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Tokyo’s real-life ‘Harajuku Girls’ (Includes first-hand account)

‘Harajuku girls’ are not a monolithic lot. There are literally dozens of different subcultures with their own unique styles. On any given weekend afternoon, visitors to Harajuku’s crowded streets and stores will encounter girls representing several of these.

The ‘Lolita’ look remains one of the most popular street styles you’ll see in Harajuku. Here are a couple of ‘Sweet Lolitas’ basking in the attention that tourists, locals and even shady ‘talent scouts’ lavish upon them every Saturday and Sunday.

A  Sweet Lolita  out for a Sunday promenade in Tokyo s Harajuku district.

A ‘Sweet Lolita’ out for a Sunday promenade in Tokyo’s Harajuku district.

This young  Sweet Lolita  was approached by a shady  talent recruiter.  Agents for legitimate modeli...

This young ‘Sweet Lolita’ was approached by a shady ‘talent recruiter.’ Agents for legitimate modeling and talent agencies say unscrupulous operators sometimes prey upon the innocence of children.

‘Gothic Lolitas’ are similar to their ‘Sweet’ sisters, but instead of a preference for pastel hues, black is their shade of choice.

 Gothic Lolitas  mix with  Sweets  and even cosplay characters on the streets of Tokyo s Harajuku di...

‘Gothic Lolitas’ mix with ‘Sweets’ and even cosplay characters on the streets of Tokyo’s Harajuku district.

Here, two ‘Sweets’ and a ‘Gothic’ soak up all the attention on a warm Sunday afternoon.

Three  Lolitas  soak up attention on a warm Sunday afternoon in Tokyo s Harajuku district.

Three ‘Lolitas’ soak up attention on a warm Sunday afternoon in Tokyo’s Harajuku district.

Characters like this fantastically furry fox are not an uncommon sight on the streets of Harajuku.

Foxy fashionista flaunts in Harajuku

Foxy fashionista flaunts in Harajuku

No matter what street fashion subculture they represent, all Harajuku girls have one overriding objective—to be kawaii, or cute!

Kawaii!

Kawaii!

Harajuku is dotted with shopping malls full of funky, colorful stores like this one, where aspiring Harajuku girls can accessorize and complete their perfect looks.

A store selling colorful accessories in a Harajuku mall.

A store selling colorful accessories in a Harajuku mall.

Two Sunday shoppers pause for a photo in a Harajuku mall.

Two Sunday shoppers in a Harajuku mall

Two Sunday shoppers in a Harajuku mall

The entrance to Tokyu Plaza mall, Harajuku, a crowded weekend scene.

Tokyu Plaza entry

Tokyu Plaza entry

The “regular” girls of Harajuku also know how to strike the perfect pose for the camera, as these two casual shoppers prove.

Two Sunday shoppers stop to strike the perfect pose in Harajuku  Tokyo.

Two Sunday shoppers stop to strike the perfect pose in Harajuku, Tokyo.

Even the “nerdy” girls here are a fashion force to be reckoned with, although many do not wish to be photographed or gawked at like freaks by passing tourists.

Part nerd  part hipster  all  kawaii —not all Harajuku girls are sporting flamboyant styles.

Part nerd, part hipster, all “kawaii”—not all Harajuku girls are sporting flamboyant styles.

… and yes, there are ‘Harajuku Boys’ too!

Teenage boys in Harajuku  Tokyo

Teenage boys in Harajuku, Tokyo

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