‘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.
‘Gothic Lolitas’ are similar to their ‘Sweet’ sisters, but instead of a preference for pastel hues, black is their shade of choice.
Here, two ‘Sweets’ and a ‘Gothic’ soak up all the attention on a warm Sunday afternoon.
Characters like this fantastically furry fox are not an uncommon sight on the streets of Harajuku.
No matter what street fashion subculture they represent, all Harajuku girls have one overriding objective—to be kawaii, or cute!
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.
Two Sunday shoppers pause for a photo in a Harajuku mall.
The entrance to Tokyu Plaza mall, Harajuku, a crowded weekend scene.
The “regular” girls of Harajuku also know how to strike the perfect pose for the camera, as these two casual shoppers prove.
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.
… and yes, there are ‘Harajuku Boys’ too!