When you look at the face of today’s Japanese citizens, you will see that they are branded with western influences. Japan’s streets are littered with American chains such as McDonalds and Starbucks. American entertainment can be found in the mobile devices of all Nippon youth. However, these cultural characteristics are only skin deep. Although you will often see Japanese teenagers using the latest American slang, their values have yet to be affected. At the end of the day, Japanese people are still collectivistic, high context and isolated. They are still parliamentary, approaching international politics in an ethnocentric manner. The Land of the Rising Sun embraces the tides of globalization, but the centuries old ideas of the Japanese zeitgeist are still firmly rooted.
Much like the juxtaposition of Japanese culture, Kazaki Nagayama’s Spring Summer 2013 collection is equally as layered. Nagayama presents a collection that is similar to the stream line attire of New York Fashion Week. With blazers, rain coats, polyester fabric, slacks, suits, cotton under shirts and buttoned jackets that can be seen in a Calvin Klein show. Underneath this façade, though ,lingers the shapes of Japan’s yesteryears. Many traditional Japanese elements can be seen in the clothing numbers. One outfit has slacks that are shaped like Japanese hakamas, which are kimono pants that resemble trousers. Another outfit has a coat that resembles a yukata with an obi belt. While the last outfit of the ensemble reminds me of happi coats, which are traditional coats worn by shop keepers and villagers.