseas as not sexy enough.

Is that Japanese? Japanese-English words for fashion that aren't understood overseas

Be careful, as many fashion terms used in Japan are Japanese-made English words that may not be understood overseas, such as a "sweatshirt" for a jersey, a "hoodie" for a parka, or a "statement T-shirt" for a logo T-shirt.

Is "Kawaii" a universal language?! Japanese cuteness can be appealed to the world.

Japanese fashion tends to have an image of being "childish," but one way to do this is to skillfully appeal to "cuteness" rather than thinking negatively about the impression that it's "not sexy" or "won't be well-received overseas." The cute fashion worn by Japanese women is so popular overseas that the word "Kawaii" is understood as it is.

summary

Just as cuisine and language differ from country to country, fashion preferences also vary from country to country. Don't get hung up on "because I'm Japanese" or "because I'm overseas," but be proactive and incorporate things that you think are "nice" when you go abroad, and enjoy the freedom of fashion.

This article has been partially re-edited by KARUTA from an article originally published on "Nihongo Biyori."
Any unauthorized reproduction or use of the contents, text, images, illustrations, etc. of this website is strictly prohibited.