Kamikaze Girls is a movie based on a light novel named ‘Shimotsuma Monogatari’, written by Novala Takemoto. The movie was premiered in 2004, and was released on DVD in the United States in 2006. This story centers around two girls, Momoko and Ichiko. They come from completely different backgrounds. Momoko is a Lolita girl, living in a small town in the Japanese country side. She has no friends but she does not care about that. Ichiki is a “Yanki”, a Japanese term which refers to a type of delinquent youth. They meet each other when Ichiko goes to Momoko’s house to buy clothes from Momoko. After that, Ichiko shows up at Momoko’s house every day and they become friends.
A popular subculture – Lolita
After watching this movie, you can understand more about one of the Japanese subculture, Lolita. Lolita is a fashion subculture which greatly expanded in Japan since 1990s. This is a popular fashion among Japanese musicians, especially males. For example, Mana, who is a Japanese guitarist of the bands Malice Mizer and Moi dix Mois, help popularizing Gothic Lolita. Lolita fashion style is based on Victorian-era clothing and costumes from the Rococo period. Mikotoneko has deeply discussed Lolita fashion in her blog. There are four main types of Lolita styles, which are Gothic Lolita, Sweet Lolita, Classic Lolita, Punk Lolita. Gothic Lolita and Sweet Lolita are the most popular Lolita fashion style in Japan.
Sweet Lolita
This is a Lolita style which is heavily influenced by Rococo styles, Victorian and Edwardian clothing. Pink, Peach or Pearl make up are highly used by Sweet Lolitas. Momoko is also a Sweet Loilitas.
Lolita becomes a label rather than just a style
Vanitatum notes that Lolita challenges not only the mainstream fashion, but also the label of women and men. Lolita style attracts both sexes, aged between 10s and 30s. No one really cares if one is a girl or a boy, as long as one dresses in Lolita style. Therefore, now, a new but negative label is put on Lolita fashion style: once you dress in Lolita style, you will be defined as a narcissistic person, who exactly behaves like Momoko, living in her little own world and showing no awareness on reality. However, no one have right to judge anyone’s fashion style. There is no rule forbidding man dressing like a cute child. Being associated with Lolita style is just a way for those Japanese people to express themselves. Others should show respect for them.
Interesting post! Japanese girls into these trends are very interesting. Its amazing how the Japanese people are really deep into their subcultures! And its amazing how the trends evolve so quickly from one to another.
what are your thoughts about lolita fashion? I did get into it once before but had to stop because of how expensive the dresses are for brand names! Really wishing I didn’t have to sell my dresses~! ;___;