bloomzy /

Interview with Kirin of Tokyo Kawaii etc.

Kirin is a Japanese lady living in Tokyo, she runs the popular blog Tokyo Kawaii etc. Her blog focuses on Japanese culture, language, lifestyle and much more. She has also mentioned Gyaru a few times on her blog .
You may remember I recently did an interview for her blog about my life in Tokyo.
Recently, I was lucky enough to meet Kirin in person. We walked around 109 together and chatted in a nearby café over tea and coffee. Whilst we talked she told me how she had not been to 109 in almost 15 years and that she felt her feelings about it had now changed. I found this very interesting and after finding out her reasons I thought it would be informative and helpful to my readers to hear the opinions of a Japanese person who doesn’t dress in Gyaru fashion.
Do you remember when you first heard about Gyaru?

I guess it was some time around 1996 – 1997 (or even before?) when I had already started working after graduating from university – if my memory was correct. Those days Amuro style and “Atsuzoko” boots (platform boots) were popular. Some sales assistants, especially from Shibuya 109 became so famous that they frequently appeared on TV or in fashion magazines. They were called “Karisuma tenin” (charismatic sales assistant) and the outfits they were wearing sold like crazy. Some hair dressers also became famous and they were called “Karisuma biyoushi” (charismatic hair dresser). But “Gyaru” in this period was very different from what it means today.
What were your first impressions? Did you think of a stereotype etc.?
Gyaru at the early stage was more like high school girls who were wearing short skirts and loose socks. That’s why they were called “Ko-Gyaru” (small gyaru). They dyed their hair but they did not wear false lashes or circle lenses. Those things were not available like they are today. Ko-Gyaru were the people who created new trends. Japanese companies liked to listen to what they wanted.
What I thought about it? My generation is always between hot trends. When I was a high school student, college girls were hot. At that time Japan was enjoying the good economy. College/university girls and boys could easily get a good job, nevertheless they were playing around all the time and I expected I could be like that after graduation. But with the bubble economy’s bursting, our economy situation completely changed when I went to university. What came next was high school girls trend. Our society treated university girls well when I was a high school girl, and then they shifted to high school girls once I became a university girl. I felt it was quite unfair. At that time Gyaru = high school girls, so it was not what I was to pursue anyhow. I just regarded Gyaru as something that had no connection with me.
You said that you were too shy to go into 109 by yourself before, why?

Ko-Gyaru generation grew up and they wanted to have their gyaru taste even after they were aged. Now Gyaru is not limited to high school girls, but I still have a feeling that it’s for younger people. I’m 36, which is too old to dress like Gyaru, and I think it looks too absurd if older people still dress exactly like younger people. I mean it’s cool to take some part and mix with other items or styles, but to dress full Gyaru coordination from head to toe is not very cool. I was afraid to go back to Shibuya 109 because I thought everything sold there was for gyaru style and it would be too gyaru-tasted to me and I would be totally out of place among full-gyaru customers.
Why did you change your mind after we visited?

I saw many non-Gyaru styled people and older people, as well as people with no makeup! My delusion that there would be only Gyaru customers and Gyaru clothes was completely wrong. I found many attractive clothes and I feel like shopping there. Although some pants were too skinny for me even to try them.
☆~♥~☆
How do you think Japanese people view Gyaru?

Young people like it. But as Tsubasa answers in an interview, which I happened to watch on TV, they may not be seen as hard workers or industrious – only because of their appearances. Tsubasa said she tried to work as hard as normal people multiple times because people never believed that she was serious from her looks. Unfortunately many of us don’t always have good impressions of Gyaru just because of its impression of flirting. Unless we become a sales assistant at a Gyaru fashion store, we cannot even continue the style and look at most other jobs. Too much light hair colour is basically banned at work. Also circle lenses, long nails and flashy deco nails or patterns drawn on the nails.
I wonder how working people can continue to be Gyaru after all?!
Gyaru mama can stay like that because they do not work.
Why do you think Gyaru is so popular with young Japanese girls?
And if you have an opinion, why do you think it is popular in the West?#

I think Gyaru is kawaii and if they are young, it’s good to enjoy it. I think it’s got an expiration date, which is to say, before they start working. As mentioned above, most offices have dress code. We cannot work and dress as Gyaru unless we get a job at gyaru brand or something. Everyone has to graduate from Gyaru style someday. I think that’s why they try to fulfil it while they are young.
I don’t know why it’s so well-received by western people. We have a longing for white girls and Gyaru style I guess is a stem from it. Making big eyes with longer lashes and dyed hair in bronze is maybe to make ourselves look like white girls.

