Whether it been interesting outfits or make up, Tokyo's Harajuku is famous for its inventive fashion. The latest trend, according to the Japanese media? Cat ear hair.
For years, "cat girls" have been popular in Japan. The trope is ubiquitous in Japanese video games, manga and anime. But now, otaku (geek) culture is melding with gal culture to create "neko mimi hair" (cat ear hair).
According to Harajuku's female fashionistas, the look supplants the need for ribbons or hairbands. One of the girls interviewed by Japanese TV said she wears cat-ear hair instead. Another noted how the look was "moé", a word that's typically used by Japanese otaku to describe cute characters. No wonder one of the girls that was interviewed had a Puella Magi Madoka Magica smartphone case.
The cat ear look does look purrdy good, and the trend does show how the influence of Japanese otaku culture spreads has spread beyond geekdom. Meow!
さすが社会現象やで！ 「魔法少女まどか☆マギカ」 原宿ギャルにも人気 [アルファルファモザイク]