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5 Japanese Fashion Instagram Accounts You Should Be Following

You may remember my ‘5 Japanese Fashion Instagram Accounts You Should Be Following‘ post from 2013. Well it just so happens to be my number one post on the blog, so I thought it was about time to do a new updated version. Here I have picked out 5 new Japanese fashion Instagram accounts, each of which I personally follow and take inspiration from.

japanese fashion instagram

Who? @wakatsukichinatsu (Designer)
Why? I had to start this post with a legend. Chinatsu Wakatsuki is a former gravure idol, who went on to produce the popular brand WC, and become a gyaru icon. After leaving the brand (and some annoying legal troubles), she brought back WC’s lovable oddball Kumatan. She continues to post updates on the brand and her life, alongside personal style photos.

japanese fashion instagram

Who? @_mitake_ (Model)
Why? Mitake’s photos are colourful, eccentric and sometimes risqué (i.e NSFW). This may not be surprising to some, as Mitake is actually a former AV (adult video) actress. It would seem that she is now pursuing a career in modelling, but she certainly hasn’t lost her cheeky side. If you’re after a slightly alternative view of Tokyo, Mitake is your woman.

japanese fashion instagram

Who? @izu_stagram (Model)
Why? I first started following Izu (aka Izuoka Misaki) when she won Popteen’s (a sweet gyaru magazine) model grand prix. I loved her youthfulness. She later went on to model for JELLY magazine and released several pop singles. Her personal style has funnily enough evolved with my own tastes, and she now has a more minimal approach to fashion. I love her chic, clean photos, which offer an insight into her career as a model.

japanese fashion instagram

Who? @rina__sakurai (Model)
Why? I remember avidly reading Rina Sakurai’s – better known as Sakurina – blogs around 5 years ago, and it’s safe to say that she hasn’t changed one bit. She still models for Ageha (which is now back after a short hiatus), which she often refers to in her photos. Her Instagram is an explosion of pink, diamonds and everything agejo.

japanese fashion instagram

Who? @seee_official (Editor/Model)
Why? Former Seventeen model Emi Suzuki is surely known by all fans of Japanese fashion. She has since gone on to become Editor in Chief of S’eee magazine, as well as a devoted mother. Her daughter often features on her Instagram, alongside minimalist prints and outfit posts.

Do you have some favourite Instagram users?
Let me know in the comments!

Source: Please see the individual Instagram accounts listed above.

bloomzy /

A Blast from My Past: Japanese Gyaru Fashion & Life in Japan

A few weeks ago I went back to my parent’s house for a few days. Whilst I was there I decided to raid the attic, and see if I could find my old textbooks. I found myself knee-deep in university papers and old cuddly toys from my childhood. Amongst these were a few boxes of items from my time living (and studying) in Tokyo, Japan. Suddenly my objective was out the window and all I wanted to do was reminisce.
Japanese fashion has been a part of my life for over 10 years now. One fashion sub-culture in particular took up a decent amount of that time – gyaru. With hair high enough to reach the gods, and enough make-up to make an MUA weep, gyaru was an enigma wrapped in a mini skirt and fuzzy leg warmers. I was automatically drawn in, and spent most of my time reading magazines and blogs dedicated to the style. Gyaru is the reason behind me starting this blog in the first place! So you can imagine that finding these magazines and books was something quite special. Memories flooded back: Buying the Ranzuki Hair & Make-up Book in a small conbini in Kyoto. Adding points to my WC loyalty card as I bought everything and anything from the brand. Getting a ‘hair set’ (that has since created perpetual hair envy) with a friend for our joint birthday party. 
I met some amazing people because of gyaru, people who I can now call good friends.  So naturally it will always be a big part of my life and although I’m sure there were bad times, I can only remember the good. Recently I’ve missed my time living in Tokyo, but I do wonder if going back might tarnish those memories. It’s safe to say that things wouldn’t be the same now, but maybe that’s a good thing? Gyaru has faded from it’s origins and seems to be evolving into something all together different. So for now, I’m happy to keep my memories as just that. 
Interested in reading more about Japanese fashion and how my blog started?
Check out my Style Evolution post or browse my Japanese Fashion tag.
bloomzy /

Inspiration: Japanese Fashion Trends

I think a lot of people see Japanese fashion as being ‘wacky’ or ‘weird’. Well sure, sometimes it might seem that way, but I’m here to debunk that myth. Some of my favourite Japanese magazines are showing similarities with British trends. That means it’s even more accessible (and imitable) for those who enjoy Japanese fashion.
Recently I started reading Japanese fashion magazines CUTiE and Jelly again. I was surprised to see a lot of items that could easily be found on the UK high street. Sure, you’ll never find everything, but that’s part of the fun of styling a look to suit you. I love the way these looks have been styled and how each one has it’s own unique point. In Japanese magazine lingo ‘point’ means a specific part of the look that perfects the outfit. It’s usually an item that is on-trend, for example: a pastel pink coat that frames your look. I like this idea and usually centre an outfit around a specific item of clothing or accessory.
Of course at the end of the day I just love getting inspiration from these magazines. It’s a nice change from British magazines that just don’t seem to be as fun, or as inspiring. There is also a great variety of Japanese fashion magazines for different looks and styles. Right now I really love the looks and styling I’m seeing in ViVi, SCawaii, Jelly and CUTiE.
You can buy Japanese fashion magazines on eBay or from the Japan Centre.
Unfortunately they’re usually overpriced online, but there are resources to view them online.
bloomzy /

5 Japanese Fashion Instagram Accounts You Should Be Following

You may remember my previous ‘5 Fashion/Beauty Instagram Accounts You Should Be Following‘ post. Well I wanted to expand on that series and go back to the roots of this blog, and that means Japanese fashion. I’ve picked out 5 of my favourite Japanese fashion Instagram accounts where you can find amazing style inspiration.

