Tag: reflection323

R2.2 – Harajuku Fashion 原宿ファッション

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“What make’s Japanese street fashion stand out is not because it is strange, but because it is unique.”
～ Enzo

The Japanese way.

During the period of Japan’s substantial economic growth in the 60s, the Japanese were manufacturing many attires that were inspired and influenced by Western fashion. One of those styles were street fashion, and was eventually brought inside of Japan by European traders during the Meiji Restoration. Around that time, it had also developed itself into Japan’s unique culture with the term Yōfuku (literally, western clothing) and adapted a variety of outfits that helped it popularize throughout the country. Western trade resulted in new materials and techniques such as wool or synthetic dyes, this led the Japanese to slowly change their styles into more of a modern look. Accordingly, western formalwear was not integrated immediately, however as the country had opened itself to more trade, many officers in the Japanese army started to adopt uniforms since it was more suitable and practical. Many of which only applied to men and less on women that continued wearing kimonos but acquired some western accessories. This major acceptance of western clothing in the beginning of the 20th century sought a mass production of cloth, silk threads, and wool industries, as a result, street fashion in the early 50s is now part of Japanese attire subculture, including the popular Harajuku fashion that you see today in fashion magazines or media.

Section 2 :

What is your opinion on Harajuku Fashion? Do you think these styles could be popular in Canada?

I like the idea of using fashion to express your emotions and feelings. The variety of clothing represents the different perspectives of others. However, I do think that this type fashion may not be popular in Canada, as Canada has a more conservative taste on fashion. People usually only follow trends and stick to what is considered the norm.

Which type of Harajuku fashion did you like best? Why?

The Bosozokus definitely had the coolest fashion, just loved the cool way it looked in the early stages of Harajuku fashion. Just ignoring the fact that the fashion is associated with the former biker gangs of Japan, yet I do find it impressive that these organize crime do have a sense of style.

Japan is a country that values conformity, so why is Harajuku so popular amongst younger generation?

During the early stages of the Lost Decades of Japan, there was an official national branding known as “Cool Japan’, where it became a movement to express Japan internationally with the new generational culture. One of them brought the Harajuku Fashion incorporating the kawaii culture we see today.

How important is fashion to you? What influences your fashion?

I’m definitely a fashion person but I don’t go on with the trendiest outfits, as fashion tends to be really quick and changes in the ocassion. I like sticking with things that are valued even after a long period of time, so what I consider major influences for me is “timeless” fashion.

Do you like your fashion style? Would you like anything to change?

I currently do like my fashion style at the moment, I don’t feel like changing it. I like the current me.

That’s all for today, thanks for reading! 今日はここまで、お読みいただきありがとうございました！

References:

R2.1 – Sando サンド

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Yamazaki Peanut Sandwich done as a Japanese vinyl cover

Section 1 : The Japanese way.

During the period of Japan’s substantial economic growth in the 60s, the Japanese were manufacting many goods that were inspired and influenced by Western cooking. One of those products were bread, and was eventually brought inside of Japan by European traders around the mid-16th century. Around that time, it had also developed itself into Japan’s unique culture with the term Yōshoku (literally, western food) and adapted a variety of cuisines that helped it popularize throughout the country. Postwar Japan resulted in food shortages and famines, numerous products were not available such as rice becoming a scarcity during that time. Accordingly, loaves of bread was not traditional in Japan, however towards America’s aid made it a culinary norm among many artisans alike. This major acceptance of bread in the late 50s sought a mass production of wheat manufacturers, as a result, shokupan (milk bread) is now part of many Japanese baking industries, including the favoured “Lunch Pack” sandwiches that you see today in several konbini stores.
The 60s were a time of establishment, which led shokupan to be a staple food for Japanese families. While a few local bakeries kept the complimentary milk bread running, the majority lead to a processed approach of bread production. This system has been prominent since the 80s, and is widely credited today as the Japanese-style innovation from Western countries across the globe.

Section 2 : Convenience.

Demand of the soft texture, elegant-tasting, and pleasant characteristic of shokupan were high. Therefore companies such as the Yamazaki brand in the mid 80s introduced commercialized methods for consumers, where it was serviced through convenience stores and other forms like vending machines. Despite it being a processed food, the quality of these items are still exclusive. These sandwich snacks can have a myriad of different flavours because the idea is simple, sandwich a filling between two slices of bread, snip off the crusts after compressing, then securely press the bread’s four corners together to seal the sandwich. The result is a sleek and appealing look of Japanese craftmanship, something that shouldn’t be doubted.

“Miracle of engineering: moist but not gummy, rich but light, balanced between sweet and salty.”
～Julia Moskin

Overtime, this Japanese product continues to be popular. With every new flavor and type of filling released to public merchandise, there are hundreds of distinct options to choose from.

Section 3 : Difference of marketing, Canada and Japan.

While Japan overall receives admiration for its milk bread, they have a minor production of 100% true whole grain bread. Almost all bakeries and supermarkets opt for white bread that are manufactured quickly instead of natural brown-bread goods. Consumers may often see a “blend” of whole-weat bread around 20% or relatively half the amount of fiber available from the rye itself. Although it can be a nuisance for those looking for nutritious alternatives, local Japanese bakeries attempt to preserve its high-end standards without leaning towards artificial or ultra-processed baked supply. On the contrary, Canada does not lack on organic-based products and such, but Canada cannot compare to Japan’s creative and convenient take on pastries. It is up to the consumer on what they prefer, but prices remain to be expensive for Japanese consumers for organic choices.

“What you can find easily in Japan, instead, are a range of unmilled or partially milled rice products. In addition to brown rice, you often see sprouted brown rice and rice without embryo buds at major retailers. Mini-packets of millets, which you can mix with rice before turning the cooker on, are also popular. These are all richer in fiber, vitamins and minerals than white rice.“
～Tomoko Otake

Reflections:

Question 1 : What is the most creative meal you have had? Would it taste good in sandwich form?

I honestly cant think of a creative meal I’ve had, but my taste buds love the taste of takoyaki. It’s a ball-shaped snack that has mostly octopus or another kind of seafood inside of it. While eating takoyaki, it mostly has a starchy texture to it. It would be amazing to have a flavour like that in a sandwich filling and having a softer, creamier texture.

Question 2 : What sandwich type are you most excited to try?

I noticed that many Japanese sandwiches have these fruit toppings inside of them. One of them is the strawberry sandwich, it looks very attractive even if it has simple ingredients. I’ve never had a sweet sandwich other than types of food from a confectionery, so I’d like to see if I can buy or make this one myself.

Question 3 : If offered by him, would you eat a part of Anpanman’s head? 

Since Anpanman is actually a nice guy, I would never eat someone like him for the sake of curiousity. Even if he offered his head, there are other people who would need his help more than I do, he is the cartoon presentation of the Japanese value 和

That’s all for today, thanks for reading! 今日はここまで、お読みいただきありがとうございました！

References: