Atmajaya students hold a 'Bunkasai' people's party
Atmajaya students hold a 'Bunkasai' people's party
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
As local band Tokyo Dome rocked the sports hall of the Atmajaya
Catholic University with Japanese rock songs on Saturday
afternoon, 17-year-old Faradhilla jived along with the melody
while trying hard to keep her Japanese-style outfit neat.
Faradhilla, along with around 300 youngsters, thronged the
annual Bunkasai cultural festival held by the Atmajaya Japanese
Cultural Working Group from May 12 to May 14.
"This robe called happi, is usually worn on informal
occasions. The reason why I wore it is because goes with my
jeans, so it looks cool," said the Al-Azhar High School student.
Happi originated as a Japanese overcoat traditionally worn by
shop keepers. Today, the dress is popular attire for festivals,
parties, and going to sushi restaurants. Its popularity has also
influenced the youth fashion scene in the capital.
"Japanese contemporary fashion represents freedom of
expression, that's why I and my colleagues like it," Faradhilla
said, adding that she was influenced by video clips of Japanese
rock groups, known as J-Rock bands.
Another member of the audience, Lia Angeline, who wore a
"virtual key" outfit -- the kind of torn outfit from Edward
Scissorshand movie's wardrobe -- confirmed Faradhilla's
statement, saying that even though some Japanese contemporary
fashion seems "freaky", many Indonesian youth are infatuated with
it.
"I guess it's because Japan is a developed country, so their
youth are more creative in developing new styles. And youngsters
here also like creative things, so we imitate the style. Besides,
it could also expresses what is really in the hearts of
youngsters: freedom and dynamism," said the girl, who was wearing
Gothic makeup.
Virtual key is one of the latest Japanese fashion trends,
which is worn with Gothic makeup, nail polish and long hair wigs.
A project officer of the festival, Agatha Nuri Prasanti, said
that every year the festival successfully attracted youngsters to
come and wear the latest Japanese fashion.
"Even though we did not announce a dress code, from year to
year the audience has always come wearing contemporary Japanese
outfits, which they call Harajuku street fashion."
Harajuku street is a shopping and entertainment district for
the young and trendy Japanese.
"Japanese street fashion has been influencing our street
fashion. And this festival is the place to show that kind of
style," Agatha said. (006)