Do you think that Gyaru celebrities (idols) are good role models for young girls?

Yes, I think so. But I wonder what their sales points will be after they have aged.
In this respect I think Tsubasa and Momoeri (among others) stand out from the rest of Gyaru models. They make business.
☆~♥~☆

Have you ever been tempted to try Gyaru? If not, why?

No, I’ve felt it’s just too young for me, but I think now it’s OK to buy some Gyaru tasted clothes and mix with others. However I never feel like wearing circle lenses and dye my hair bronze etc. False lashes maybe OK once in a while.
I have no reason to spend so much time transforming myself when I am busy with everything else. If I had time and money, I’d rather spend them travelling abroad than shopping Gyaru tasted items or getting my nails or hair done.
Free talk –
This is only an opinion from a Japanese woman in her mid 30’s. I don’t see anyone in my generation dressing like a Gyaru around me. It’s reasonable because our generation is busy working and raising kids. Our interests are directed toward something else.
As for me, I like to hang out with young people and talk about something kawaii, but my real life is much different from what you may imagine from my blog. It’s full of work and I’ve read books about investment, economy and business and to tell you the truth I don’t read fashion magazines. (So I am not quite sure for the styles, I just pick up whatever I like to wear.) But my hair dresser is so kind as to give some old ones, so I find interesting articles from them to introduce on my blog while I am bathing. (I love to have a long bath time.)
So I have 2 reasons I don’t dress like Gyaru.
1. I’m too old to do so.
2. I’m too busy to keep the style.
If I were 20 something years old now, I think I would love to spend my time and money for Gyaru style and I’d enjoy that so much. I guess I totally missed the chance :p
But while you can enjoy it, you should do it fully.
Bloomzy’s comments:
I am so happy that Kirin could do this interview for my blog. She is very sweet and really interested in other cultures, and those who are interested in her own. If you haven’t already visited her blog (I doubt it) then make sure you head on over.
– She has also written a response to this interview here.

If you have any comments or questions for her, please feel free to comment and I am sure she will respond when she has the time.

I am always open for Gal/Japan related questions, and you can visit my formspring here.
bloomzy /

Gaijin Gyaru Series; Ash (Hedonists) [Week 3]

Here is the third interview in the ‘Gaijin Gyaru Series‘ – meet the fabulous…
1. First off, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Could you tell us a little bit about your fashion background and how you got into gal.
I’ve been all over the place in terms of fashion. In middle school I went through a phase where I had NO fashion sense at all. I actually used to steal my brother’s clothes and change out of my “girl clothes” before school. I had about a billion “alternative” phases after that. As I started leaning further away from “alternative” I got a bit girlier, and even leaned on the hipster side clothing wise.
As many people already know, I have family here in Japan. From a young age on I’d always annually visited. In my visits to Japan I never really cared about fashion till about age 17, 18 as everyone lives in Chiba… for those of you who don’t know Japan well, that’s like living in New Jersey suburbs instead of NYC. Meaning I wasn’t really exposed to fashion in Japan much anyway. Around 17, 18 I started venturing into Tokyo by train with cousins… that’s where I had my first run ins with Shibuya, gals, an SERIOUS FASHION as a whole. It was love at first sight.
I didn’t really seriously pursue it, however, till I realized a friend of mine in the US were into it too. Though she and I don’t really talk anymore, I really consider her my motivator.
2. What are you favourite things about gal?
The confidence it brings, the fact that its ultimately girls dressing for the admiration of other girls rather than dressing for guys, and the immaculate detail required for even the most haphazard of coordinates.
3. Do you have any style preferences and is there anything you wouldn’t try?
I could never see myself as manba. Seeing as that style is more or less dying here in Tokyo, it’s not saying much. That and I really can’t see myself in either him or mori gal styles. They’re just too frilly for me, and there’s not many ways to tone them down in that way. I’m very feminine, but I like an emasculate and rough touch. Hence my love of skulls, crosses, chains, etc. Note that I generally carry a man’s bag and have a lot of men’s accessories.


