A peep into the latest dark subculture that’s taking the alternate fashion world by storm Jirai Kei fashion is seen in Yua Takahashi's character (portrayed by Nagisa Saito, left) from the drama 'Ashita, Watashi wa Dareka no Kanojo,' which is adapted from the manga (right). When one looks at Japanese subcultures and alt-fashion, Tokyo’s Harajuku stands at the center point of it all. With its crowded and colorful streets densely packed with shops catering to alt fashionistas- from the to the to the to the to the .
..the list goes on.
However, the newest subculture that’s fast occupying the mind space of alt aficionados surprisingly isn’t from Harajuku. It is called Jirai Kei. The Jirai Kei cultural movement was born in Kabukichō, Shinjuku’s entertainment district infamous for its nightlife.
Although nowadays, the locality is more of a tourist trap with the iconic Godzilla towering over the populace, it still has a dark underbelly despite its gentrification. Even now Kabukichō is well known for its love hotels, host clubs and concept cafes. Peel away a little of this glittery façade (in fact, just behind Toho Cinemas past the Godzilla), and you find the ‘Toyoko kids’, young runaways upwards of the age of 13.
For some, it is the oppressive atmosphere or abuse at work, school, or even at home; for others, it may be neglect or a sense of un-belonging that brings them here. When the pandemic hit in 2020 and the world shut down, Kabukichō remained open. With its .