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Metropolis Japan
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metropolis Japan
Tokyo's 'Magical Girl' Fashion Trend
Every year, a new microtrend floods our feeds— blokette , angelcore , balletcore and whatever '-core' . Blink, and it's gone. Meanwhile, in Japan, globally recognized fashion subcultures like gyaru , lolita and jirai-kei are more long-standing community-based microgenres. Somewhat of a crossover between these fashion paradigms—at least, that's how I see it—Magical Girl is 2025's latest aesthetic buzzword, but it might be more than just that. Inspired by the kitschy but whimsical manga and anime genre, with pastels, plastic charms and metallic sparkle, the look is everywhere, from K-pop stages to runway campaigns. While the world calls it a trend, in Japan, it was never just a phase. After all, Sailor Moon didn't fade—she transformed. Magazines like Nylon have been quick to report on the rise of 'magical girl' aesthetics in fashion, but what exactly is it? Magical Girl (direct translation of mahou shoujo ), is a genre of Japanese anime and manga where ordinary girls transform—often dramatically—into powerful, magical versions of themselves. The genre first took off in the 1960s with shows like Himitsu no Akko-chan and Sally the Witch, but reached international fame in the '90s with Sailor Moon, Cardcaptor Sakura and PreCure (No one asked, but Sailor Moon was my favorite haha). The Magical Girl genre is closer to tokusatsu than European fairy tales. Unlike classic fantasy with witches or princesses, the stories were more quotidian, cutesy and comedic. Later, shows like The Powerpuff Girls and Winx Club followed the blueprint, turning it into a global phenomenon. Want to know how the genre evolved—and why it matters so much for gender expression? Beyond the young girls who unironically wore anime-themed outfits, microgenres like yume kawaii , fairy-kei , decora , majo-kei (witch girl), jirai-kei and lolita substyles like sailor lolita or cyber lolita have long incorporated magic girl elements. But in the early to mid-2000s, mahou shoujo-kei (sometimes called mahou-kei ) emerged as a style that took direct inspiration from the anime genre itself. Recently, international brands have started leaning into that same transformation fantasy. Jimmy Choo released a Sailor Moon collection in 2023. Designers like Simone Rocha and Sandy Liang have been channeling coquette anime-girl energy into everyday looks. A major turning point came when Gentle Monster launched a collection featuring bejeweled magical girl eyewear with Y2K vibes. Member Rei especially captured attention, sparking calls from fans for the return of unironically cutesy concepts in K-pop. Courtesy of @LOKTINBEAR via X (April 6, 2025) Yunjin, Gaeul and Rei from IVE performing 'Magic Girl', Courtesy of @YEPinyourheart via X (April 13, 2025) But no one channels the magical girl vibe quite like K-pop. Recently, IVE went viral after covering Orange Caramel's anime-inspired track Magic Girl ( Mabeop Sonyeo / Mahou Shoujo ) with cutesy lolita-inspired outfits with a wand. IVE's Rei in concept photo for 'Switch' Courtesy of Starship Entertainment, @IVEstarship via X IVE's Leeseo in concept photo for 'Switch' Courtesy of Starship Entertainment, @IVEstarship via X IVE's Rei in concept photo for 'Switch' Courtesy of Starship Entertainment, @IVEstarship via X IVE's Leeseo in concept photo for 'Switch' Courtesy of Starship Entertainment, @IVEstarship via X Before the cover, their second Korean-language EP Switch already had magical girl elements. The concept photos featured fantastical, metallic looks—Magical Girl meets fashion editorial, much like Gentle Monster's campaign. The title track 'Accendio' tells a story of the members battling over a magical wand, with dark, mysterious magical girl aesthetics. And with the long-standing popularity of K-pop and Korean youth culture in Japan, it's no surprise that these influences are now inspiring the streets of Tokyo. Tokyo's deeply rooted subculture fashion scene, combined with the reimported international magical girl microtrend, has made 2025 feel like a full-blown renaissance of magical girl fashion. We've seen all the pieces come together to build 2025's big magical girl renaissance—but how can you actually take part in it? What brands should you look out for and who's leading this aesthetic today? Thankfully, Tokyo is the capital of this look—and if you're in Japan, you're in good hands. At the forefront is MIKIOSAKABE. Quintessentially Harajuku: a surreal, yume-kawaii take on femininity that feels both romantic and modern, avant-garde but pastel dreamy streetwear. Jenny Fax, MIKIOSAKABE's sister brand, led by Shueh Jen-Fang, takes that energy even girlier. grounds grounds Sakabe also runs grounds, a legendary shoe label known for its futuristic bubble-soled sneakers. They're chunky, sculptural, and look like something a magical girl would wear to fly. Another pioneer—and a personal favorite of mine—tanakadaisuke leans theatrical and romantic. Less toycore, more European classicism, the brand draws from Baroque and Rococo aesthetics filtered through the lens of Tokyo street fashion. Expect ornate embroidery, sculptural silhouettes and oversized bows. The mood can shift from princess to militaristic, fairytale to mysterious—but it's always dramatic, fantastical and utterly committed to its vision. On the more experimental side is Pays des Fées, a long-standing Tokyo indie label known for constantly reinventing itself. Each season feels like a new crossover episode—magical girl meets Japanese horror, Belle Époque cirque, conceptual mode and so on. Foundry Mews, born in London but now based in Japan, takes a more artsy and minimal Japandi approach. Their shoes feel like essential, everyday footwear for a magical girl. S.F Sukoshi Fushigi 2025 Spring/Summer Collection Photo courtesy of the brand. S.F Sukoshi Fushigi 2025 Autumn/Winter Collection Photo courtesy of the brand. S.F Sukoshi Fushigi 2025 Spring/Summer Collection Photo courtesy of the brand. S.F Sukoshi Fushigi 2025 Autumn/Winter Collection Photo courtesy of the brand. A newer brand, S.F Sukoshi Fushigi, takes a more experimental approach—think gyaru meets magical girl, embracing asymmetry, deconstruction and punk elements. Founded by Fantasista Sakurada, the pieces are sexy yet innocent, mysterious yet pastel—still within the realm of kawaii. You'll also find pieces that align with the magical girl revival at curated boutiques like SHEEP—or just wander around Laforet Harajuku, a compact mall specialized in subculture-driven fashion. For a more affordable entry point, axes femme is a familiar name in shopping malls across Japan. Romantic and maximalist yet wearable, its collections feature lace blouses, corseted dresses and long skirts. Loved by students and subculture fashion fans alike, it's often the casual or everyday way into the vintage magical girl aesthetic. (L) Yuhei's costume design for musical artist YUKKYUN (C) Yuhei's costume design for musical artist YUKKYUN (R) Yuhei's costume design for musical artist YUKKYUN Costume design by Yuhei Provided by Yuhei (@sgmsgmsgm) Yuhei's work for underwear brand GX3 Provided by Yuhei (@sgmsgmsgm) If you're looking for inspiration, look no further than YUHEI—a costume designer active in Tokyo's queer scene. His designs and styling are the epitome of magical girl aesthetics: campy and editorial. The magical girl aesthetic isn't just about fashion—it extends into beauty, nostalgia and online culture. Credit: JILL STUART Beauty Credit: JILL STUART Beauty Jill Stuart Beauty, a J-beauty brand inspired by the coquette American label of the same name, has long been a favorite for packaging that looks like a jeweled tiara. Their products wouldn't look out of place in a transformation scene. Anna Sui Cosmetics, another American fashion brand with a Japanese-owned makeup line, leans darker and more mysterious—think Black Moon Clan from Sailor Moon (IYKYK). Its rose compact mirror was a staple in many Japanese girls' bags through the 2000s. Now discontinued, Ladurée's short-lived makeup line—yes, from the French macaron shop—offered a fairytale version of the magical girl vibe. If Jill Stuart was crystal and silver, Ladurée was gold and rococo. It was especially beloved by the lolita subgenres for its soft, vintage fantasy. Courtesy of Flower Knows Courtesy of Flower Knows While Ladurée Les Merveilleuses is gone, C-beauty brands have stepped in to fill the void. Flower Knows, in particular, ticks every magical girl box with incredible detail. But it's not just for show; the brand is regularly praised in Japan's beauty scene for its innovative formulas and quality that go beyond aesthetics. Not just fashion and beauty—the magical girl renaissance has even reached the aisles of Japanese supermarkets. Let me explain. One reason magical girl style has recently resurfaced beyond its usual subculture circles is the rise of Heisei Joji—literally, 'girls of the Heisei era (1989–2019).' It's an internet buzzword loosely tied to the broader Y2K revival, but Heisei Joji leans more into the toy-like aesthetic of the late '90s and early 2000s—especially the pastel plastic goods once made for elementary school girls. Sebon Star by Kabaya Foods Corporation Magical stick toys at SPINNS , nostalgic wands sold for young adults At the center of it all? Sebon Star—a long-selling chocolate that comes with a toy accessory, kind of like a Japanese Kinder Surprise. But the prize was always plastic jewelry: geometric gems, celestial motifs, princessy pendants. For kids watching Sailor Moon, Cardcaptor Sakura or PreCure, opening a Sebon Star felt like a mini transformation