Harajuku Fashion: Takeshita Street Adventure 原宿探検＆変身

Harajuku is the center of Japanese Youth Fashion. Cute and colorful, the pop fashion culture is thriving here, and John Daub goes deep into it. He becomes a Harajuku guy!
What exactly is Harajuku fashion? Let's cruise down Harajuku's famous Takeshita-Dori for the complete first-hand story.
Joining John in this report is Michelle Branch, an international fashion consultant and buyer for Japanese Youth Fashion. She's not only knows the local fashion scene, she's a part of it herself.
The story goes beyond fashion. We'll meet Doi-san, the owner of ACDC RAG, a Takeshita fashion shop that's been operating since the 1970s and competing strong against the new chain shops.
We'll ask him how Harajuku fashion has evolved since then.
John and Michelle also visit THANK YOU MART, a fashion and novelty chain store where everything is only 390 yen! It's the perfect place for youth accessories and to have some fun shopping.
URL:
ACDC RAG:
www.acdcrag.com/
global.rakuten.com/en/search?k...
THANK YOU MART:
www.390yen.jp/
Special thanks to 原宿竹下通り商店会
www.takeshita-street.com/
This show has been created and produced by John Daub ( ジョン・ドーブ ). He's been living and working in Japan for over 20 years and regularly reports on an International TV Show for Japan's International Channel.
ONLY in JAPAN is a registered trademark. All rights reserved.

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

Thanks for watching! I'd like to add that there are very few authorised videos of Takeshita Street. 95% of the shops do not allow video inside. This is one of the few shows that gives a glimpse of the history of this street and a sense of what "satellite" fashion shops do. Yes, there are many misses and failures, obviously :) The show highlights that. My feeling is that the ACDC Rags story is very important. They've been here since the start and now big chains are buying up the store fronts. I really have a lot of respect for ACDC Rags even though the fashion may not suit you. The street is changing fast -- a war of styles, eras and prices. If you are in Tokyo, it's worth a look. Yes, some youth DO dress like this. Your "gaiken" or outer appearance in Japan really is your personality. Have fun and send me your feedback, positive or not. Love to hear from all of you. -John

[@shaimamaliki4235]

amazing japanses fashion lol

[@225kristent]

WAORYU ONLYinJAPAN That startled me when you had the contacts in during the opening scene! eek! I hope you didn't get an eye infection, those things can be dangerous

[@Lunar4324]

My lord be my husband nya!

[@quirky_on_shy8629]

I think this type of fashion is very unique and bold, but in a fun way! And I can understand how this can show your inner personality. Really love it!❤️

[@Trevorious2010]

0-Hipster in 8:00! but seriously, you are a lot more adventurous then I am. I would probably pass out from embarrassment if I were caught in those colours :/ it looks a little too gay for my personal taste. But hey, if it's you're scene, it's your scene right? I'm sure Tokyo has something for everyone! :)

[@axela.9247]

I love how willing you are to wear these clothes lol. Says a lot about your open mindedness.

[@grimmow187]

its easy when you're not from that area. heck i've ran naked in canada, i live in finland tho.

[@ml-hs4qk]

Axel A. Mp 8g.

[@jase276]

That store owner looked like the coolest man on the planet

[@PunkForAReason]

Michelle's style is more like trendy tumblr / grunge / emo punk than harajuku.

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

In her defense, only a few stores would allow us to film. The trendier shops don't allow any photos at all. So thankful to ACDC RAGS but I do wish I'd have had more access. Many shops have head offices in other cities like OSAKA and they asked me to wait a month to decide. I had a week. Michelle is definitely a Harajuki girl. -John

[@PunkForAReason]

ONLY in JAPAN It is great! I would love to go there, it seems a place where you can express the way you are without worries, by the way you looked amazing :)

[@fugu_13]

+Diana Muller Thies Express yourself in a 'non-conformist' way that is actually very conformist.

[@fugu_13]

+Leon Bult Conformist to the counter-culture look, that is.

[@WebVManReturns]

+ONLY in JAPAN I don't get it. It's great advertising to film their shops, so why would one even have to think about it?

