WHAT IS HARAJUKU?

In the real world Harajuku is an area between SHINJUKU and SHIBUYA in JAPAN.Local landmarks include the headquarters of NHK,Meiji Shrine,and Yoyogi park.The area has two main shopping streets,Omotesando and takeshita-dori,the latter caters to youth fashions and has many small stores selling gothic lolita,visual kei,rockabilly,hip hop and punk outfits.In recent years Omotesando has seen a rise in branches of expensive fashion stores such as LOUIS VUITTON,Chanel and Prada.Until 2004,oneside of the avenue was occupied by the Dojunkai oyama apato,Bauhas-inspired apartments built in 1972 after the 1923 Kanto earthquake.In 2006 the buildngs were controvesially destroyed by Mori building and replaced with the Omotesando Hills Shopping Mall,designed by Tadao ando.The area known as"URA-HARA"(backstreets of Harajuku) is a center of Japanese fashion for younger people.Brands such as A Bathing Ape and Undercover have shops in the area.(last up date 2feb 2008).In mig33 world HARAJUKU is the community who loving Japanese art,culture,anime manga,music and style.More information about harajuku community please visit our blogspot.