Urban anthropologists will find much of interest in the field here in Shibuya, ground zero for Tokyo youth culture (besides Harajuku). You've seen Shibuya Crossing before, in (ofcourse) Lost In Translation, with the flood of humanity that the green light unleashes every few minutes, beneath the moving screens on buildings towering overhead. Watching Shibuya Crossing from high atop the streets, at say...Starbucks, it was like installation art watching the organized chaos of human traffic criss cross the street in a somewhat organized manner.
Shibuya department stores cater to the turnover of trends consumed by the subcultures cruising the streets in packs. The more head turning tribes include (but not limited to) mamba , the girls with the deep fake tans white eye makeup and bleached blonde hair, who are usually decked out in microminis and go-go boots. The mamba make up only a subset of gyaru (gal) culture, which is driven by consumerism, fashion and Shibuyakei (Shibuya type) pop music. Gyaru culture splits into other variations, much like the alleys snaking off Shibuya Crossing and these alleys form their natural habitat. You'll find them in it's all you can eat dessert cafes, specialised record shops, izakaya (pubs/eateries) and clubs, discount shops, selling accessories and a million boutiques selling the look of the moment.
Shibuya 109 is the department store selling the trends du jour of Shibuya's youth culture, whether it's the minidresses in blindlingly saturated colors for the gyaru set or the bunched up ankle socks the schoolgirls are so fond of pairing with their mini skirts.
Shaina contemplates an outfit for later tonite....
"A hundred dolla billz, look achoo, look achoo" - These are just some of the faux nails they sold at Shibuya 109. Girls love to bling out their nails here but these took it to another level.
After getting our shop on, it was time to EAT! We all ended up at a delicious little Chinese restaurant called, Panda.
There was a cute panda carved out in the table....
We all shared a few delicious dishes including sweet and sour shrimp, pork lo mein, and scallops....
Jamal and Alfred. Note the major blindlingly awesome bling that Jamal bought at Shibuya 109. Yes, that is indeed a "diamond" encrusted globe. Wickkkked!
Well, what do ya know...as we leave Panda, its FREE DOUGHNUT HOUR at Krispy Kreme!!! YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!
After dessert we all headed back to Akasaka to chill and then head to Lex.
