The Influence of Western Fashion to Japanese Fashion
What is the influence of Western fashion to Japanese fashion? Submitted by: Nicole Marie~Madeleine C. Alberto III-Kagitingan General Description of the Study Japanese fashion is one of the most remarkable things about Japan. It is another dimension in itself, complete with subcultures such as the Gothic Lolita and Kogals. Many people are intrigued by how Japanese fashion developed and people all over the world try to dress up like the Japanese because in Japan, there is no such as thing as conformity. Everyone has their own distinct style that sets them apart from others, no matter what subculture they belong to. People all over the world consider Tokyo as one of the fashion capitals of the world. When people discuss Japanese fashion, they usually think about street fashion, because that is what Japanese fashion is more famous for. When one walks through the streets of Harajuku or Shibuya (two fashion districts where fashionable young people from Japan usually go and showcase their style), he/she might find it difficult to pinpoint one particular look, because everyone has their own personal touch to their clothes, and the subcultures only serve their purpose for those who want to achieve a common style, but still, diversity is encouraged. From the very beginning, Japanese fashion was greatly influenced by the styles of other countries. During the Nara period, which reigned from 710-794, Prince Shotoku ordered his scholars to go to Chang’an in China in order for his kingdom to be able to pattern Chinese culture into their own culture. Thus, the Japanese people who belonged to the upper classes of the social hierarchy patterned themselves after the Chinese in almost every aspect, fashion included. It is also through the Chinese that they have discovered that silk can be used to make clothing. Japanese fashion nowadays is greatly influenced by Western fashion, as with other fashions in Asia. However, it does not depend completely on Western
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