 

japanese fashion instagram

Who? @akimoto_kozue Model
Why? Akimoto’s Instagram is a small look into the life of one of Japan’s current ‘it’ models.

She takes you around Japan (and the world; she recently walked the runway at Paris & London’s fashion weeks) with her as she documents her busy schedule through photos. That doesn’t mean it’s all dull and boring though. She posts fun, silly photos, and often takes photos with her close friends, some of whom are other models and designers, such as Kiko Mizuhara & Jeremy Scott. She’s a gorgeous gal with a taste for life!

 

japanese fashion instagram

Who? @gold_erika Model/Fashionista
Why? If you love fashion and sexy selfies, Erika is your lady.

Her Instagram is full of selfies, outfit posts, parties and behind-the-scenes looks at any of the current photo shoots she is taking part in. She’s quite the socialite. Erika has a very subtle sexy look, which is something I quite envy. Her make-up and fashion is always on point…and I can’t get enough of that short sharp bob.

 

japanese fashion instagram

Who? @mogatanpe Idol
Why? Purple is one of my favourite colours and it just so happens to be Mogami’s assigned colour.

That might seem a bit weird, but it’s actually because she is a part of the idol group dempagumi.inc – a pop group with 6 members (each assigned a colour) whose popularity has been rising as of late. Her Instagram is an insight into the life of a young, fun, fashionable woman. She isn’t like your usual Japanese idols, especially in her fashion sense. Her personal style is very cool and I love seeing her outfits.

 

japanese fashion instagram

Who? @natsuumikunsan Model
Why? Natsumi is a real cutie, that much is obvious.

Her Instagram features pastel hair, silly outfit shots and photo shoot snaps where she looks like she may actually be part angel. Heavily photoshopped images aside, Natsumi is a popular model in the gyaru industry and is often taking part in shoots and shows, which she always shares on her Instagram. I live out my hair and nail dreams through her photos.

 

japanese fashion instagram

Who? @si_oux DJ/Model/Photographer/Designer
Why? Yep, si oux has and does it all.

She’s the designer behind the well-known tights and leggings brand Vive Vagina, and she also just so happens to be a dj, model and photographer in her spare time. Her daily unconventional outfit photo shoots in the corner of her roof terrace are a staple on her Instagram. I have to say she is a lady after my own heart – look at that red hair! It’s what drew me in to begin with and it features a lot in her photos, whether it’s at her current DJ set or a promo image for a brand. Definitely one for fans of alternative fashion.

Do you have some favourite Instagram users?
Let me know in the comments!

Source: Please see the individual Instagram accounts listed above.

bloomzy /

Photo Diary: Hyper Japan 2013

Here is the first post from Hyper Japan 2013.
This post is very photo heavy, so I’ve hidden it under a cut.

Japanese inspired nail art @ Sanagi Atelier – website

Angelic Pretty, Japanese cosmetics, wigs, toys, accessories and more @ Dreamy Bows – website
This stall was also run in conjunction with Tofu Cute – website
Handmade jewellery and accessories @ Roxie Sweetheart

This is just a small collection of photos I managed to take before my camera died.
I was impressed with the selection of Japanese fashion and cosmetic stalls on show this year.
Of course I love the culture and food sections equally, but I wanted to focus on the fashion/beauty.
I’ve placed a little info and credit under some of the photos, so you can shop online for yourselves.
Keep an eye out for a special Hyper Japan 2013 Youtube video coming soon!
Which stall looked the most interesting to you?
If you went which was your favourite stall this year?
bloomzy /

Street Style: Tokyo

Street Style Snaps taken in Tokyo from Fashion Latte & Tokyo Fashion

As my blog started as a Japanese fashion blog all those years ago, I wanted to pay homage to that.
The amazing fashion seen on the streets of Tokyo is one of the main things I miss about my second home.
Even though in recent years it has been highly influenced by London and ‘Blogger Style’ it’s still very unique.
Models, Idols, Artists and Bloggers are born on the streets of Tokyo, whether it’s Harajuku, Shibuya or Shinjuku.
Fashion Latte is a website I found out about recently when a friend had her photo taken for them.
They are an international site who feature photos from Tokyo, New York, Paris and London.
However they are primarily a Japanese site, but navigating your way through the site isn’t too difficult.
Click on the black button that reads スナップ and then choose your location to view recent street styles.
As for Tokyo Fashion, well they’re quite a well known and established site already.
Entirely in English you can navigate your way through the various areas of Tokyo.
It’s wonderful for seeing the trends and styles that reign in one ward of the city to the next.
I took a couple of street snaps myself during my time in Tokyo, which you can view here.

Source; 1, 2