20110613

Sakai: Ageless gem of Japan

by Manila Bulletin

Sakai, one of the oldest and fastest-growing cities of Japan, might be said to have much in common with gems, its age and constant refinement making it more fascinating over the years. Known for being one of the most successful countries in the world, Japan maintains its hidden treasures in the same way that a jewel craftsman might, often looking to improve upon the smallest of flaws. Unknown to many, Sakai is the fastest expanding territory in Japan, as it includes most of the southern and eastern Osaka and Nara prefectures. Even with this frenetic pace of development, however, the area keeps much of its history intact. Rich in Japanese culture and heritage, Sakai has grown into a dominant position, becoming one of the Japanese government's elected cities in April 2006 and making it well-known as the country's fastest-rising industrial city. (Manila Bulletin)

Japan's street fashion: Chic or bizarre?

by The Star

When I first set eyes on a group of deeply tanned girls with white lipstick and eyeshadow back in 1990, I thought they were some kind of entertainers parodying the Black And White Minstrel Show (a popular British variety show during the 1960s and 70s). Rika, a Japanese who had been living in Singapore, also experienced this culture shock when she returned home. "Those yamanba girls are spoiling their natural looks with thick, gaudy make-up," she lamented. "I heard they don't wash them off," I added. "Beats me!" Rika shrugged. Takeshita Street in Harajuku draws the fashion-conscious. The yamanba style is thought to resemble a mythological mountain witch, Yama-uba. The yamanba and manba craze is an offshoot of the ganguro (literally "black face") style which was the vogue in the Shibuya and Ikebukuro districts of Tokyo at one time. This trend has since become passe. (The Star)