Living: American Casual Seizes Japan

Teenagers go for N.F.L. hats, Batman and the California look

It's Sunday afternoon, and thousands of Japanese teenagers jam the narrow streets of Tokyo's Harajuku district. They are in search of a life-style that can be bought, often dearly, in the dozens of stores crammed into the crowded area. Along Takeshita-dori, a narrow street in the heart of the district, are shops with curious names -- Octopus Army, Short Kiss, Good Day House -- that offer a variety of identities. There are button-down collars and plaid pants for the preppie look, floral prints and batiks for the Third World ethnic look, tennis and soccer equipment for the ultra-fit look. One store...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!