the future is
apan Space-age-style technology, outrageous fashions, maybe even tribal factions or super-fast transport can be associated with the distant future but these things already exist on the streets of Tokyo. Japan has long been considered the technology capital of the world, always a few steps ahead of the rest of us, trying to make technology smaller and undetectable or attempting to automate lo-tech living. Tokyo’s sky line, particularly, at night gives the impression that the place might take off, to dock with the mother-ship, at any given moment. It’s shiny architecture and digital advertisement boards look as if flying cars and hover-boards might come around the corner at any second; it’s all very Blade Runner and it is clearly this backdrop which has inspired a whole host of recent talent, which is starting to become a prevalent part of Japan’s art scene. Japan is a country steeped in tradition and ancient values, however Tokyo has always stood somewhere apart from that, like a beacon of futurism. The city is famous for its sci-fi-esque Harajuku fashion; a trend which is organic and quite hap-hazard, favoured by teenagers and fans of Full Metal Alchemist. This style of dress, as synonymous with Japan as the Kimono, is named after the Harajuku district of the city, which is a favorite hang out of Tokyo’s teens and other fashionable people. Harajuku itself is a collective name for various sub-cultures which line the Jingu bridge on a Sunday afternoon. The look, which can be anything from ‘California girl’ to space age punk has a so wrong it’s right quality about it. The get up is reminiscent of what we saw in futuristic Japanese cartoons, such as Pokemon and tries to emulate the animators exaggerated style. Resultantly followers of Harajuku fashion look as if they stepped straight out of sci-fi.
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Harajuku is the center of Japan’s most extreme teenage cultures and fashion styles. These styles rarely conform to one particular style and are usually a mesh of many. Its entire culture is based around expressionism; wearing who you are, rather than having to tell people about it.It is almost tribal and a little bit primal; willing evolution on to allow us to be identified by our musical tastes (or our ‘Visual Kei’). This is futuristic in itself. Recently, however, Tokyo’s bright young things have pulled something out of the city’s space age chaos: a new generation of futuristic cultural mediums with an air of seriousness that suggests we should all stand up and take notice. These new offerings provide a much more cohesive, futuristic vibe. The trend, particularly in fashion, is for Japanese talent to bring skills they have learned from their studies abroad back to Tokyo and to give it that futuristic twist. Tokyo fashion week this year saw shapes inspired by space suits and technology and other silhouettes clearly influenced by science fiction but without the cheesiness. Just clean lines and a muted color palette, which made the collections look like viable options for futuristic wear. Up and coming artists in Tokyo are also starting to produce edgy urban inspired pieces featuring modern materials, drawing influence from Tokyo’s space-age skyline. This gritty work is a far cry from willow patterns and Kimonos. Art in Tokyo is becoming more about large scale, eye-catching pieces, representing the artists political ideals or messages about the future. Tokyo’s emerging talent is pushing Japan’s traditional boundaries to produce sophisticated, classy work which is set to shake up and enhance the city’s futuristic image. Now it is no longer nano-technology which sees Tokyo soaring into the future. Instead it is art, fashion and culture which is set to turn heads.
Words by Rebecca Norris
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Idol magazine: +81 japan
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Idol magazine
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18/08/2011 21:54