#5. Kigurumin – (”wearing stuffed toy”)

How To Identify

Wandering the streets of Shibuya like the zygotic offspring of Jodie Marsh and the cast of Animal Crossing, the Kigurumin are identifiable by their minstrel-esque make-up and adult-sized animal pajamas.

The Background

Kigurumin are one of the more obscure offshoots of Gyaru (”Gal”) fashion.

Would You Want To Date One?

No one really wants to date a Kigurumin. Even the Japanese find this style a bit odd.

Also be warned it’s also not uncommon for Kigurumin to cross into O-Gal (AKA “dirty” or “polluted girls”) territory: Rather than shower and reapply layers of spray-tan and powder make-up daily, some followers of “Gal” fashion forgo washing for weeks, even months on end. There’s even rumours that between the tanning salons and fast-food restaurants, many take to sleeping outdoors – becoming much like the Pokemon and forest animals they emulate.

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#4. Kogals – (”small girl”)

How To Identify

Platform boots, miniskirts, nuclear tans and bleached hair.

The look and lifestyle somewhat resemble that of a wealthy California girl. The aim is often to look like you’ve just got back from a holiday in Bali or Hawaii – or, in the case of Ganguros (”black faces”), the Sun.

The Background

Kogals appeared sometime in the mid-90s, and have rebranded themselves about five thousand times since then. They typically live a parasitic existence, sponging off wealthy parents or partners, and spend almost every waking moment either shopping or tanning. They’re also so into being seen on their mobile phones they’ll often ring people sitting or standing only a few feet away.

Would You Want To Date One?

Only if your ambition is to buy a Bugatti Veyron on store card points.

To support their busy, unemployed lifestyles, Kogals routinely go in for the practice of “compensated dating.” They’re turned on by expensive restaurants, new phones and sponsored shopping runs around Louis Vuitton and Burberry. The rest of the time they exist in a Zen-like state of non-responsiveness – not dissimilar to heavy anaesthesia.

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#3. Serebu – (”celebrity girl”)

How To Identify

Gold jewelery, platform shoes, long nails and over-sized sunglasses.

The Background

Serebu is an offshoot of Oneegyaru (”big sister girl”) fashion.

Their main concern is looking glamourous – emulating mostly talentless, parasitic style icons like Paris Hilton and Victoria Beckham.

Would You Want To Date One?

The main problem will be dealing with their image-consciousness and self-obsession.

If you happen to spend a large part of your day emulating the look and lifestyle of Brad Pitt or David Beckham, you might find your perfect match in a Serebu. You’ll both be able to wear over-sized sunglasses and walk hurriedly out of clothing stores and hotel entrances together.

 

Continue to Part 2 »

 

 

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