moment. Now, with the aesthetic back in the spotlight, a wave of grown-ups are buying them again—nostalgia is a powerful thing. What makes magical girl fashion so special is how it blurs lines—between irony and sincerity, costume and everyday wear, softness and strength. It lets people indulge in the fantasy of anime femininity both ironically and unironically. Where the coquette trend drew backlash for reviving outdated gender roles, magical girl style doesn't erase feminine signifiers in pursuit of neutrality. It reframes them as powerful—especially within queer fashion spaces, where dressing 'like a girl' can mean something entirely new. Gender studies scholars like Jennifer Prough, Mary Grigsby and Samantha Close have highlighted the uniqueness of the Japanese magical girl genre as a model where characters gain agency without abandoning hyper-feminine kawaii signifiers associated with shojo manga and anime. Unlike iconic Wonder Woman, which as an effort of inclusion, positioned female heroes within traditionally masculine aesthetic and ideological frameworks of power. Magical girl narratives carved out an alternative space, where transformation and glittering accessories became sources of strength. And magical girl fashion today isn't just for girls. Like crop tops or low-rise jeans reclaimed under the Y2K umbrella, the aesthetic has become a shared language across genders—something that was far less common in the actual early 2000s. As Kawaii Monster Girls (the brightly dressed staff of Harajuku's now-closed Kawaii Monster Cafe) once said, 'being a girl is a state of mind.' In 2025, that feels especially true. Curious to dive deeper into Tokyo's cutest subcultures? Discover more kawaii stories here: 'Ruby-chan! Hai! Nani ga suki?' Trend Explained: What It Means and Where It's From Celebrate Hello Kitty's 50th Birthday Based in Japan: RinRin Doll
Pink Villa
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
'Horribly rude': aespa's NingNing and Giselle's behavior towards IVE questioned amid Karina post controversy
The controversy surrounding aespa continues to escalate. Fresh allegations now target members Ningning and Giselle for allegedly mocking IVE's Liz and Rei during previous public appearances. This follows the recent political backlash tied to Karina 's Instagram post. Since then, the group has been under intense scrutiny. Despite swift clarifications from both Karina and SM Entertainment, online criticism has not subsided. Now, aespa finds itself embroiled in a new wave of controversy, this time over alleged behavior toward fellow girl group IVE. Past moments resurface Netizens have recently resurfaced clips from major year-end music shows. They claimed that aespa members behaved insensitively toward IVE members during vulnerable moments. The first incident reportedly occurred at the 2023 Melon Music Awards, when IVE's Liz and Rei became emotional during an acceptance speech. A month later, during the 2023 Gayo Daejejeon, Ningning and Giselle were seen covering their faces in a gesture that some interpreted as mockery of IVE's previous tearful moment. Another focal point of criticism came from footage showing aespa members smiling during Rei's heartfelt speech at the MMAs. However, some fans argue it was misunderstood. Fans push back Supporters of aespa have quickly pushed back against the backlash, offering alternative perspectives. Many have pointed out that the gesture made by Ningning and Giselle occurred while singer Lee Juck's emotionally resonant song Don't Worry played. It is a track known to move audiences to tears. In this context, fans argue that the members were simply reacting to the sentimental performance and not mocking anyone. Regarding the incident involving Rei's speech, fans believe the smiles from aespa were not rooted in malice. It rather reflected warmth or empathy in response to Rie's sudden tone shift. Karina's post controversy Earlier, aespa's Karina faced backlash when she uploaded a series of photos on Instagram on May 26. The post stirred political debate. In it, Karina was seen wearing a bright red jacket with the number '2' prominently displayed. She captioned the image with a single rose emoji. While the post appeared harmless at first glance, some online users interpreted the imagery as a subtle nod to a conservative political party in South Korea. The party is said to be associated with the color red and the number 2. This led to accusations that Karina was expressing political support, triggering backlash from those who believed idols should avoid politically suggestive content. Ongoing scrutiny Despite the explanations, aespa remains under the microscope, with the recent controversies putting their public image at risk. Online discussions continue to dissect the group's behavior at past events, fueling ongoing debates across social media platforms.
