Japanese Styles-Young Men (Julien)

Young Japanese males, much like young Japanese females, are a source of great importance for the Japanese fashion market. With increasingly disposable income, their age bracket (16-25) probably spends the most time and money on fashion amongst men. They are manifested in TV, advertisements, manga, anime, and J-pop groups. Girls worldwide are wooed by their style. Thus, they need to be top-ballin’ at all times. Because of the roles they play in the above-mentioned industries, the young Japanese male’s style and fashion has been distorted into a uniquely Japanese look; the basis of which other Asian countries followed (Sorry, Korea! It’s true).

 

Being from Europe or the United States, you will find key differences that almost seem like polar opposites, especially in the case of the latter. As an emphasis is put on being tough and strong (sometimes also mean and gangster) in the States or in England, a greater emphasis is put on being cute, soft, lovable, and fashionable (marketable?) in Japan. That's not to say that the tough guy image does not exist; its just as prevalent as the Mr. Nice Guy (who notoriously finishes last) image is in the States. Except in this case, the guy with the baggy jeans and muscles finishes last. In the states, as many women like men to be macho, work out, and have big muscles, a majority of Japanese women prefer skinny, style-savvy boys, who are less tough and more soft. Some Japanese boys even go so far as to look as androgynous as their favorite anime characters. Most young Japanese men, however, do not and would not consider themselves tough or soft but normal. Though their standard of style would look a bit girly to the average American guy, they would probably equate the average American guy’s style to that of a Japanese construction worker. Instead of muscles and a tan, most young Japanese men tend to focus on neat hair and a clean face. It is quite normal to pluck the eyebrows. It is not seen as gay or metrosexual but rather just a savvy-conscience move to better one’s appearance. Hey, why not?

 

As far as clothes are concerned, nice fitting pants, clean stylish shoes or boots, and good hair are all a plus. Mixing and matching clothes is also cool as long as they’re all nice. Since brand names are a sign of wealth, class, and good style, they are an even greater plus. Fedoras are seen quite frequently, and beards are allowed, only in the nicest, neatest way of course. In all, though, being exposed to this will not make you feel insecure but just remind you that it’s nice to look good. All this being said, young Japanese men are no less manly in their actions than Americans or Europeans. Insensitive jerks, Japanese playboys, and cocky deuschbags do exist; they just have nicer eyebrows.