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LA CARMINA BACK IN TOKYO THIS MONTH! GOTHIC LOLITA PHOTO REQUESTS?


Lolita model, pretty Sweet Lolita Japanese girl, cute Japanese pop singer idol, J-rock visual kei boys guitarist

Woo hoo, woo hoo hoo! Carmina will be back in Tokyo at the end of this month! For business? For pleasure? Only time will tell…

Will there be disguises, surprises? Photo and video? Frills and ruffles and Death Cookbook black truffles? All I can say is – hold on to your hair extensions!

This weekend, I’ll put together guides to Tokyo Lolita shopping and Cyber/Goth club nights (photos above from Qhoto). And then it’s prep-time for Tokyo… do you have any requests? What type of coverage would you like to see on this blog?

Song of the Day #86: The 5678s – Woo Hoo (with video footage from Kill Bill!)

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97 Comments

  1. megan
    Posted April 9, 2009 at 2:25 pm | Permalink

    Awesome!

    How long will you be there?

    I'm going to Japan for the last two weeks or so of May.

    As for requests….I don't think I really have anything. I think I'm just going to go to the general areas I want to see (like Harajuku, for example), and walk around. I do want to see some of the department stores like 109 and Marui, and visit Takeshita Doori.

    Oh, I really want to see one of the Design Festa galleries! I think they are actually having the next big meeting while we are there, but I'm not sure we'll be in Tokyo or have a free day then. So, are one of the galleries close to other places of interest?

    Have fun!

  2. Dork Link
    Posted April 9, 2009 at 2:57 pm | Permalink

    lol, isn't your business your pleasure?

  3. ChriBaby
    Posted April 9, 2009 at 2:58 pm | Permalink

    oooh nice :D can't wait! and I wonder, are there any thrift stores that specialize in gothic lolita? >w< that'd be soo awesome

  4. lacarmina
    Posted April 9, 2009 at 2:58 pm | Permalink

    It is, pretty much! I hope it stays that way! <3

  5. lacarmina
    Posted April 9, 2009 at 2:59 pm | Permalink

    I highly recommend Design Festa; there's a Harajuku gallery and the event you mentioned is May 16-17. Here is my coverage from the last one – http://lacarmina.com/2008/11/design-fe

    Sounds like you have a grand time planned!

  6. Laura
    Posted April 9, 2009 at 3:54 pm | Permalink

    show us more crazy theme restaurants in japan! xD
    also i'd like to see more j-punk/rock styles..like http://www.style-arena.jp/en/tribe/0020.html esp similar to the 1st picture in the 4th row! =P because the internet doesn't have as much of those as VK/Loli/Decora, yknow? (:

  7. lacarmina
    Posted April 9, 2009 at 4:01 pm | Permalink

    These photos are awesome! Love the rocker look!

    Hahah you may have to wait until my book comes out to see crazy, wacky theme restaurants… there are a lot of photo outtakes, which I'll be sure to put up!

  8. lacarmina
    Posted April 9, 2009 at 4:03 pm | Permalink

    Hm, for secondhand, there's Closet Child and X… not exactly “thrift” though!

  9. megan
    Posted April 9, 2009 at 9:25 pm | Permalink

    Awesome!

    How long will you be there?

    I’m going to Japan for the last two weeks or so of May.

    As for requests….I don’t think I really have anything. I think I’m just going to go to the general areas I want to see (like Harajuku, for example), and walk around. I do want to see some of the department stores like 109 and Marui, and visit Takeshita Doori.

    Oh, I really want to see one of the Design Festa galleries! I think they are actually having the next big meeting while we are there, but I’m not sure we’ll be in Tokyo or have a free day then. So, are one of the galleries close to other places of interest?

    Have fun!

  10. Dork Link
    Posted April 9, 2009 at 9:57 pm | Permalink

    lol, isn’t your business your pleasure?

  11. ChriBaby
    Posted April 9, 2009 at 9:58 pm | Permalink

    oooh nice :D can’t wait! and I wonder, are there any thrift stores that specialize in gothic lolita? >w< that'd be soo awesome

    • lacarmina
      Posted April 9, 2009 at 11:03 pm | Permalink

      Hm, for secondhand, there’s Closet Child and X… not exactly “thrift” though!

      • ChriBaby
        Posted April 9, 2009 at 11:02 pm | Permalink

        oooh ok, I’ll check those out. thanks! oh I didn’t know there was a difference.. xD;

  12. Laura
    Posted April 9, 2009 at 10:54 pm | Permalink

    show us more crazy theme restaurants in japan! xD
    also i’d like to see more j-punk/rock styles..like http://www.style-arena.jp/en/tribe/0020.html esp similar to the 1st picture in the 4th row! =P because the internet doesn’t have as much of those as VK/Loli/Decora, yknow? (:

    • lacarmina
      Posted April 9, 2009 at 11:01 pm | Permalink

      These photos are awesome! Love the rocker look!

      Hahah you may have to wait until my book comes out to see crazy, wacky theme restaurants… there are a lot of photo outtakes, which I’ll be sure to put up!

