The Kimchi Chronicles

Japan, Day 4: Shibuya

Posted on 1/29/2010 at 11:47:44 AM

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

I was on my own again today. While it was great having company yesterday and exploring with Gordon, I really wanted to experience some solo action again. After treating myself to the most delicious tempura meal of my life, I decided to head down to Shibuya for a last round of Jennifer vs. Japan. Shibuya has been described as the “ground zero for Tokyo youth culture.” The famous Shibuya crossing is composed of approximately six crosswalks that unleash a flood of humanity every few minutes. The amount of people that migrate here is unbelievable. People walk so fast, it’s easy to get knocked over, and since I had my face stuck in a map, that happened a few times. Buildings, restaurants, shops, department stores, and everything else in between tower over every street and alleyway in this part of Tokyo. The energy is fantastic, and one can easily sit back and watch people for hours.

It needs to be said that Tokyoites definitely have their own sense of style. Both men and women alike dress like wannabe rock stars, but it works in a non-poser kind of way. From my observation, most young women look like hookers. Make-up is caked on like frosting, boots are thigh-high while shorts and skirts reach ass cheeks. Hair is dyed, curled, and pinned, and extensions and fake eyelashes are part of everyday attire. Being from LA, I’ve seen my fair share of high maintenance before, but Tokyo takes it to a whole new level. Regardless, there’s nothing pretentious about the people, at least from what I noticed in my few days here. Fashion is just a really big deal, and if it works for them, then great. It makes everything more entertaining for an outsider anyways.