blog view List view off
all GirlsGuysStreetShows
100606-0393
14
Monday June 14, 2010

Sachio Akahori

minami horie, osaka
SUMMER 2010,
Kjeld Duits

MODEL, 21

Hat – TNC
Shirt – PPFM
Shorts – N/A
Sneakers – MAD

Bookmark and Share

Shorts – N/A – JPY 3,000 | Shawl – PPFMJPY 5,000

00606-0409

Hair – Delight Hair (Kobe) – JPY 4,000

100606-0418

Hat – TNCJPY 3,000

100606-0420

Detail of Shorts – N/A – JPY 3,000

100606-0426

T-Shirt – PPFMJPY 5,000

100606-0434

Sneakers – MADJPY 6,000 (Notice the subtle asymmetrical design)

100606-0435

Ring – N/A – JPY 1,000

100606-0439

Crucifix – N/A – JPY N/A

100606-0448

Phone – DoCoMo – JPY N/A

Kjeld Duits About the Photographer

Inspired by the stunningly creative street fashion that exploded on the streets of Tokyo and Osaka in the late 1990’s, photo-journalist Kjeld Duits launched JAPANESE STREETS in 2002. This makes JS one of the first fashion blogs on the net, and the very first to cover Japanese street fashion.

Recent photos by Kjeld Duits:

Japanese fashionJapanese fashionJapanese fashionJapanese fashionJapanese fashionJapanese fashion

Comment (日本語もOK)

He is cool. Full stop.

Mel
Jun 14, 2010 (4854 days ago)

For once, I can honestly say – this is a cool looking dude, not only for the clothes (although I love the fabric fedora) but also for his charming smile, and well chosen hairstyle (I’m sorry but I’m sick of all the unnaturally dyed hair around Asia). I wish I lived in Tokyo, so I could see more people like that.
LIA

Lia
Jun 14, 2010 (4854 days ago)

Oh man, what’s not to like? I enjoy his vest and the jeweled clips on the front – and his shorts remind me of something you’d find at an Urban Outfitters, almost like a skirt with pantlegs. Edgy. I like it.

Laurel
Jun 14, 2010 (4853 days ago)

Quote! What a surprise, this time a real-looking man! so there are actually some in Japan too.

Leaf
Jun 14, 2010 (4853 days ago)

@Leaf: You make it sound as if men should present themselves in designated and “approved” (by whom?) ways. Very old-style thinking. Thankfully, when it comes to male looks, these days there is more than one way to skin a cat.

Kjeld Duits (photographer)
Jun 15, 2010 (4853 days ago)

there isn’t one piece that i dont like here

Raza
Jun 15, 2010 (4853 days ago)

hey, there’s must be a misunderstanding going on. My real-looking comment wasn’t about outfit at all. I was talking of he’s face, posture etc. It’s pretty unusual. and I like it. “usual” has become the new “unusual” lately. that’s all, u’re right, everyone should have the chance to express him/her-self. thanks for let me.

Leaf
Jun 15, 2010 (4853 days ago)

@Leaf: I enjoy good discussions and people with their own opinions (as long as it’s done with respect to the people we photograph and the other users, of course), so keep them coming!

Kjeld Duits (photographer)
Jun 15, 2010 (4853 days ago)

It’s just Leaf’s opinion, and I agree with him in some ways. Also, I agree with Lia, especially on the hair colour subject.

Mel
Jun 15, 2010 (4853 days ago)

@Mel & Lia: I love natural black hair as much as you do, but I also feel for Asian people. My light colored hair that can be any color, and straight, curly or wavy, has given me a freedom of choice that I took totally for granted until I came to Japan.

When you have light colored hair, you can color it in a myriad of colors and most people will think it is your natural color. My sister has dyed her hair red for so long that everybody believes it is the hair color that she was born with. When people compliment her on her hair, she feels that she has broken chains. That she is free.

When your hair is black, you loose that freedom. I can’t count the number of Japanese who have confided in me their feeling of frustration over their hair, how they feel boxed in and limited by the fact that they have no choice but black and straight.

Their lack of choice for hair colors and styles has become symbolic for other lifestyle limitations. It took youths that dyed their hair green, yellow and pink back in the 90s to break this age-old strictly enforced taboo and make it possible for people here to try other hairstyles, and simultaneously, other lifestyles. What may come across as unnatural to some is really a quest for fashion freedom, and a strong burning desire to be free to choose your own lifestyle.

Interestingly, this has allowed young Japanese to discover what it means to be Japanese, and rediscover their Japanese cultural heritage. It has actually been especially the people with dyed hair, or people like Hiromi Moegi who wear wigs, that have brought kimono and yukata, and many other “traditional” Japanese items, back into fashion.

In the early 90s it looked like kimono and yukata were almost done in for. Since the mid-90s sales have finally gone up again, the first time since the end of WWII! It is thanks to these people. I am grateful and salute them.

Kjeld Duits (photographer)
Jun 15, 2010 (4852 days ago)

As a note of interest, and to illustrate how deeply ingrained the hair taboo was (and in some cases still is) in Japan:

In the 1850s, Japanese borders were opened to the world for the first time in two and a half centuries. Western concepts, ideas and fashion trends where enthusiastically embraced by the Japanese. Men were encouraged to sport Western styles. There was even a law that forced them to give up their traditional Japanese hairstyles, the topknot still worn by Sumo wrestlers today.

