The upper wall designs in Nijo Castle in Kyoto, the residence of Shogunate Tokugawa Ieyasu that was completed by 1603, has decorations of swirls and tiny square shapes that represent the wind and water in motion. The use of empty space was polished into a pervasive concept represented by the word ma. Japanese design and comic books are originality themselves, but if you want to see something truly unique, take a stroll through Tokyo's modern areas of Shibuya or Shinjuku. You will witness a Cultural Revolution in the phenomenon of the yamamba. Teetering on 15 centimeter and higher platform shoes, these bone-thin girls are tanned to a chocolate hue that is intensified by white fluorescent eye shadow and white or black lipstick.
Hair color ranges from shocking pink, yellow or green, and skirts are the mini-minimum.
Enameled long nails burgeoning with intricate designs, decorative cordless phones, false eyelashes and big bags are part of a look that is labor intensive. I never tire of watching these eccentric fashion plates because each creates embellishments of originality, within the overall design scheme. As most everywhere, Japan has incorporated a plethora of western ideas and items into its culture. Modern buildings follow western designs. If you think this is a nation of copiers, though, next time you are in Japan, check out the local fast food hamburger joints and see what's on the menu.