SoraNews24
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- SoraNews24
Is this Hello Kitty hotel room in Tokyo good enough to impress an 8-year-old girl?
Find out what happens when a father books a night here to impress his daughter. Our reporter P.K. Sanjun loves his daughter Rei, encouraging all her interests which, over her eight years, have ranged from Anpanman to Precure, Pokémon, Conan, Doraemon, and Crayon Shin-chan. In between, Rei has had a soft spot for Sanrio characters like Hello Kitty, so P.K. has travelled to Sanrio Puroland with her, and even bought up stacks of Happy Meals when they came with little Hello Kitty plushies, all to put a smile on her face. So when he heard about a new Hello Kitty-themed room at Asakusa's Tobu Hotel in Tokyo, his daughter immediately sprang to mind. However, he hadn't heard her mention Hello Kitty in a while so he wasn't sure if that was a phase that had passed, but when he asked her if she wanted to stay there, her eyes widened as she told him, 'I want to go! I definitely want to go! I absolutely want to stay there!!' ▼ So off they went. Though there are a few hotels around Japan with Hello Kitty-themed hotel rooms, this is the only one in Tokyo's 23 wards, and there are actually two rooms to choose from: the 'Sakura Celestial Maiden Room' and the 'Wa-Modern Room'. ▼ At his daughter's request, they stayed in the Sakura Celestial Maiden Room. Just as the name suggests, Hello Kitty, or 'Kitty-chan' as she's known in Japanese, was dressed as a celestial maiden, welcoming P.K. and Rei to their night's stay with an array of traditional motifs, and swirls of cherry blossoms in full bloom. There were two large murals of Kitty-chan on the walls, and although the sweet cat was in costume for this event, Kitty-chan's signature bow was still evident, appearing on the beds, in the form of pillows… ▼…and as handles on the bedside drawers. With four beds inside, there wasn't a lot of room to move around, but there was a beautiful Japanese-style space in the corner, with a low table and chairs, pink tatami mats with Hello Kitty bows on the edges, and a large plushie of Kitty-chan, as celestial maiden, sitting on the floor like a hostess at a traditional Japanese inn. Rei-chan squealed in delight upon seeing Kitty-chan, giving her a huge hug that showed P.K. just how strong the Sanrio bonds still were in his daughter. Hello Kitty was like a magnet for Rei, giving her a burst of excited energy that saw her jumping around the room. P.K. was so delighted to see her so hyped that he let her run wild for a little while, figuring she would eventually wear herself out from all the excitement. However, P.K. didn't quite realise the extent of his daughter's love for the cat, and the themed room, because at 10 p.m., after they'd had dinner and their nightly baths, Rei, who would normally be dozing off at this time, was as excited as ever. ▼ In fact, her voltage just kept rising. With her eyes wide open, Rei didn't look sleepy at all, and although P.K. couldn't match her excitement at being inside a pink Hello Kitty-themed room, he was happy to indulge her, allowing her to leap and squeal until she eventually wore herself out, by which time it was past 11:30 p.m. ▼ Rei fell fast asleep as if her battery had run out, hugging Kitty-chan instead of her dad. They both slept like logs in Hello Kitty's celestial paradise, and the next day, before checking out, Rei gave Kitty-chan one last hug while whispering, 'I'll definitely come and stay again.' Although P.K. couldn't see Kitty-chan respond to Rei's whispers, he had a feeling his daughter and Hello Kitty were on a different wavelength to him, communicating in secret ways he wasn't able to understand. After their night in the themed room, P.K. learned that a girl's love for Hello Kitty has the power to outlast all other character obsessions, and he also learned that if you stay in this room with a Kitty-obsessed child you may not get a lot of sleep, but you will get a ton of brownie points as a parent. Hotel information Asakusa Tobu Hotel /浅草東武ホテル Address: Tokyo-to, Taito-ku, Asakusa 1-1-15 東京都台東区浅草1-1-15 Website Photos©SoraNews24 ● Want to hear about SoraNews24's latest articles as soon as they're published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter! [ Read in Japanese ]
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
CSP seeking information on East Haddam 7-Eleven robbery suspect
