AKI | The Sensoji Shrine (Tokyo)

Sensō-ji (浅草寺), also known as Asakusa Kannon (浅草観音)) is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan. It is Tokyo's oldest temple, and one of its most significant. Formerly associated with the Tendai sect of Buddhism, it became independent after World War II. It is dedicated to Kannon, the bodhisattva of compassion, and is the most widely visited religious site in the world with over 30 million visitors annually.

In a clash (or, depending on one's preference, fusion) between/of tradition and modern, I photographed the lovely Aki wearing Goth fashion in secluded spots near the shrine. Goth is a clothing style marked by dark, mysterious, antiquated, homogenous, and often genderless features. It is worn by members of the Goth subculture. A typical gothic fashion includes dyed black hair, exotic hairstyles, dark lipstick and dark clothing. Goth fashion can be recognized by its stark black clothing. It's also described as a profusion of black velvets, lace, fishnets and leather tinged with scarlet or purple, accessorized with tightly laced corsets, gloves, precarious stilettos and silver jewelry depicting religious or occult themes.

ChatGPT provided me with this detailed information on Goth styles in Japan:

In Japan, the Goth style refers to a subculture influenced by Gothic fashion and aesthetics. It emerged in the late 1990s and has since developed its own unique characteristics within the broader global Goth subculture.

Japanese Goth fashion combines elements of traditional Western Gothic fashion with a distinct Japanese twist. The style often incorporates dark and elegant clothing, such as Victorian-inspired dresses, lace, corsets, and elaborate accessories. Black is the predominant color, although dark purples, deep reds, and other rich hues are also common.

Japanese Goth fashion can be categorized into various sub-styles, each with its own distinct look. Some of the popular sub-styles include:

Elegant Gothic Lolita (EGL): This style emphasizes a Victorian-era aesthetic with frilly, doll-like dresses, petticoats, lace, ribbons, and parasols. It combines elements of Gothic and Rococo fashion.

Visual Kei: Although not strictly Goth, Visual Kei is a Japanese music movement that often incorporates dark and theatrical elements. Visual Kei artists and fans may wear elaborate and gender-bending outfits, including Gothic-inspired clothing, heavy makeup, and styled hair.

Ouji/Oujisama: Also known as "Prince" or "Boystyle," this style focuses on elegant, princely outfits for men. It often includes refined tailcoats, blouses, vests, top hats, and elaborate accessories.

Punk Goth: This style blends elements of traditional Goth fashion with punk aesthetics. It can feature ripped stockings, leather jackets, band T-shirts, spiked accessories, and bold makeup.

Japanese Goths may also incorporate elements from other subcultures, such as steampunk, cyberpunk, or anime-inspired fashion, into their personal style.
It's worth noting that the Japanese Goth subculture is not as prevalent or mainstream as other fashion styles in Japan. However, it has a dedicated community and can be seen at alternative fashion events, concerts, and certain areas of major cities like Tokyo's Harajuku district.

For larger and higher resolution photographs:

AKI by Tewfic El-Sawy on on Exposure