4. In your pictures you always have flawless hair, but how do you stay on trend with it? And do you have any hints or tips for those wanting to carry off something similar?
It’s safe to call me hair obsessed. Teasing, curling, straightening, setting. I own more product than anyone should. I certainly wouldn’t call it flawless though. On a good day, I’m at best 80% satisfied with my hair.
In terms of being on trend, I watch magazines (both men’s and women’s oddly enough) as well as people I see on the streets, and take what I like and apply it to myself. Hair is a very personal thing as it really needs to flatter YOUR face shape and YOUR overall style. There’re many styles I love that simply look ridiculous on me and as such I never wear them or I’ve only worn them once.
Hints/tips… Hmm… One: definitely have a very layered cut– no matter how long or short your hair is. Layers help give thin hair more volume and help give thick hair more playability. Two: Don’t be afraid to play. Watch tutorials, mess around. Days you have no plans are awesome for this– you stay entertained and you learn a new style. Three: Invest in a GOOD tail comb for teasing. I’m talking like the ones you see at salons. Those cheap plastic ones tend to break too easy and they also tend to tease your hair in a more messy/visible way as the teeth are a bit further apart.
5. You always have the perfect mix of casual and sexy in your coordinates, but who and what do you look to for inspiration? In terms of WHO, I really love Sakurina, Kanako, Hiromin, Lie… the list goes on and on really. I’d say I relate most to Sakurina as she, like me, likes to add edge to girly styles. Kanako and Hiromin I love for them being themselves in such a girly and feminine style. Even while their personal styles tend to be a little TOO tomboyish for my own taste. Lie aka Kei… She’s just ridiculously sexy. I buy EDGE’s just for her really. She was my favorite NUTS model. I also look at gals I see on the street a lot for ideas… and even let my eyes wander to OTHER style subcultures.
6. You currently live in Tokyo and are often socializing with gyaru-o and hosts. Do they relate to you as a gal and how do you get on with them? First let me say, to put nicely most gyaru-o and hosts are none too bright. I’ve met a lot of nice guys and I’ve met a lot of assholes– but nearly all of them are relatively empty headed. It’s kind of unfortunate. It’s as if to be cute and fashionable means your brain has to disappear. I get approached pretty easily as being mixed people take the chance I understand Japanese more often– even though half go both ways. About 50% speak and about 50% don’t. Guess that 50/50 shot is good enough odds as generally the fear a foreigner won’t understand them is pretty much the number one thing that stops guys from hitting on foreign girls here. About half the guys who talk to me would drop any interest in me in a second if they were to meet a “cute tall nosed blonde” who speaks Japanese. I’ve seen it happen as one of my best friends is a cute German girl with quite the proficiency in the language, hahaha. Of course, there’re guys who will approach despite not speaking English and despite knowing the girl likely won’t understand, but yeah… many don’t for fear of communication failure. One thing I hate though is because of the lifestyle of ViVi model Marie, a lot of these guys assume mixed girls are easy so I’ve had to teach a few idiots a lesson here and there. In general though, most of my friends are male and I relate pretty well to the GOOD guys I’ve met of the host and gyaru-o variety.
7. It’s always interesting to know how Japanese gals relate to Gaijin Gyaru, however have you found they relate to you differently – being part-Japanese?
I don’t know how differently… Though I’ve actually found some girls to be a little more cautious of me from time to time, then they would if they liked the style of a “real foreigner”… though at the same time I’ve had girls I’ve never met before run up to me in the club and ask if I speak English and if I can translate for them cause they really wanna shag some foreign guy they met, ahahaha. I’d say it really depends on the girl. One obstacle I’ve had is there’re a lot of stereotypes here that all mixed Japanese and Caucasian people are what we call here “motteru hito”. Basically an expression meaning they’re good looking, fashionable and/or people want to date them. While I don’t apply to many of these factors in my personal opinion, I think it makes some girls afraid I might be a bit of a bitch.