EAST HADDAM, Conn. (WTNH) — State Police are seeking assistance identifying a suspect involved in a robbery at the 7-Eleven gas station at 4 Falls Road in East Haddam at approximately 1 a.m. Tuesday morning. According to police, a male suspect entered the 7-Eleven, displayed an approximately 10-inch long fixed-blade knife, and demanded money from the clerk. Man shot in hand during alleged domestic dispute in New Haven Police said that during the confrontation, the clerk and suspect for into a brief altercation. The suspect ultimately fled the scene with 10 packs of Newport cigarettes. The suspect was last reported seen traveling northbound on Route 149, riding a blue minibike. The suspect is described as a fair-skinned male, approximately 6-feet tall with a heavy build, speaking with a Hispanic dialect. At the time of the incident, he was wearing a black hoodie, gray pants, black boots, green gloves, and a blue backpack. He was also wearing a black motorcycle helmet marked with a green biohazard symbol. State Police are asking anyone with information to contact Detective Rei at (860) 465-5421 or at Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Citizen
18-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Japanese Grandmaster Inspires local Karatekas seminar
Japanese karate grandmaster Shihan Manabu Murakami recently inspired karatekas in the east of Pretoria with teachings and refined techniques during a seminar hosted by SKISA Kiritsu Karate. The event marked the sixth consecutive year Kiritsu has brought the grandmaster to South Africa, reaffirming its commitment to top-tier martial arts training. For 25 years, Murakami has shared his knowledge with South African karatekas, and this year's seminar was no exception. Local practitioners absorbed not just physical techniques, like precise punches (tsuki), kicks (geri), and focus (kime), but also the philosophical essence of Shotokan, respect (Rei), discipline (Shugyo), perseverance (Osu), and self-improvement (Jiko no kojo). Karate SA President Hanshi Sonny Pillay and Senseis Elmarie van Zyl and Michelle Singh also lent their support, fostering unity within the local martial arts community. The seminar honoured dedicated students and highlighted the personal growth karate fosters. Sensei Justine du Plooy emphasised that Kiritsu Karate offers more than classes; it's a platform for life-changing experiences. 'Parents seeking meaningful, character-building activities for their children will find Kiritsu Karate a valuable choice. Through world-class events like this, students gain exposure to authentic Japanese karate, boost skills and confidence, and become part of a supportive martial arts family.' According to Sensei Du Plooy, the grandmaster's presence offered an unparalleled opportunity to deepen their understanding of this dynamic and powerful martial art form. 'The atmosphere at Kiritsu Karate was electric as karate practitioners from various local clubs eagerly absorbed the teachings and refined techniques under the direct guidance of such a highly respected figure in the world of Shotokan.' Du Plooy said these teachings include discipline, respect, perseverance, and the pursuit of self-perfection, values that resonate deeply within the training at Kiritsu Karate. He said the seminar fostered a strong sense of unity and shared purpose among participants, highlighting the vibrant and dedicated nature of the local martial arts fraternity. He added that grandmaster Murakami imparted the crucial philosophical tenets of the art. 'These principles, deeply ingrained in the training philosophy of Kiritsu Karate, shape practitioners into disciplined and principled individuals both within and beyond the dojo. 'Their evident focus and unwavering spirit throughout the intensive training sessions truly embodied the core principles of martial arts – embracing challenges with determination and consistently striving for personal growth.' Kiritsu Karate provides young students with exceptional opportunities to: – Train with a World-Class Master: Learning directly from Grandmaster Murakami offers rare insights into traditional Shotokan. – Experience authentic Japanese Karate: The seminar bridges cultural and martial roots with real-world application. – Accelerate technical development: Focused instruction fast-tracks skill advancement and deeper understanding. – Ignite motivation and passion: Training alongside peers and a grandmaster boosts drive and confidence. – Build life skills: Through karate, students develop respect, focus, resilience, and self-discipline. – Join a supportive community: Kiritsu fosters a family-like environment that nurtures friendships and personal growth. Du Plooy emphasised that enrolling a child at Kiritsu Karate isn't just about learning self-defence; it's an investment in their holistic development. He said this recent seminar served as a powerful reminder of the rich heritage and enduring value of traditional Japanese karate, leaving all participants feeling deeply motivated and inspired to continue their training with renewed vigour. Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