  13. queen ty-ty
    Posted April 9, 2009 at 5:56 pm | Permalink

    lucky. D:
    my spring break im stuck at home studying for tests. ; ^;

    hmmm….requests….? can you show us the neighborhoods of harajuku and shinjuku and all those places? always wanted to see them. > 3 <
    oh! and any really cute cafes! those are always adoreable!

    HAVE FUN ON YOUR TRIP! (o wo)/

  14. lacarmina
    Posted April 9, 2009 at 6:29 pm | Permalink

    Do you mean the surrounding neighborhoods?
    I posted some of Harajuku here –
    http://lacarmina.com/2008/10/harajuku-

    and there are tons of store/surrounding photos in this category – http://lacarmina.com/category/tokyo-go

    I'll take more photos!

  15. queen ty-ty
    Posted April 10, 2009 at 12:56 am | Permalink

    lucky. D:
    my spring break im stuck at home studying for tests. ; ^;

    hmmm….requests….? can you show us the neighborhoods of harajuku and shinjuku and all those places? always wanted to see them. > 3 <
    oh! and any really cute cafes! those are always adoreable!

    HAVE FUN ON YOUR TRIP! (o wo)/

  16. LiTtLe_MiSs_PsYcHo
    Posted April 9, 2009 at 9:31 pm | Permalink

    WOW! I always wanted to visit Japan. . .
    But when I get to year 12 (bout 2 years away) Im planning to be a forgeion exchange student in japan! Would anyone have any tips about it, like should I try learning how to speak japanese as much a possible?

  17. Lexi
    Posted April 9, 2009 at 10:09 pm | Permalink

    awesome!
    i am going in July with a friend. im only 18 and would love to know where we can go to see some live music/culture etc. where will we be welcome/allowed? im just not sure whether the goth/cyber clubs you rave about are strict on age/foreigners?

    i will enjoy reading about your travels anyway.
    i hope madness ensues.
    x

  18. Morbicized.
    Posted April 9, 2009 at 10:13 pm | Permalink

    ooh ooh maybe more gothic lolita aristocrat :3

  19. jpopexpress.com
    Posted April 9, 2009 at 10:15 pm | Permalink

    Carmina, sounds “simply sugoi”! Let us know how it all turns out! ;) ^_^

  20. lacarmina
    Posted April 9, 2009 at 10:15 pm | Permalink

    I'll keep my eyes peeled! And yes, let's chat!

  21. lacarmina
    Posted April 9, 2009 at 10:34 pm | Permalink

    The people at the clubs are extremely friendly and open to foreigners. You'll feel right at home!
    The drinking age is 20, but it is hardly checked… you may still be allowed in the clubs if you're underage (I'll check).

    Madness is imminent!!

  22. lacarmina
    Posted April 9, 2009 at 10:38 pm | Permalink

    Awesome goal!
    Tokyo Cooney has a great series of videos about life in Japan, including tips on visas and getting around.

    Jimi wrote a great post about learning Japanese – http://eleclutier.blogspot.com/2008/12/jimi-int

  23. LiTtLe_MiSs_PsYcHo
    Posted April 10, 2009 at 4:31 am | Permalink

    WOW! I always wanted to visit Japan. . .
    But when I get to year 12 (bout 2 years away) Im planning to be a forgeion exchange student in japan! Would anyone have any tips about it, like should I try learning how to speak japanese as much a possible?

  24. Lexi
    Posted April 10, 2009 at 5:09 am | Permalink

    awesome!
    i am going in July with a friend. im only 18 and would love to know where we can go to see some live music/culture etc. where will we be welcome/allowed? im just not sure whether the goth/cyber clubs you rave about are strict on age/foreigners?

    i will enjoy reading about your travels anyway.
    i hope madness ensues.
    x

    • lacarmina
      Posted April 10, 2009 at 5:34 am | Permalink

      The people at the clubs are extremely friendly and open to foreigners. You’ll feel right at home!
      The drinking age is 20, but it is hardly checked… you may still be allowed in the clubs if you’re underage (I’ll check).

      Madness is imminent!!

  25. Morbicized.
    Posted April 10, 2009 at 5:13 am | Permalink

    ooh ooh maybe more gothic lolita aristocrat :3

  26. jpopexpress.com
    Posted April 10, 2009 at 5:15 am | Permalink

    Carmina, sounds “simply sugoi”! Let us know how it all turns out! ;) ^_^

  27. jpopexpress.com
    Posted April 10, 2009 at 5:15 am | Permalink

    Oh and I just saw that you were asking for requests! How about an expose of THE latest Japanese street fashions, with Carmina-quality pics and full report! And then when you get back, our interview will be done and we can chat about that too! Gambatte… :-)

  28. Xiao Mao
    Posted April 10, 2009 at 6:13 am | Permalink

    Yes I want to see what people are wearing NOW! ^_^ Take some great street photos of interestingly dresses lolitas. I'm so jealous. *Pout* I'll never get to Japan it seems.

