Gyaru
Encyclopedia
is a Japanese
transliteration
of the English
word gal, that of girl being . The name originated from a 1970s brand of jeans
called "gals", with the advertising slogan
: "I can't live without men", and was applied to fashion
- and peer-conscious girl
s in their teens and early twenties. Its usage peaked in the 1980s and has gradually declined. The term gradually drifted to apply to a younger group, whose seeming lack of interest in work or marriage gained the word a "childish" image. It is now used almost interchangeably with kogyaru
.
Gyaru subculture is still a large influence in Japan's fashion economy with gyaru brands branching out and becoming more accessible in rural areas. In Tokyo, more often than not, a shopping center at each main train station dedicated to offering the newest and trendiest items from popular Gal brands. Some brands are also reaching overseas by having their items easily accessible in webshops offering world-wide shipping services. Gal Circles (gyaru-sa/ギャルサー) are also a fun part of a gal's life. After peaking in 2007, the gyaru trend appears to have declined in Japan, but has gained in popularity in China.
A Gal Circle is a group of gals that meet up and hold events promoting gal style, music, and parapara dancing
. There are two main types of Gal Circles, Nago-cir (comfort circles) and Ive-cir (event circles).
that originated in the 1970s. Gyaru is most commonly referred to as ganguro
, but ganguro is actually a subculture of gyaru. Gyaru is a girly-glam style, breaking away from traditional standards of beauty and dwelling on the man-made (wigs, fake eyelashes, fake nails, etc). Because gyaru fashion does not fit with traditional and media portrayed ideals of Japanese women, it is often identified as a sign of rebellion in youth.
Gyaru fashion is typically characterized by dyed hair (which is often lightened to varying shades of brown or blonde), excessively decorated nails, and makeup. This makeup typically consists of dark eyeliner and dramatic fake eyelashes; gyaru sometimes wear cosmetic circle lenses as well to enhance the size of their irises. Brands cater to this particular trend by producing fake eyelashes, circle lenses, and other cosmetics.
Clothing wise, gyaru can vary depending on personal style, as seen below.
Japanese language
is a language spoken by over 130 million people in Japan and in Japanese emigrant communities. It is a member of the Japonic language family, which has a number of proposed relationships with other languages, none of which has gained wide acceptance among historical linguists .Japanese is an...
transliteration
Transliteration
Transliteration is a subset of the science of hermeneutics. It is a form of translation, and is the practice of converting a text from one script into another...
of the English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
word gal, that of girl being . The name originated from a 1970s brand of jeans
Jeans
Jeans are trousers made from denim. Some of the earliest American blue jeans were made by Jacob Davis, Calvin Rogers, and Levi Strauss in 1873. Starting in the 1950s, jeans, originally designed for cowboys, became popular among teenagers. Historic brands include Levi's, Lee, and Wrangler...
called "gals", with the advertising slogan
Slogan
A slogan is a memorable motto or phrase used in a political, commercial, religious and other context as a repetitive expression of an idea or purpose. The word slogan is derived from slogorn which was an Anglicisation of the Scottish Gaelic sluagh-ghairm . Slogans vary from the written and the...
: "I can't live without men", and was applied to fashion
Fashion
Fashion, a general term for a currently popular style or practice, especially in clothing, foot wear, or accessories. Fashion references to anything that is the current trend in look and dress up of a person...
- and peer-conscious girl
Girl
A girl is any female human from birth through childhood and adolescence to attainment of adulthood. The term may also be used to mean a young woman.-Etymology:...
s in their teens and early twenties. Its usage peaked in the 1980s and has gradually declined. The term gradually drifted to apply to a younger group, whose seeming lack of interest in work or marriage gained the word a "childish" image. It is now used almost interchangeably with kogyaru
Kogal
The kogal fashion involves wearing an outfit based on a Japanese school uniform, but with a shortened skirt, loose socks, and often dyed hair and a scarf as well. The phenomenon was prominent in the 1990s, but has since declined. The word "kogal" is anglicized from kogyaru, a contraction of kôkôsei...
