Tokyo fashion is a bit like what we have in Bangkok, there is this (apparent) anything-goes attitude and a abundance of subgroups wearing all sorts of strange things. It’s common to see people (adults) dressed as cartoon characters or 50s greasers, and then there are fashion trends which seem to either start here or pick-up from the rest of the world quickly. What you will notice after being here for some time, is that there is very little that is actually unique. It may seem unique to see a 25 year old girl dressed up as an overblown cartoon character, but the reality of it is that there are a few hundred others doing the same thing.

A few interesting trends that I’ve noticed since being here

• Thin, square neck ties (almost 80s style) worn with a very loose full-windsor knot (~6-8″ from the neck) with polo shirts or dress shirts (usually the top three buttons are undone.)
• Pants cuffed or hemmed about 6-8″ above the ankle, generally worn with no socks or a short sock (although, I think this is the trend all-over now).
• Clear plastic umbrellas. This one I thought was just fashion, but recently learned that it was for safety. The streets are crazy packed here and if your umbrella is clear, you can see the people around you better.
• My new favorite thing, socks with individual compartments for each toe. I think there is some health benefit to wearing these, not sure about that but they do feel good.