[@UltimateChocoWy1]

japanese people be like " goddamn those gaijin with their weird fashion again" XD

[@DoctorGreen97]

Yare Yare Daze...

[@xdialga361445x]

DoctorGreen its dios doing jk

[@Dimaz42]

If you look weird to Japanese people, then.. yeah.. you're in the wrong planet..

[@markusmottus1686]

Indeed🤣

[@bakerXderek]

8:39 You could have walked into a gay bar and got free drinks all night !!!

[@Trevorious2010]

LMBO 😀

[@bakerXderek]

Alan L Hell ya, want me to push in your stool ?

[@kuroneko9798]

+bakerXderek not the reaction he was hoping I think

[@pumpkinpurrs1]

His outfit was great! Hers... dear God...

[@kuroneko9798]

More tumblr than anything else

[@FromUpTheLilyHill]

+Kuro Neko What's tumblr fashion? I've been seeing that a lot in the comments.

[@renAiin]

its a lot of darker/occult kind of stuff, black tights with prints, galaxy printed stuff, hipster/nerdy kind of influences. theres a lot of stores that advertise on tumblr cheap t-shirts exactly like she owns.

[@FromUpTheLilyHill]

renAiin Aaah right! I see! Thanks ^^

[@hilfdsgfuiw]

Japan has so much better fashion to offer.

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

Totally agree. This is like one stain on a very large shirt :) -John

[@kimcla5062]

Omg!! What did Michelle do to you, You looked more good before than after.😀😀😀.

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

Ahora, ahora con subtítulos en español (Takeshita Strett Adventure)

[@zombieravemaster]

only 1 "ahora" is needed 😉

[@joshualuna-li931]

+salvador clemente naw you need several

[@sharonng2662]

nice

[@luisalejandrobernardinojim6463]

Ni cuenta me doy que esta en español hasta que lei que lo dices

[@karlajade1998]

muchisimas gracias !

[@TheRiordane]

I mean, her style was good but for a fashion student... sorry, the choice of your clothes was really poor. :/ - But however! Nice Video!

[@TheRiordane]

What the heck?

[@gabrepotter5140]

I thought she said she studied the fashion style. She made him look like trash.

[@TheWeirdSyndrome]

Gabre Potter She was trolling him.

[@irplayWoWandXboxfan]

same can be said for the person judging someone off a youtube video. tool.

[@SoAdKId]

like he said, only in Japan,

[@jazzybloom]

prinniesforeveryone you must be fun at parties huh

[@barbatvs8959]

That's exactly what I thought: TRASH! LOL!

[@markfrance6393]

GOOD LUCK & LOVE to ACDC RAG!

[@starlightv7462]

8:52 that awkward moment when she want to hug him

[@imadrummergurl]

She just made him like crazy man in the street..xD

[@Inasakie]

"Study fashion". Scrolling through tumblr isn't studying fashion.

[@alienkishorekumar]

This Michelle Branch is either crazy or just delusional fashion student who is just in "fake it till you make it" thing. I'm pretty sure.

[@dorikin7152]

2007 emo swag

[@thepowerstation2702]

John's favourite street even today!! 😉 😁

[@coolspacegiraffe]

Aaah I love this video :D you're so easy going, it's fun to watch! I dig your new style~

[@vivalanina]

I'm also studying fashion design and the thing about trends when it comes to clothing is that it's tasteful to use one at a time. Otherwise it's a bit overwhelming, but i guess harijuku fashion is definitely bold. From the harijuku street fashion books I saw, this girl's outfit seemed very unoriginal in comparison.

[@chocodaddynig1301]

Nina Dees who study's fashion? The world needs more economists doctors teachers engineers. The future in 10 years is medicine and genetics. Not some fashion hHa

[@jeanroger4738]

EminStan fashion has and will always exist. Art is also an important part of life.

[@chocodaddynig1301]

Jean Roger I don't care

[@jeanroger4738]

EminStan okay

[@montpc259]

@@jeanroger4738 You don't need art to live, but you need medicine to live. You need to have an evolving standard for education to grow humanity. You need engineers to have a roof over your head. In what world does fashion or art play a massive part? In no world we have ever heard of. Plus it's just useless degrees, befitting of useless people.