.
Gyaru subculture is still a large influence in Japan's fashion economy with gyaru brands branching out and becoming more accessible in rural areas. In Tokyo, more often than not, a shopping center at each main train station dedicated to offering the newest and trendiest items from popular Gal brands. Some brands are also reaching overseas by having their items easily accessible in webshops offering world-wide shipping services. Gal Circles (gyaru-sa/ギャルサー) are also a fun part of a gal's life. After peaking in 2007, the gyaru trend appears to have declined in Japan, but has gained in popularity in China.
A Gal Circle is a group of gals that meet up and hold events promoting gal style, music, and parapara dancing
Para Para
is a synchronized group dance that originated in Japan. Unlike most club dancing and rave dancing there are specific synchronized movements for each song much like line dancing...
. There are two main types of Gal Circles, Nago-cir (comfort circles) and Ive-cir (event circles).
What is gyaru?
Gyaru fashion is a type of Japanese street fashionJapanese street fashion
Japan began to emulate Western fashion during the middle of the 19th century. By the beginning of the 21st century it had altered into what is known today as 'street fashion'. The term 'street fashion' is used to describe fashion where the wearer customizes outfits by adopting a mixture of current...
that originated in the 1970s. Gyaru is most commonly referred to as ganguro
Ganguro
Ganguro is an alternative fashion trend of blonde or orange hair and tanned skin among young Japanese women that peaked in popularity around the year 2000. The Shibuya and Ikebukuro districts of Tokyo were the centers of ganguro fashion...
, but ganguro is actually a subculture of gyaru. Gyaru is a girly-glam style, breaking away from traditional standards of beauty and dwelling on the man-made (wigs, fake eyelashes, fake nails, etc). Because gyaru fashion does not fit with traditional and media portrayed ideals of Japanese women, it is often identified as a sign of rebellion in youth.
Gyaru fashion is typically characterized by dyed hair (which is often lightened to varying shades of brown or blonde), excessively decorated nails, and makeup. This makeup typically consists of dark eyeliner and dramatic fake eyelashes; gyaru sometimes wear cosmetic circle lenses as well to enhance the size of their irises. Brands cater to this particular trend by producing fake eyelashes, circle lenses, and other cosmetics.
Clothing wise, gyaru can vary depending on personal style, as seen below.
Subcategories of gyaru
There are various subcategories of "gals" depending on the choice of fashion, and also gender.- Agejo: Agejo, from Koakuma Ageha, is a very glamorous, feminine, and sexy style. It is generally worn by, but is not exclusively limited to, hostesses with the intention of being flawlessly glamorous and desirable. Agejo style places emphasis on the eyes, often enlarging and enhancing them with circle lenses and several sets of false eyelashes. The hair is always styled in an up-do with curls and sometimes includes extensions and/or wigs. It is very common for agejos to wear a multiple wigs at the same time. Agejo style is similar to hime-gyaru with the exception of being more skimpy, but classy.
- Amura: A girl who chooses to follow the look of Namie AmuroNamie Amurois a Japanese R&B and pop singer, entertainer, and former actress who at the height of her popularity was referred to as the "Teen Queen" and the title "Queen of Japanese Pop Music". Born in Naha, Okinawa, Amuro debuted at the age of 14 as an idol in the girl group Super Monkey's...
. - Bibinba (ビビンバ): This look usually includes a lot of gold and jewelry. Similar to b-gal.
- BanbaBanbaIn Irish mythology, Banba daughter of Ernmas of the Tuatha Dé Danann, is the patron goddess of Ireland....
(バンバ): Banba is a lighter form of manbaMANBABeta-mannosidase, also known as lysosomal beta A mannosidase or mannanase, is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the MANBA gene....