8. Recently more and more Western gals are complaining about negativity in the community. As someone who has been on the receieving end of this, how do you deal? I have to be honest, the crueler the secrets got, the more entertained I was. Call me a masochist but I enjoyed most of my hate hahaha. I don’t generally get much negative attention online, so it was almost a relief to get some flack, even if it was malicious. To those not like myself who take these things to heart I just have to say– keep your head up. The secrets are anonymous for a reason. These are generally people who lack the cajones to say these things to your face. Anyone who can’t stand behind their words isn’t worth your concern.
9. Do you have any advice for newcomers who feel a little apprehensive about joining the style? Absolutely go for it. Everyone has the potential to make a great gal provided they tap into it. Just remember to take advice and to constantly work at it. While one or two people are fortunate to look gal or close to gal on their first try, most work hard to get to the point where they’re undeniably IT.
10. Finally, as you know the aim of this series is to promote a better image of ‘Gaijin Gyaru’ by showing that it’s not only the Japanese gals who can get it right. How are YOU representing Gaijin Gyaru? I think that by even being here, being involved in gear and gyaru-o social circles I’m contributing to a degree. But I’m not the only one here doing that… There’re a few great gals from other countries out here. I wish I was doing something better for us than just being gal 24/7 and partying with/hanging out with gals and gal-o’s but at the moment it’s all I got. However, I was recently scouted by a modeling agency so I suppose of I get to model as a gal I guess that’d be a real way to really represent those of us with a Western background in the gal scene. My agency’s pretty tiny though so I don’t know. If I get work at all I may have very little say in the style genre.

A note from bloomzy: I love Ash because she has such a strong-willed, honest attitude. She always looks great and her coordinates are to die for. She doesn’t give out advice often but when she does it’s very valuable, so hold onto it ;D
If you’re a friend of Ash (hedonists) on livejournal then you can enjoy her frequent and interesting posts on her life in Tokyo – she offers an in-depth view of the Gal culture, and often posts photo’s and purikura.
You can also find her on ricoche and see posts by Ash on livejournal in the gyaru communities. Keep an eye out for her coordinates @ everyday_gyaru.
bloomzy /

Gaijin Gyaru Series; Lucie-Liu [Week 2]

