Amerika-mura
By Stacey Besst
7 March 2008
While studying at Kansai Gaidai University (Kansai Gaikokugo Daigaku) I explored and documented several urban districts in Osaka, Japan. Focusing on the visual representations of youth. One district known as Amerika-mura, literally America village (or Ame-mura for short), became my main source of study. I photographed the rich visual distinctions in Ame-mura often on the weekends when most young people were free from the pressures of school.
As I discovered, Ame-mura is known for its imported and indigenous consumer fashion. While the current style emphasized in this district is hip hop and rap, what local media considers black culture or what Americans consider African American culture. The district ranges to the opposite end of stylistic groups consisting of the Victorian feel of Lolita. This district's name literally implies a connection with American influenced consumer goods, but it would be better stated that the district allows for ideal differences outside of traditional Japanese cultural responsibilities due to its implied design as a foreign domain.
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