. Banbas wear less white makeup than manbas; they also use more glitter and do not have neon colored hair. Banbas wear more extreme-looking types of false eyelashes and colored contact lenses. Banbas wear darker colors than manbas and sometimes dress in club wear. The most respected banba Gal-cir is Angeleek; there are 22 members in the Tokyo group, and they have many other groups throughout the Japan. - Baika/Bozosoku: Baika/Bozosoku is also known as bikerOutlaw motorcycle clubAn outlaw motorcycle club is a type of motorcycle club that is part of a subculture with roots in the post-World War II USA, centered on cruiser motorcycles, particularly Harley-Davidsons and choppers, and a set of ideals celebrating freedom, nonconformity to mainstream culture, and loyalty to the...
style and is characterized by lots of dark colors, leather, chains, and plaid. It is similar to Rokku Gyaru. - B-Gal: A gyaru who dresses in the Hip-hop style.
- Coco-gyaru: A gyaru who wears the Cocolulu brand excessively or exclusively.
- Gaijin-gyaru: A foreigner who follows gyaru fashion.
- GanguroGanguroGanguro is an alternative fashion trend of blonde or orange hair and tanned skin among young Japanese women that peaked in popularity around the year 2000. The Shibuya and Ikebukuro districts of Tokyo were the centers of ganguro fashion...
(ガングロギャル): A gyaru with an artificial deep tan and bleached hair. This style was popular in the late 1990s, and early 2000s. - Ganjiro/Shiroi-Gyaru: Any gal who chooses not to tan but follows all other gal trends. They may choose to become extremely bihaku (beautifully white) and apply sunblock regularly. Some ganjiro choose a light bronze skintone but choose not to tan religiously.
- Gyaru-kei (ギャル系): This is the modern general gyaru style. It has many sub-styles such as Amekaji (American casual), Goshikku (gothicGothic fashionGothic fashion is a clothing style worn by members of the Goth subculture; a dark, sometimes morbid, eroticized fashion and style of dress. Typical Gothic fashion includes dyed black hair, black lips and black clothes. Both male and female goths wear dark eyeliner and dark fingernails. Styles are...
), Saike(psychePsyche- Psychology :* Psyche , a concept of intangible self* Psyche , a periodical on the study of consciousness* Soul in the Bible, or psyche , spirit or soul in philosophy and theology- Art :...
), BohemianBohemianA Bohemian is a resident of the former Kingdom of Bohemia, either in a narrow sense as the region of Bohemia proper or in a wider meaning as the whole country, now known as the Czech Republic. The word "Bohemian" was used to denote the Czech people as well as the Czech language before the word...
, Rokku (rock/metal), and Haady (punkPunk fashionPunk fashion is the clothing, hairstyles, cosmetics, jewelry, and body modifications of the punk subculture. Punk fashion varies widely, ranging from Vivienne Westwood designs to styles modeled on bands like The Exploited. The distinct social dress of other subcultures and art movements, including...
/cyberCybergothCybergoth is a subculture that derives from elements of cyberpunk, goth, raver, and rivethead fashion. Unlike traditional goths, Cybergoths follow electronic dance music more often than rock.-History:...
). - Gyaruo (ギャル男): A male gyaru.
- Hostess/Host: A woman or man who entertains guests in host and hostess clubs.
- Hime-gyaru (姫ギャル): Girls who dress as princessPrincessPrincess is the feminine form of prince . Most often, the term has been used for the consort of a prince, or his daughters....
es. Hair colors can range from white to black and are usually very big and teased. They wear expensive clothing from brands such as Liz Lisa and Jesus Diamante. - Hime-kaji: A casual toned down version of hime-gyaru.
- Kigurumin: They wear kigurumiKigurumiis the Japanese name for costumed performers who represent cartoon characters, often animals. The name comes from the Japanese verb and noun . These performers appear at shopping malls, theme parks, and anime conventions...
, a type of pajama-suit that resembles an animal or cartoon character. - Kyoba bo-i: The male banbaBanbaIn Irish mythology, Banba daughter of Ernmas of the Tuatha Dé Danann, is the patron goddess of Ireland....
