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)