Some 20 Osaka based artists and designers representing 12 brands last week-end created a parallel world by the name of Intaramango at VACANT, an art and rental space hidden away in the backstreets of Harajuku.

Walking up the stairs you immediately found yourself in a totally different consciousness. The space appeared to have been transformed into an alternative market place with fashion items and accessories mixed with more unexpected displays like a girl hiding away in a large carton box, menacing monsters, a cute girl dressed up as a bee, a massage corner, performance artists and lots more to overwhelm the senses.

Dressed in a purple kimono with girlish twintails, Toko, one of the organizers tries to explain what the two day event is all about. “Our theme is being alive,” she says after some hesitation. She smiles sheepishly; she appears to have made up the theme on the spot.

It is the first time the group of friends has organized an event like this. There are no plans yet for a repeat, so these photographs might be your only chance to experience Intaramango. I hope they get across the bewonderment and fun many visitors to the actual exhibition felt.