Here is the second interview in the ‘Gaijin Gyaru Series‘ – say ‘hello’ to…

Name: Lucie-Liu
Age: 22
Location: Northumberland, UK
1. First off, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Could you tell us a little bit about your fashion background and how you got into gal.
You’re more than welcome! I’m flattered to have been asked to take part!
My fashion background isn’t terribly good; I never had much of an interest in following trends when I was younger…I started getting more into it once I went to uni and wasn’t stuck in a school uniform all week and a work one all weekend. I was a bit alternative and gothy/emo for a while but I wasn’t very good at that either! I started getting a lot more girly when I was in my final year and it was around then that I started to get into parapara which lead me towards Gal!
I joined Hibiscgyaru as a first generation member and through the more experienced and knowledgeable girls I learnt more about Gal and how to style myself better…I also got a lot more interested in clothes, and following trends.
2. What are you favourite things about gal?
My favourite thing about Gal is probably the way I feel when I’ve taken the time to make sure my make-up and hair is good. It’s true that knowing you look put together and good makes you feel better about yourself and I know I feel awesome when I’ve spent an hour and a half doing my hair and make-up before I’ve even got my clothes on.
Other than that, I’d have to say I love how dedicated each style is; if you’re into the pale denim, floral, cowboy type trend that is currently around then there are shops like Liz Lisa which have clothing just for that style; if you want to look ultra-sexy there is MA*RS which is packed out with brilliantly sexy clothing…it’s dedication to a trend or a specific look which you don’t see in the Western world. When a trend emerges here, shops tend to carry carbon copies of the same pieces of clothing but in Japan the shops make the trends their own and each has an individual look and each store has fiercely loyal customers who subscribe to this look to represent themselves.
3. Do you have any style preferences and is there anything you wouldn’t try?
I have to say, I do love a range of styles but I find that some just don’t fit with the way I look. I really love the cowgirl trend that I have already mentioned but with the 5 tattoos I have on my legs alone, I don’t feel I can really pull this look off.
I absolutely love Gilfy, Backs, and Glad News. I feel like the slightly edgier, rockier look of these brands suits my image and my personality, although I also like Cecil McBee for more ‘grown-up’ clothing, and Co&Lu when I want to be less dressed up and more playful and bright in my clothing. I also love MA*RS for the sex appeal its clothing pretty much oozes.
I think I would steer clear of the cuter, pastel type outfits seen a lot in Popteen because although I enjoy the clothing, I don’t think it’s for me. I also probably wouldn’t try wearing Liz Lisa, or more hime type clothing.
Lucie-Liu workin’ some of her Co&Lu
4. You live in the UK, so how do you keep up with the latest gal trends?
I am a religious saver of any Gal photos I see online; the ohyeahgyaru tumblr is brilliant for this, and any photos can be used as inspiration for hair, make-up or outfits! I follow several Gal blogs including the awesome Universal Doll which offers excellent breakdowns of the latest trends and a huge database of information, links and tips! I try to buy Ranzuki and Ageha when I can from the Japan Centre in London and I have a back catalogue of Popteen that I refer to for hair and make-up ideas also. I, personally, have found that posting on message boards can be very counterproductive as there ends up with so many conflicting views on how something should be done, or if it is indeed a Gal look.
When I have been to Japan I take a note of what is popular in the stores and I will either pick up something that is right on trend for the moment or basics that will outlast the trends!
5. Are there any British stores that you would recommend for the gals who can’t afford to go to Japan or use a shopping service?
I love River Island, and recently H&M has been producing some items that can be worked into an outfit and made Gal. I find it useful to make a note of specific items I want to create a look and then browsing several different shops until I find as close to what I want as I can!
6. Your make-up is always gorgeous. Do you always use the same routine, or do you like to try out different trends?
Thank you! Most days I use the same routine to be honest…I like saving trying out new things for when I’m either going out or when I don’t have to catch a train as I find it very time-consuming!! It’s the same with hair; if I’m trying out something new I’ll wait til I have the time to spend on it rather than rushing it to get somewhere on time!
7. How did you find 109 and the gal scene in general when you first visited Tokyo?
The first time I visited 109 and Tokyo, I wasn’t sure what to expect…Because I was there while the January sale was on, I experience the mania that is 109 at its height! I felt a little intimidated by 109 and the huge amount of fashion it has to offer because I hadn’t yet figured out my own personal style, and I hadn’t found the confidence to work the style into everyday British life.
When I returned earlier this year I found shopping to be a much more enjoyable experience as I knew what the trends were and I knew the shops that I preferred and what I wanted from them. I found all the staff to be absolutely lovely (apart from one incident in SBY >.

bloomzy /

Gaijin Gyaru Series; Mitsu [Week 1]

Here is the first interview in the ‘Gaijin Gyaru Series‘ – please welcome…

Name: Mitsu
Location: Tokyo/Houston

1. First off, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Could you tell us a little bit about your fashion background and how you got into gal.

Happy to do so for my favorite gal blogger ♥

Well I’ve always liked fun clothing. I went to my prom in a vintage electric blue cheongsam. I used to work for a small clothing company that imported cyber clothing into the US. Compared to how I used to look in those days, gal is really tame.

When I moved to Japan in 2007, I really had no concept of gal beyond the overly tanned platformed girls that often showed up in Japan-is-Weird news articles. However, I went to 109 and was quite addicted. I loved all the fashion choices, the attention to detail, the fun nightlife, everything.

