What Type of Harajuku Fashion Are You?

By: Amanda Monell
Estimated Completion Time
6 min
What Type of Harajuku Fashion Are You?
Image: electravk/E+/Getty Images

About This Quiz

Let's hop into a time machine. We're flying back to around 2004. In the U.S., fashions were all over the spectrum. You could get away with wearing Ugg boots to the most formal of events; trucker hats were worn by the fashion elite, and it seemed like trends were a dime a dozen. It was then when Gwen Stefani released her pop hit "Rich Girl," which featured a troupe of girls wearing Harajuku styles, or at least an Americanized version of them. Gwen also adopted some of the styles into her own, sending her fans looking for accessories galore.

While Stefani dubbed the dance troupe "The Harajuku Girls," there is no such thing as a Harajuku girl: Harajuku is a capital of Japanese street fashion. Just like a tattoo, Japanese street fashion is often a method of self-expression, and like avant-garde fashion, it is usually controversial or thought-provoking. Just like the punk movement of the late 1970s, visual kei fashion used music as an influence: Many artists will dress differently to stand out in the market. Ganguro fashion started in the late 1990s as a rebellion against traditional Japanese beauty by embracing fake tans and bold color choices. 

With so many types of Japanese street fashions out there, which one are you? Take the quiz to find out what Harajuku you are!

Visual Kei has its roots in punk music. Have you ever been in a band?
No, but I can shake my tail feather like no one's business.
I was in a band in high school.
No, my interests were elsewhere.
I'm still rockin' in my band.

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For some Japanese street fashion, nail length plays a big part in fashion. How long do you wear your nails?
I have difficulties picking up change from a counter.
I wear them medium length.
I like my nails to be shorter.
It depends on the look I'm going for.

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Which of these Japanese fashion districts would you be the most comfortable visiting?
Ginza
Shibuya
Harajuku
Any of them

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In addition to nail length, extreme nail art is also a must have. How do you feel about nail art?
It is too tacky for my tastes.
It is so much fun!
I love nail art.
Nail art is OK in moderation.

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Just like any look, a bad hairstyle can ruin it. How do you wear your hair?
I wear huge flowing locks.
I keep my hair in soft curls.
It depends on what I'm wearing.
My hairstyle is edgy with a lot of spikes.

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If you're trying to perfect that perfect hourglass figure, corsets are a must. What do you think of corsets?
They look pretty uncomfortable.
I love my corsets.
I wouldn't be caught dead in a corset.
If I wear a corset, I wear it loosely so I can move.

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Do you think you could pull off wearing a platform shoe?
I don't like platforms.
Of course
Maybe I could wear a little platform.
It depends on what I'm wearing with them.

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Inspiration comes from all places. Which of these events would get your creative juices flowing?
Going out on the town with friends
Going to a Halloween party
Celebrating my birthday
Going to a concert

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Makeup is pivotal to any style. How do wear your makeup?
I wear my makeup dark.
I wear light makeup.
I wear a lot of makeup in different colors.
I wear glittery makeup.

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When it comes to skin, in some Japanese street fashion, tan skin is a must. Would you ever get a fake tan?
Yes, I have one right now.
I avoid the sun at all costs.
I don't think a tan will go with my look.
I had one once. It didn't end well.

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In some cases, anime characters influence how Japanese fashions look. Which of these characteristics of a typical anime character would you interpret into your look?
Spikey hair
Frilly dresses
Colorful clothing
Enlarged eyes

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When it comes to getting ready to go out, a song to pep you up may be the key to a great evening. Which of these songs is your jam?
"Pour Some Sugar On Me" by Def Leppard
"The Days of Swine and Roses" by My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult
"True Blue" by Madonna
"Don't Cha" by The Pussycat Dolls

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Why do you want to wear Japanese street fashion?
To support my band
To show elegance
To express myself
To make a statement against society

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Sometimes, where you're going can dictate what you wear. Which of these hangouts would you dress up to go to?
A dance club
A poetry slam
A trendy cafe
A concert

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In 2017, EVA Air revealed a Sanrio (the creators behind Hello Kitty) themed jet, providing cute services. Would you fly on it?
Sure
Absolutely not
I've flown on it.
Only if it were the cheapest flight around

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Lolita fashions rely on various old-school fashions to complete their look. Which of these items would you wear or use?
I don't think I'd use anything.
A parasol
Petticoats
Corsets

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What is one word you'd use to describe your style?
Traditional
Sexy
Cute
Edgy

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In Japanese the word kawaii means cute. Which of these "cute" items would you incorporate into your look?
Cute nail art
An animal-shaped purse
A fuzzy hat
I wouldn't incorporate anything kawaii.

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Several Japanese styles incorporate glitter into their looks. So how much glitter is too much glitter?
I could take or leave glitter.
No glitter for me, please
I love glitter, but I don't wear a lot of it.
Glitter is a pivotal part of my wardrobe.

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When you're getting ready to go out, sometimes a friend's help is great for input. Who do you get ready with?
I get ready alone.
I may get ready with one or two friends.
I get ready with a group of friends and sometimes strangers (who are just friends I'm waiting to meet).
I get ready with a group of friends.

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Most of the Harajuku styles are outrageous, to say the least. How comfortable are you receiving additional attention?
I love it!
I'd rather not have any extra attention.
I enjoy it.
I am OK with it.

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Accessories can either make or break a look. Which accessories do you like to wear?
Big baubled necklaces
Lace gloves
Leg warmers
Rings and bracelets

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Which of these hair accessories would you wear?
Big flowers
Big bows
Barrettes
I don't wear hair accessories.

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In Tokyo, maid cafes are a great way to relax and be pampered on many different levels. Would you ever consider working in one?
No, it isn't my thing.
It sounds like it could be fun.
It is one of my dream jobs!
No, I have other things to do.

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Would you want your friends to dress like you?
Nah, unless it's their thing.
I tend to gravitate toward people who dress like me.
I don't care how my friends are dressed; it's what's inside that counts.
I would like them to dress like me on certain occasions.

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How long do you typically take to get ready for a night out?
About an hour
45 minutes tops
About an hour and a half
30 minutes

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Japan is notorious for making some of the most unique desserts in the world. Which of these desserts sound the most appetizing?
A sparkling dessert
Chirin-Chirin ice cream
Bunny bread
Japanese glass sweets

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In some Harajuku fashion, skirts made of tulle help add a little pop to an outfit. How much tulle are you willing to wear?
I don't like to wear tulle.
I'll wear petticoats made of tulle.
I love colorful tulle skirts.
I'll wear tulle on occasion.

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Where do you tend to get ready when going out?
I get ready at home.
I get ready at a friend's house.
I go to the mall to get ready.
I'll get ready on the way to wherever I'm going.

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A lot of Harajuku fashions incorporate wigs into their looks. Which color wig would you wear?
A blonde and pastel-colored wig
A natural-colored wig
A neon colored wig
Something two-toned, usually black with another color

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