[@xendon]

Japanese version of hot topic

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

You bet it is! I wonder if Hot Topic gets ideas from here ... -John

[@quirky_on_shy8629]

It does have similarities! Yay!😄

[@PurpleBird1234]

This seemed so fake....and that girl just seems like an otaku...

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

To an extent, you are right. Most of the locations would not permit us to film due to the strict privacy laws in Japan and a desire NOT to show off their products, which was just weird to me. However, the goods are all real and THANK YOU MART now has 3 stores on Takeshita Street. Everyone's experience on Takeshita is going to be different and it's definitely worth a look around. -John

[@JackOusley]

Bahaha, I LOVE it!!! Great look! I love this video series, I'm addicted, thank you :)

[@SilkyC]

Thank you for sharing the ACDC Rags story and Some of the Harajuku fashion. It was great to watch!!

[@alexsimmons9768]

I'm very impressed with this program series. By the way, I loved the story about the ACDC shop on Takeshita and your bravery to wear those unusual contacts! I can't wait for the next one!

[@cm2221]

this video is so fun...you are always so optimistic about everything..I really enjoy watching these videos!!!!!

[@FireCracker3240]

How I love ACDC Rag. It reminds me SO much of the little stores scattered throughout Brooklyn and Queens, NY. Cheap in-style clothing where the locals shop. Fantastic.

[@AbzVlogz]

This is why I love Japan. They're really open when it comes to fashion

[@_innerpeacekeeper]

I can't believe it took me so long to discover your channel John, but i'm glad i did! Love the topics you cover and you're such an engaging presenter. This one had me laughing. You looked so awkward, but so good of you to dive right into it.

[@williams7368]

She took us on a tour of Takeshita Street about 5 years ago. She was knowledgeable and helpful and fun.

[@marioavilamiranda5312]

Man, she really, and totally mess up that look, Whats her name again? to never hire her. She should do another job. BTW, I like the video, and I have just discovered your channel, Love it. And Its awesome that you put spanish subtitles on it! double like! :D

[@helenaacidness4301]

Aww the first guy talking about abcrag seemed sooo excited and proud it was adorable

[@TheOriginalMarimoChan]

Hahaha I don't know why people are so uptight about Michelle's taste in dressing John up, I think they both looked fabulous! John especially!! And, not only was John decked out, he can dance too! Haha!! It's all about having fun in Harajuku...FUN.

[@euni99]

jhon is such a nice guy, so easy going!! love the show and the whole production and how is directed to the audience japan y so cool.

[@renAiin]

she seems more like a trendy emo/grunge/tumblr/internet fashion person who doesnt understand actual takeshita/harajuku kei culture and just wears whatever she likes rather than really loving harajuku kei and street youth fashion, i dont see how she can be studying fashion if she just dresses you without talking about what kind of subfashion she was inspired by or even really styling it for you... i wish this couldve been a cooler experience since theres so much to talk about with youth fashion. theres nothing wrong with dressing the way she does or enjoying fashion that way, but there was tons of better people to assist you in this video :( she seemed nice so maybe just someone else with michelle? hm. how to fix. this style is kinda... out nowadays, i guess? like peco reign is strong still and its a bit more toned down and darker.

[@LadyHavokk]

no no no who chose this girl to style him

[@KumaAdventure]

I got to say, this guy is really brave to try all these things. I go Japan soon and love looking at these pop and traditional culture videos, thanks very much!

[@LVXMagick]

I have blue hair too Sister, shout out to you for reppin the rainbow bright style so well! I truly hope to go there at least once before I die!

[@hugos1la5]

This is somewhere I really want to go, it's so amazing ahhhhh

[@cyank6587]

This is the best show ever

[@sukhjit9182]

Hahahahahaha When you tewo walked together in the end.....! Looked so badass

[@carlosbarr5738]

This was so much fun! I enjoyed it very cute! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@darKILLusionnn]

LOL. How does he have the guts to walk in public with that outfit??! Major props!