2. What are you favourite things about gal?

In Japan gal is so amazing. It’s really inspiring to see these women decide lifestyles for themselves because they love gal as a culture. When I first lived in Japan in 2007, Japan was ranked 91st out of 128 countries in terms of gender equality, and 98th in terms of workplace equality. The US was 31st, the UK a bit higher. In 2010 Japan is doing a bit better in terms of equality, but back then and now gal really does have a certain amount of girl power within it. Even when gals spend so much time and money on cosmetics and hair, it’s not for the outcome of a supposed Yamato Nadeshiko ideal of Japanese men.

3. Do you have any style preferences and is there anything you wouldn’t try?

I absolutely love dresses and onsies. They’re so easy to plan an outfit around and if you’re trying a new style, a dress helps you not buy a whole set of pieces. I also like how a dress or onsie can look different styles depending on the accessories. So you can own 1 dress and wear it 4 different ways, so cheap

I have two boxes of hats so I guess I should mention them as well. So wonderful during this humid summer season.

I won’t rule out anything, but I find Rainbow Brite style AmeKaji a bit too much for me.

Cardigan: Duras
Vest onesie: OneSpo
Striped shirt: Glad News
Jewelry: YSL, Gilfy, and Louis Vuitton

4. You’re currently selling MODE to us all (which I love), but what are you wearing right now?

hahahaha well while writing out responses to this interview I’m sitting around in my workout clothes. Lately I’m working out a lot, so I don’t have a lot of opportunities to dress up. When I do it’s sharp monotones mixed with playful items.

5. You live half of the year in Tokyo, studying. What is it like being a foreigner who follows Gal? (How do non-gals perceive you etc.)

Hmmm…well I can only state how it is for me. I will state that my height, colouring and frame make it easy to tell that I am a gaijin, however I do seem to shock people when I turn around if they only see me from the back. Since I tend to dress mostly gal they see me usually in extensions, heels, and nails and then when I turn they’re quite shocked to see a very obviously white face staring back at them. So I’m used to hearing strangers say whoooa gaijin or sugoi sega takai no hito (such a tall person) or something to that ilk.

For those who know me especially non-gal Japanese they always tease me with gyaru gyaru gyaru, but it’s all in fun. Gal Japanese it just depends. Through living in Japan I’ve learned you often have to make the first effort in getting to know people, so I try to be friendly and complimentary and good things happen.

6. I know you love to hang around Shibuya and Shinjuku when in Tokyo, which are both gal hotspots. So how do the Japanese gals relate to you?

Well I lived in Shibuya. Not just Shibuya-ku (which includes Harajuku and Yoyogi), but 5 minutes away from 109. So I got used to being in that area. Many of the shopstaff I’ve gotten to know and some I’ve known for 2 years. Even when I leave for 5 months they remember me and we’re back where I left off. It’s really fun to go into a store that’s got a somber atmosphere and shop staff run up to you and chat. Very bad days have been made very good by some of those gals.

I feel pretty comfortable in those shops especially so I find it pretty easy. I think if Japanese gals don’t know me, they possibly think I’m a tourist or such. So I try to make every effort to help dispel some stereotypes if I can.

7. Your blog is the go-to place for all things ‘Gaijin Gyaru’. How do you keep up with the latest trends?

Thank you!! I’m always shopping, in person or on-line. So I try to make connections between stores. I read a lot of magazines so that helps, too. Really all it is, is keeping your eyes open.

Pepper onesie: W♥C
Shirt: Paris Disneyland
Hairbow: Gilfy scarf
Glasses: Urban Outfitters

8. I have also noticed how you speak out at the common misconceptions of Gal (you have to be blonde, stick-thin etc.). So what is ‘Gal’ to you?

Well first of all I think everyone who likes gal should understand that gal is not natural. There is absolutely no one on the planet who woke up and was instantly gal today. Sure some aspects help, like waking up with extensions, nails done in gal style, eyelash extensions, etc… However, even Tsubasa without putting on the right clothes and make-up was not gal this morning.

