URA-HARAJUKU: THE BIRTHPLACE OF JAPANESE STREETWEAR
Japanese streetwear traces its origins to a hidden corner of Tokyo, predating the internet and widespread collaborations. This fashion movement centres on Ura-Harajuku, nestled discreetly between bustling Harajuku and Aoyama districts.
In the mid-'90s, unmarked boutiques in Ura-Harajuku imported sportswear from hip-hop and punk subcultures, introducing fresh creativity and style to Japan. Boutiques like A Store Robot and Vintage King are seen as pioneers, reinterpreting foreign cultures and sparking youth creativity.
Two unknown figures, Jun "Jonio" Takahashi and Tomoaki Nagao, discreetly opened NOWHERE, marking the birth of A Bathing Ape (BAPE). Following their lead, more shops emerged, each contributing to Japanese streetwear. Shinsuke Takizawa's Neighborhood introduced Americana and rebellion, while Nobuhiko Kitamura's Hysteric Glamour celebrated '70s rock culture. Creative designer SK8THING brought graphic designs to brands like A Bathing Ape and Bounty Hunter.
The Ura-Harajuku scene gained momentum through Japanese media magazines like Smart and Asayan. Teens and young adults sought iconic items like Hysteric Glamour’s image tees and Neighborhood's Savage denim. Ura-Harajuku remains a testament to self-expression, innovation, and ever-evolving fashion, inspiring creativity and individuality in Japan's streetwear culture.
In the mid-'90s, unmarked boutiques in Ura-Harajuku imported sportswear from hip-hop and punk subcultures, introducing fresh creativity and style to Japan. Boutiques like A Store Robot and Vintage King are seen as pioneers, reinterpreting foreign cultures and sparking youth creativity.
Two unknown figures, Jun "Jonio" Takahashi and Tomoaki Nagao, discreetly opened NOWHERE, marking the birth of A Bathing Ape (BAPE). Following their lead, more shops emerged, each contributing to Japanese streetwear. Shinsuke Takizawa's Neighborhood introduced Americana and rebellion, while Nobuhiko Kitamura's Hysteric Glamour celebrated '70s rock culture. Creative designer SK8THING brought graphic designs to brands like A Bathing Ape and Bounty Hunter.
The Ura-Harajuku scene gained momentum through Japanese media magazines like Smart and Asayan. Teens and young adults sought iconic items like Hysteric Glamour’s image tees and Neighborhood's Savage denim. Ura-Harajuku remains a testament to self-expression, innovation, and ever-evolving fashion, inspiring creativity and individuality in Japan's streetwear culture.