[@ciberalex97]

wow este vídeo es genial, me gustó mucho. Harajuku es lo máximo! P.D: quedaste genial :D XD

[@ashpotatoes94]

Take away the wig and contacts and I think it was actually really cool. Especially the shoes! They're like Creepers only more crazy unique! Nice job, man!

[@memaybeyou6276]

I applaud your bravery and your willingness to try something new. I personally didn't really like the clothing and the accessories BUT you looked like YOU had a blast and In the END, that's all that matters..... GOOD WORK

[@fireflies7260]

That was fun to watch. It looks like you're a father whos trying to learn the youth way of life, so you ask your daughter for help and although you look silly you're still having the best time of your life.

[@chenico0908]

Cool video. Its interesting to see places only in japan.

[@ommaysafi3604]

I re-watch this video for the epic dancing @ 7:21

[@TheFluffyBrat]

I find it so funny, because at the start of this video when you only had the first part of the look..I thought it just looked silly and raised my eyebrow.....but by the end of the video, as weird as that Harajuku look was...it all came together to look good in the end! -giggles- I loved it!

[@m_121]

agree! lol that girl is very talented lol

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

Hehe :) -John

[@gluv208]

Man this was so entertaining !!!

[@tonykartracer8032]

Michelle Branch....... I love your music!!

[@dannymichael1640]

I loved this video!

[@jakelance5786]

Those Glasses Were SICK!

[@blotofink2013]

Am I the only one who saw the ring and thought of death the kid from soul eater?

[@deadlyraver4454]

nope.

[@daddyandbabygirl4228]

You guys are really helping out me and my boyfriend to plan our trip to Japan in about five years. We're huge fans!~

[@kwsign]

I like this video about Japanese Culture.

[@PinkRosePurpleMauve1]

John, I gotta say... I love you :') such a funny and kind lad

[@mycreatesun]

You were very open to the fashion tips and accessories, so way to go my friend.

[@karamuenster]

hello acdc rag guys! That was a nice and informative work man! Kudos.

[@tiki_riot]

I really liked her outfit 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@rito0073]

tiki riot her outfit was okay. But it wasn’t anything special which is fine but it was the way she styled him and how she taught that was a problem for me.

[@Charanms]

Don't listen to her again, LOL. but thanks for the weird viewing experience

[@xbluedream89x97]

She actually styled him on point. Bang on trend. Plus that shirt screams perfect cell.

[@rito0073]

xbluedream89x that’s the issue that’s a trend not fashion

[@fagbowsa]

I went to acdc rag!!! Looooooove that place. Perfect for clothes for edc

[@CarlosPerez-qv3oc]

You are the man John it because of you my dream of going to Japan is even more ambitious now.

[@Mochipandabear]

I love the shoes!

[@TwiHardHG]

I want to go to Japan SO badly some day, I love love love your videos they're telling me so much, thank you!

[@Meronrin]

she made him into a freak omg

[@arndsan]

yes - i saw some wired gaijin like Michelle in tokyo. she totally don't represent the fashion in japan/tokyo. Mixing up crazy stuff is not equal to fashion because you are in japan. Japanese have a much finer taste as your consultant. ...but i think you know.

[@yoyoyo761]

Ya... this video was really cringey too watch...

Arnd san i would have loved to consult to a japanese citizen...

[@Neo-po2xw]

fuck JP Who cares for their fashion Jist wear what you are into.

[@montpc259]

@@Neo-po2xw sadly this comment ain't getting any likes from the weebs. I'll give you one buddy.

[@g76agi]

Mixing up crazy stuff IS fashion in Harajuku. But mixing it with style is what makes it good, the outfit she wears and the clothes she picked out for the guy is just mixing random stuff which anyone can do, not everyone can mix it well

[@Its_daaiz]

Haha John, you looked so cute! Great video! It made me want to shop a lot. :(

[@g3njutsu]

I've been there! Haha it was so much fun and a great experience. Really wish I could go back to Japan someday and revisit Takeshita Street now that I'm older and more confident and comfortable in myself and my style

[@thejesterwolf1436]

XDDDDD I can't stop laughing!! Those shoes, contacts, wig, hat, and shirt just don't go with your face!!! In short, the only thing that works are the pants! XDD

[@intergalacticlove]

you guys made me laugh so much!!! XD

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

Hahaha! Thank for that :) Glad you enjoyed the ride! -john

[@Sam-xc2rx]

WAORYU ONLYinJAPAN can't stop laughing OMG!