Sure there’s a certain mentality that comes with being gal, but a lot of that is confidence. Confidence that comes from taking care of yourself which gal aids in doing so.

However, there are just too many styles to say in less than the size of an academic paper what is gal and what is not. Just like there are many sizes of gals. Contrary to super skinny myths, Gilfy which always has tons of denim each season, on its webstore the size 26 shorts typically sell out much faster than the size 24 shorts. Elastic in shorts is also a growing trend, among all styles.

Defining gal for me is how someone uses and thinks about each aspect of their look: hair, nails, make-up, shoes, outfit and how they play with that within and outside of gal parameters. What Chinatsu is doing now would’ve not been thought of 3 years ago, but she’s creating a way for gal to expand.

9. Do you have any advice for newcomers who feel a little apprehensive about joining the style?

Anyone absolutely anyone can enjoy gal fashion. I do not care what ethnicity, size, level of attractiveness you are, anyone can do great gal. It just takes some hard work, lots of consideration, and understanding how to dress your body.

Everyone is welcome, gal is HUGE in Japan. It didn’t get that way from kicking people out, instead it keeps growing and redefining styles to be let in.

10. Finally, as you know the aim of this series is to promote a better image of ‘Gaijin Gyaru’ by showing that it’s not only the Japanese gals who can get it right. How are YOU representing Gaijin Gyaru?

Eeks. Well I try to keep everyone updated, always try to be positive, and hopefully raise up new gals into further playing with their style. It’s very important to me to always keep the Doll as positive as possible and as welcoming as possible. Keeping everyone updated on current trends hopefully helps dispel some of these stereotypes overseas gals get.

Living in Japan can be very hard for several reasons as a gaijin, so a positive mindset will get you far in dealing with situations in and outside of gal.

A note from bloomzy: Mitsu is the go-to Gal in the western blogging community. Her frequent posts on the current trends, topics and Japan related articles offer more than just your average insight into the world of gal. I adore her personal style and her positive attitude when it comes to gal, and I never miss a post. You can stay updated @ Universal Doll.

bloomzy /

UPDATE

I am afraid I won’t be blogging for a few days as I am moving out of my house at university and going back home for the Summer.
I will try and update when I get back and am settled in, which will most likely be Sunday.
In the mean time, I’d like to tell you a little about my plans for the blog this Summer. If you have me on twitter then you already know my plans, but for those who don’t;

The Gaijin Gyaru Series
I want to get a more positive vibe back out into the Gaijin Gal community. Therefore I am going to be doing a series of interviews celebrating some of the best Gal’s out there right now.
I have already picked these girls out and I personally think it’s going to be a great line-up…so stay tuned to find out who they are and what I will be asking them!!
I ALSO would like to do a feature on a few up and coming Gals. These wouldn’t be full length interviews, mainly introductions to the person. I’m mainly looking for people who are new to the fashion, who write blogs. I’d like to offer up a bit more variety and get word out there about the new Gals who are rockin’ the scene ;D
If you’re interested, please feel free to leave a comment here or on my twitter.
EDIT: I’d just like to add something about the ‘New Gal Intros’ that I plan to do:
– I am not looking for experts, or people who claim to be 100% Gal because no one starts off amazing – unless you’re super lucky/talented ;D
– I want to feature people who are just starting out and are looking for advice/encouragement and so we can see how amazing you Gals really are, because it’s not only the well-known Gaijin Gyaru who can do it right.
So please don’t feel bad if you’re new to it – it’s all about progressing and getting better with time. I’m not new, but I still feel as though I have a long way to go XD
FINAL EDIT: I am going to be doing a post in a few weeks where I will be asking the Gals who want to be featured on the ‘upcoming gals’ post to send me some info.
So keep a look out ;D
bloomzy /

Interview by Hana @ findingtokyo….

Interview @ findingtokyo

The lovely Hana of findingtokyo has posted an interview with me, about Gal. I still don’t know why she would choose me when there are so many great Gal’s out there, but I appreciate the thought….and I hope you all enjoy the interview.
You can find it here.
p.s. If you have any questions for me, why not ask me here?!