But for women there was another law, which forced them to keep their hair long and straight. Can you imagine, an actual law that tells you how to wear your hair.

It took until the 1920s and 1930s, more than 70 years after the country was opened, before Japanese women first got the freedom to try other hairstyles, and, not so coincidentally, other lifestyles.

Even today, the majority of Japanese high school students are not allowed to dye or otherwise change their “natural” hair.

This rule is enforced frighteningly strictly. There are actually lots of Japanese who are born with hair that is not as black as the so called “norm,” or whose hair is naturally wavy. At school they are forced to dye it pitch black, or get a straight perm, because their hair is “unnatural” and “un-Japanese.” Just imagine the anguish, frustration and confusion they feel.

Kjeld Duits (photographer)
Jun 15, 2010 (4852 days ago)

@ Kjeld: I can see how passionate you are about this, and although I see your point very clearly, I also believe it’s 2010, and there’s been a good amount of time for Asians to dye their hair. Now EVERYBODY under 35 seems to be with dyed hair, and to me it has turned to nothing but a trend. Also, I know how it feels being “branded” or stuck with a look which you cannot change. I’m from Slavic descendant, and my face shows that VERY clearly. Wherever I go, everybody’s first line when talking to me usually is – “Are you Russian?” (which btw I am not), and it’s not based on how I sound (bcz mostly I haven’t had the chance to say a word before that), or how I carry myself.
So, my point is that although before I despised it, throughout the years I realized it was cool, it was alright, I am whatever my mom gave me birth as, and if I cannot rock this look then I might not be cool enough for my own standards.
I don’t mind trends ( in this case dyed hair on Asians) but you shouldn’t follow them blindly just for the sake of it. Being proud, or at least moderately satisfied, with your natural ways sounds way more trendy, and badass-y to me :).
LIA

Lia
Jun 15, 2010 (4852 days ago)

@Lia: Haha. I guess I feel the passion of the people that I photograph! No need to worry. On sites like JS, it may appear that everybody and her grandmother has dyed her hair in Japan. Although they stand out, it is actually, just a minority. Almost no high school allows it, and most Japanese companies and government offices prohibit it, too. It may be 2010 where you live, but Japan still has a long long way to go…

Kjeld Duits (photographer)
Jun 16, 2010 (4852 days ago)

Those shorts are too cool! Would anyone on here happen to know where i can purchase them from online? Otherwise, just the brand website is good. Thanks!

Dean Podmore
Jun 16, 2010 (4851 days ago)

@Dean: Unfortunately, Sachio himself didn’t know the brand, and there was no label attached to the shorts (we actually check those things!). Have a look at the shorts carried in the shops on the site of our sponsor Rakuten.

There is a lot there, but the hunt is part of the fun, right?

Kjeld Duits (photographer)
Jun 16, 2010 (4851 days ago)

@ Kjeld Duits: I’m loving the shorts to!

precilla
Jun 25, 2010 (4843 days ago)

@ Kjeld… I agree with you, hair is an expresion, I’m from Mexico…many people laugh about latin women who dye their hair in brown or blonde because they say we never will be natural blonde, even I don’t dye my hair, I feel it is not fair to be judged by the fashion preferences, everybody is free to choose their style, no matter color of skin or country, now the world is global, I believe we should star to think globaly… I really like japanese fashion street because they are courage to show their real feeling in fashion… This web is amazing! I love you all!

sandra sinforiano
Jul 10, 2010 (4827 days ago)

@sandra sinforiano: Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts. I completely agree with you. I don’t think we should let ourselves be limited by preconceived perceptions.

Also thank you very much for your nice words about JAPANESE STREETS. I am looking forward to seeing a lot more of your comments.

We love you, too!

Kjeld Duits (photographer)
Jul 10, 2010 (4827 days ago)

even though i’m from Asia too, but i can’t believe Japanese companies and government offices prohibit dyed hair . wow

KW
Jul 13, 2010 (4824 days ago)

@KW: Not all, but many do.

Kjeld Duits (photographer)
Jul 13, 2010 (4824 days ago)

you know I think what people mean by saying he looks “usual” is saying that hes attractive!
I think he’s cute lol!
but I love his t-shirt with Lara stone!
and the drop crotch pants!!
i love this looks!!

derek
Jul 14, 2010 (4824 days ago)

@derek: Your words somehow exude cheerfulness. It infected me. Thanks.

Kjeld Duits (photographer)
Jul 14, 2010 (4823 days ago)

i really love his pant! aww…he is cute !

KW
Jul 14, 2010 (4823 days ago)

Great Style ! I definitly love his pant, i will buy them !

GiRaStyle
Apr 6, 2017 (2366 days ago)

Can someone told me where to buy this item ?

GiRaStyle
Apr 26, 2017 (2346 days ago)

Leave a Comment • コメントをしましょう!

help

Guidelines for adding photos to comments: Width: 630 pixels | Orientation: Horizontal (Landscape).

We reserve the right to remove posts that do not follow these basic guidelines: comments must be relevant to the topic of the post; may not include profanity, personal attacks or hate speech; may not promote a business or raise money; may not be spam.

「Preview」(プレビュー)にクリックした後には「Submit」(投稿)にもクリックして下さい!

http://www.japanesestreets.com/photoblog/982/sachio-akahori