[@worm5758]

Harajuku style is the best

[@GigglesDaDevil]

I enjoyed this... You are a good sport

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

I had fun! For a few hours, felt cool to be different (okay in this area) but when I left Harajuku, I know it is NOT normal. Changed at the station but kept the contacts in to freak out subway riders :) -John

[@GigglesDaDevil]

+ONLY in JAPAN 😂😂

[@Bakeshop040]

I like Michelle looked beautiful and John looked rather dashing... calling it now, the future prince of Harajuku. ;P

[@GaryHardin]

This one made me laugh. sweet....

[@greenkoolaid1985]

5:34 he's like "what are those"

[@RealAryanGupta]

A big salute to your tolerance

[@illyanarasputina5770]

That's a greta Vid! Love the shops! Thanks for posting this!

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

You're wlecome! Takeshita Street will look so different in 5 years from now. Def. worth a visit! -John

[@lusky5296]

everything about japan is amazing, the best country in all this fucking world.

[@carloscream]

The contacts looked great on your eyes!

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

Thanks! They hurt like heck though >_< and scared a lot of older people. Awesome! -John

[@WebVManReturns]

I'm guessing she must have been punking him by dressing him up in that outfit.

[@Corringe]

this is beautiful

[@TurkeyButtStudios]

That man had amazing english, his grammar was pretty on point as well! C: hope i meet someone like that when i visit

[@lok_maar]

I actually love those trousers :^D

[@GigaJigg]

"I study fashion!" *Looks like every other Japanophile ever* When people turn around to stare at you, you probably look really weird to them. And they do. And you do.

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

Sofa Anders don't take it so seriously. It's a taste of what's there. Filming is not permitted at many of the shops. They won't even allow photos! So I worked with what I had. Chill. It's just for fun :)

[@GigaJigg]

ONLY in JAPAN FUN IS NOT FUN! ONLY NO FUN IS FUN!... Well, okay then.

[@hiddenemperor653]

Kinda lost for words that was a lot of fun haha!!

[@cb14011970]

throw any combination together and that is fashion, yeah!

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

Thanks, astroboy3507! Sometimes you have to go beyond the call of duty to get the report done! When I was researching this topic, there was only one way to do it right -- try everything out myself and see what it's all about. You are right! I was moved when I first heard about the ACDC RAG story. I really respect them trying to keep the object of their dreams alive. No one knows more about the area than Doi-san! So much fun!! They are true innovators of pop fashion.

[@HelenBratter]

I love that shoes --

[@Koakuma]

I just love how you're walking on these shoes :D But, honestly, you look nice! I loved the video. I'll have my first holidays in Japan next year and I'll make sure to check these shops out :3 Thanks for sharing!

[@kylejamusic]

I've seen about 20-30 of your videos, after seeing 7:20 I will now subscribe.

[@KeatCahoon]

I like some of the fashion. I am just not into the all out look. This is good information to know for when I move to Japan. And I love the kitty shirt your co-host is wearing!

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

I liked that cat print too! Fav part of the outfit. Options for filming were slim -- hard to get permission but with that in mind, I certainly was going for outlandishly bizarre on a budget. -John

[@KeatCahoon]

You definitely got bizarre. But that is the look that Harajuku is going for. I loved a lot of the accessories that both of you had found! I love your videos John!

[@ezuWahseven]

I laugh a lot in this eps. John totally look younger and different. XD

[@nassim99345]

my thoughts: - priceless dance x) - those unisex clothes look feminine - you looked kind of creepy wearing them :p but thats ok you were just showing us about harajuku 👍

[@momotsukino6441]

Omg this was a very funny episode.

[@Nanakadana]

I love the shoes >,

[@NarikoHimawari]

i loved takeshita street!! after watchingt his, i want to go back!! Dx