Before moving here, I had heard from several people and Cliff how “fashion forward” Tokyo is. “It’s so edgy” I often heard. Having moved here and now lived here for a while I have my own opinions:

To dress like a Tokyo woman, you have 2 choices. You either dress like a school girl who doesn’t know her underwear is hanging out, or you dress very chic with expensive fabrics and high-end labels. Either way, to complete both looks, you must have an air of obliviousness regarding whatever you have on your body.

School girl type

Elementary School Girl type

Graduate School girl type. Note hair color

One of the trends I have found to be a little strange is wearing frames without lenses. Maybe because I spent thousands of dollars getting rid of my glasses, I can’t imagine wearing them as a fashion statement.

Wasn't sure where to put this

I don’t think you can see this clearly in the picture, but her “shorts” are actually like thick boudoir panties. Really rufflie made of chiffon. I actually liked the outfit in person, but I don’t think I would ever have the nerve to wear it.

These ladies I caught inevitably on their way to lunch. In the winter, everyone has some kind of fur piece. Black leggings and tall boots are a must!

Tokyo Bohemian

This lady has it all going on: Fur piece, tall boots, blonde color, black leggings, designer pet and wine glass. She spells: Tokyo. Way to look wealthy!

I should also mention men’s fashion since it does have a stronger presence here than in the US, so don’t just pack your t-shirts and jeans boys.

In the US there is a subculture of men known as “MetroSexuals”. These are heterosexual men who are NOT gay, but still enjoy the finer things in life, get mani-pedis, facials, dress in complete ensemble, and enjoy having social repartee with other men about luxury goods. Here in Tokyo, they have of course taken it a step further (in some twisted idea of perfecting the Metrosexual) and these men are known as the “Shoshoku Danshii” literally translated as “Grass-eating man/vegetarian man”. It is no secret that Japan’s population growth is in the red. They have far more old people here than babies and the government is struggling to find ways to increase population size because, typical of any island nation, if you don’t grow it, you must import it. Shoshoku danshi are supposedly also heterosexual but they just aren’t interested in women or sex. They would rather spend their money on high-end bags and themselves. They prefer going out with male co-workers and eating and drinking all night with them. Often I have been drawn to a shoshoku danshii because I was lured by the shinyness of his designer man-bag.

Shoshoku Danshii near Chase's school

I couldn’t believe he was wearing white pants after Memorial Day! Eeeegads! At first I thought he might be equestrian, but then I remembered we’re in To-ki-yo. Who has room to own a horse?

Check out that bag!

This guy’s totally not picking up the check. You’re on your own sister.

BoheMan

Many times I will also see “matching” couples. It almost seems like they either try to dress alike or at least at the same level.

Shoshoku Danshii at any age!

Who do you think has the bigger closet at home? Is there any wonder why Cliff loves it here so much? Check out those shoes.

Cliff has already turned to the “dandy-side”. How will all this effect Chase? Well, he already carries a “citybag” albeit no label. But he still eats bacon everyday! He did just request that we buy him a pocket square for his uniform blazer. But he is still “allergic” to brushes and combs. He has started moisturizing his face and body everyday. But he still passes gas freely without excuses. The answer is, I don’t know. What I do know is as long as I’m still buying his clothes, you won’t see any orange pants in his pants presser.

Until next time…