Reflecting Tokyo
- Sep 8, 2017
- 3 min read
My whole life, I have read stories about Tokyo. For me, it is not some unknown land - but somewhere I have visited more than a thousand times through the many pop culture artefacts its people has produced. One thing I learned is that pop culture is a force. Kiddy Land, Animate, Disney Store, Sanrio shops - merchandises that carry a character’s brand sold in large scales. Fashion brands celebrated the 20th anniversary of pirate anime/manga One Piece by releasing products for both girls and boys. People from all over the world are fans. In a way, it’s a lesson in branding. Make a character well-loved, and maybe you might as well have found a treasure chest (or happiness, depending on what your priorities in life is).
Even though some of the people don’t speak English very well, their manners are much more meaningful. It made the stay of a gaijin (foreigner) bearable or even enjoyable. The Japanese offers top-notch customer service, and they take pride of it. Businesses will not run without its customers.
Tokyo's fashion scene is definitely diverse. The best thing is, there are brands for everyone! From the absolute feminine (Liz Lisa, Cecil McBee), the casual minimalist (Uniqlo, Muji), the street cult (BAPE, Undercover), to the high-end crowd (Comme des Garçons, Maison Kitsuné). The luxury labels also have a strong footing in the industry.
Japanese beauty is more focused on the natural, almost no-makeup makeup look. Clear complexion is crucial. SK-II and Shiseido especially, rules this territory. No heavy contours or tans (unless you are a gyaru). They seem to have an affinity for large, doll-like eyes. Weapons to achieve that look are mascara, false lashes, and eyeliner - and local brands such as Dolly Wink and Heroine Make are popular for those products. Eyeshadows are often shimmery, and packaged in small palettes of 3 - 6 colours. The brand Creer Beaute offers products in collaboration with famous shoujo (girl) manga/anime titles Sailor Moon, Versailles no Bara, and Cardcaptor Sakura.
Nevertheless, local Japanese brands are well-loved by both Japanese and foreigners. They did really well in marketing it, but us from other sides of the world became knowledgable on those products through the internet or word of mouth. At the end of the day, it is the product's capabilities that will sustain a business' life. However, that doesn't really mean that Japanese do not open themselves to other cultures. Anime itself derives its style from Disney, and many K-Pop groups (Twice, Blackpink, Ikon) appear in the screens at Shibuya.
Now on to the more personal department.
There was definitely limited time. That was the real challenge for me. I could stay for one year and I would still find new things to explore. I needed to level up my time management skills. I needed to put my priorities in the right places.
On times where I was on my own, I had to navigate myself in this new place. I couldn’t afford to be scared or cry in some corner of the station or something. Okay, basically I tell those situations “Bring it on”. When there is something new or unfamiliar, rather than steering away from it, sometimes we just have to welcome it with open arms. Maybe that’s how a positive attitude is like (Here I am speaking from 20 years on earth). In recap, jump into a challenge.
If I could describe the city in one word, it would be ‘fascinating’. How the ancient traditions, contemporary milieu, and futuristic ideals exist together in a single space. In a way, it says that to never forget our origins, not to give up on our dreams, but at the same time make the best of the present.
Now on the career deal. Coming next episode :)
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