. The make-up is similar to Sentaa-gai but the eyes can be made up to look bigger. They accessorize excessively and commonly have bangs. - KogyaruKogalThe kogal fashion involves wearing an outfit based on a Japanese school uniform, but with a shortened skirt, loose socks, and often dyed hair and a scarf as well. The phenomenon was prominent in the 1990s, but has since declined. The word "kogal" is anglicized from kogyaru, a contraction of kôkôsei...
: Generally a high school student (高校生 kōkōsei). - Rasuta-Gyaru: A gyaru who listens to reggaeReggaeReggae is a music genre first developed in Jamaica in the late 1960s. While sometimes used in a broader sense to refer to most types of Jamaican music, the term reggae more properly denotes a particular music style that originated following on the development of ska and rocksteady.Reggae is based...
music, and wears Jamaican flags and lots of straw handbags or hemp clothing. - Romanba: Hime-manba seen in early 2000s.
- Mago-gyaruo(中学校 chūgakkō): A middle schoolMiddle schoolMiddle School and Junior High School are levels of schooling between elementary and high schools. Most school systems use one term or the other, not both. The terms are not interchangeable...
gal. - ManbaMANBABeta-mannosidase, also known as lysosomal beta A mannosidase or mannanase, is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the MANBA gene....
(マンバ): They have deep tans and wear contrasting white make-up. Their hair is usually pastel-colored or blond and very long and back-combed. Their clothes are neon and layered. - Miruteri/Yankii: This style is typically militaryMilitaryA military is an organization authorized by its greater society to use lethal force, usually including use of weapons, in defending its country by combating actual or perceived threats. The military may have additional functions of use to its greater society, such as advancing a political agenda e.g...
themed clothing. - Marin-Marine: Their clothing typically has naval themes and/or contains blue, red, and white stripes.
- Oyaji-gyaru (オヤジギャル): From oyaji and gyaru. A gyaru who behaves in a masculine way, drinks beer, and uses rough language.
- Onee-gyaru (お姉ギャル): A gyaru who has graduated from high school, and thus become a more mature onee-san (literally "elder sister"). A sophisticated style and more sexual style similar to regular gyaru-kei.
- Onii/Onii-kei (お兄、お兄系): Is the male equivalent (older brother). Onii-Kei can be worn by women also and is a more sophisticated visual-kei or gyaru-o look, leaving behind the brightly colored hair and clothing of their youth.
- Ogyaru (汚ギャル): A dirty or disheveled gyaru who may forsake daily baths or takes little care in her behavior and dress, even by gyaru standards.
- Ora Ora kei: Is a tougher style that focuses on black clothes and being a rebel. Ora ora can be seen in Soul Sister and Soul Japan magazines. It sometimes includes yakuzaYakuza, also known as , are members of traditional organized crime syndicates in Japan. The Japanese police, and media by request of the police, call them bōryokudan , literally "violence group", while the yakuza call themselves "ninkyō dantai" , "chivalrous organizations". The yakuza are notoriously...
-styled tattoos and high brand accessories. Ora Ora Kei is a continuation of yankii culture with the addition of Onii-kei gyaru styling. - Serebu: This is a gal that closely follows western celebrity fashion trends. It is similar to Onee-gal.
- Tsyuome Gyaru: Like banbaBanbaIn Irish mythology, Banba daughter of Ernmas of the Tuatha Dé Danann, is the patron goddess of Ireland....
but with a lighter tan - Tsyuome Manba: Darker than manbaMANBABeta-mannosidase, also known as lysosomal beta A mannosidase or mannanase, is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the MANBA gene....
and with an extreme amount of accessories. - Yamanba: Like manbaMANBABeta-mannosidase, also known as lysosomal beta A mannosidase or mannanase, is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the MANBA gene....
, but the nose stripe goes past the eyebrows.
Gyaru Clothing/Accessories Brands
Gyaru Most Known:
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HBG HBG may refer to:* HBG , a time signal radio transmission facility in Prangins, Switzerland* Hermann-Böse-Gymnasium, a secondary school in Germany* Hattiesburg , Mississippi, United States; Amtrak station code HBG.... |
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Non-Japanese Brand Gyaru Favored:
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Gyaru cosmetic brands
Favored brands that gyarus use.
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Make-up Art Cosmetics Make-up Art Cosmetics, better known as M·A·C or MAC Cosmetics, is a manufacturer of cosmetics founded in Toronto, Canada and headquartered in New York City, New York.-History:... Sana -Geography:* Sana'a, the capital of Yemen* Sana, Haute-Garonne, France, a commune in the Haute-Garonne département* Sana, Bhutan, a town in Bhutan* Sana, Greece, a village in the northern part of the prefecture of Chalkidiki... Chanel Chanel S.A. is a French fashion house founded by the couturier Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel, well established in haute couture, specializing in luxury goods . She gained the name "Coco" while maintaining a career as a singer at a café in France... Dior Dior can mean:* Christian Dior SA, a French clothing retailer* In J. R. R. Tolkien's fictional Middle-earth legendarium:**Dior Eluchíl, a Half-elven of the First Age**Dior , a Steward of GondorDior is a surname, and may refer to:... Anna Sui Anna Sui is an American fashion designer. Her luxury brand retails globally in the Americas, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Her clothing, fragrance, cosmetic, and accessories lines sell at Anna Sui stores in over 50 countries and are also widely distributed at leading department stores... Bobbi Brown Bobbi Brown is the founder and CEO of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics. Her products are sold in over 988 stores and 56 countries worldwide.-Biography:From a young age, Bobbi loved makeup... Revlon Revlon is an American cosmetics, skin care, fragrance, and personal care company founded in 1932.-History:Revlon was founded in the midst of the Great Depression, 1932, by Charles Revson and his brother Joseph, along with a chemist, Charles Lachman, who contributed the "L" in the Revlon name... Rimmel Rimmel is a cosmetics brand, now owned by Coty, Inc.. The House of Rimmel was originally founded by Eugene Rimmel in 1834 in Regent Street, London, UK.... Lush -People:* Archibald Lush, a Welsh school inspector* Billy Lush, an American actor* David Lush, Canadian politician* Ernie Lush, American Baseball player* Jay Laurence Lush, an American geneticist* Jane Lush, a British worker... |
Magazines
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Music
Music genres favored in the gyaru scene- EurobeatEurobeatEurobeat is a form of italo-disco/hi-NRG music that developed in the late 1980s.In the United States, Eurobeat was sometimes marketed as Hi-NRG and for a short while shared this term with the very early freestyle music hits....
- Happycore
- TranceTrance musicTrance is a genre of electronic dance music that developed in the 1990s.:251 It is generally characterized by a tempo of between 125 and 150 bpm,:252 repeating melodic synthesizer phrases, and a musical form that builds up and breaks down throughout a track...
See also
- Gyaru-mojiGyaru-mojiis a style of obfuscated Japanese writing popular amongst Japanese young people. It is also called Heta-moji...
, a type of lettering used in mobile phoneMobile phoneA mobile phone is a device which can make and receive telephone calls over a radio link whilst moving around a wide geographic area. It does so by connecting to a cellular network provided by a mobile network operator...
messages by gals - Gyaru-ohGyaru-ohGyaruo are a sub-group of modern Japanese youth culture. They are the male equivalent of the gyaru. The o suffix that is added to the word, is one reading of the Kanji for male...
, the male equivocation to gyaru - KogalKogalThe kogal fashion involves wearing an outfit based on a Japanese school uniform, but with a shortened skirt, loose socks, and often dyed hair and a scarf as well. The phenomenon was prominent in the 1990s, but has since declined. The word "kogal" is anglicized from kogyaru, a contraction of kôkôsei...
, sub-genre of gyaru