  29. AnnaInCradle
    Posted April 10, 2009 at 7:29 am | Permalink

    Omg you're so lucky to be visiting Japan again, I wish I could go there too T__T
    Anyway, I would so appreciate if you could post a couple of pictures of some sanrio, stationery shops or that kind of shops with lots of kawaii things^^
    Thanks.

  30. Xiao Mao
    Posted April 10, 2009 at 1:13 pm | Permalink

    Yes I want to see what people are wearing NOW! ^_^ Take some great street photos of interestingly dresses lolitas. I’m so jealous. *Pout* I’ll never get to Japan it seems.

  31. AnnaInCradle
    Posted April 10, 2009 at 2:29 pm | Permalink

    Omg you’re so lucky to be visiting Japan again, I wish I could go there too T__T
    Anyway, I would so appreciate if you could post a couple of pictures of some sanrio, stationery shops or that kind of shops with lots of kawaii things^^
    Thanks.

    • lacarmina
      Posted April 10, 2009 at 6:39 pm | Permalink

      It’s funny – I think Hong Kong has more over-the-top kawaii stationery shops than Tokyo! There is, however, a gigantic Hello Kitty in front of the Shinjuku Sanrio World…

  32. lacarmina
    Posted April 10, 2009 at 11:39 am | Permalink

    It's funny – I think Hong Kong has more over-the-top kawaii stationery shops than Tokyo! There is, however, a gigantic Hello Kitty in front of the Shinjuku Sanrio World…

  33. Dragonswyng
    Posted April 10, 2009 at 11:43 am | Permalink

    I'd love to see some street fashion for sure and the latest in Visu! but I certainly wouldn't complain about Aristo and GL. something you don't see too often are what products women like as far as make up etc and the latest looks in that or hairstyles. and shoes lol I love shoes :looks at overflowing closet:

  34. Lhene
    Posted April 10, 2009 at 11:55 am | Permalink

    I'd like to see pictures of the fashions that guys are wearing in Tokyo. I've seen a lot of pictures of the female styles, but what about the menfolk? They seem to be overlooked much of the time in favour of the kawaii girls. (I like the girls too, but nothing wrong with scoping out those cute Japanese boys ;) )

  35. Dragonswyng
    Posted April 10, 2009 at 6:43 pm | Permalink

    I’d love to see some street fashion for sure and the latest in Visu! but I certainly wouldn’t complain about Aristo and GL. something you don’t see too often are what products women like as far as make up etc and the latest looks in that or hairstyles. and shoes lol I love shoes :looks at overflowing closet:

  36. Lhene
    Posted April 10, 2009 at 6:55 pm | Permalink

    I’d like to see pictures of the fashions that guys are wearing in Tokyo. I’ve seen a lot of pictures of the female styles, but what about the menfolk? They seem to be overlooked much of the time in favour of the kawaii girls. (I like the girls too, but nothing wrong with scoping out those cute Japanese boys ;) )

  37. Lemon
    Posted April 10, 2009 at 6:11 pm | Permalink

    Well I don't really know what I'd like to be covered but I am rather fond of Visual Kei… ;)

  38. lacarmina
    Posted April 10, 2009 at 6:47 pm | Permalink

    OH man! I was offered tickets to BOTH DeathGaze and Kanon Wakeshima… but I'm going to miss both by a few days!!

  39. lacarmina
    Posted April 10, 2009 at 6:48 pm | Permalink

    Ahh yes, that's a great suggestion.

    Here are some male street snaps – http://lacarmina.com/2009/01/japanese-

    but one can always use more! ;)

  40. Lemon
    Posted April 11, 2009 at 1:11 am | Permalink

    Well I don’t really know what I’d like to be covered but I am rather fond of Visual Kei… ;)

  41. Aly
    Posted April 10, 2009 at 10:57 pm | Permalink

    If you're going to be in Tokyo – Can I request you show a bit of Harajuku Bridge – How to get there etc.
    (:
    I hope you have fun when you get there (: I love the pictures of last time you went to Japan. ^^

  42. lacarmina
    Posted April 11, 2009 at 12:03 am | Permalink

    Ah, I hope there will be stylish bridge-dwellers to photograph! Last time, there was hardly anyone on the bridge… quite a change from the heyday. Still, I'll try to swing by!

  43. Aly
    Posted April 11, 2009 at 5:57 am | Permalink

    If you’re going to be in Tokyo – Can I request you show a bit of Harajuku Bridge – How to get there etc.
    (:
    I hope you have fun when you get there (: I love the pictures of last time you went to Japan. ^^

    • lacarmina
      Posted April 11, 2009 at 7:03 am | Permalink

      Ah, I hope there will be stylish bridge-dwellers to photograph! Last time, there was hardly anyone on the bridge… quite a change from the heyday. Still, I’ll try to swing by!

      • Oh-shin
        Posted April 12, 2009 at 4:36 am | Permalink

        The cosplay bridge no longer exists – they recently opened it up to traffic now, so there are no more cosplayers milling about. :(

        • Emma
          Posted April 12, 2009 at 9:13 am | Permalink

          I saw some a few weeks ago. Not a lot, but there were still people there. How recently did they open it up for traffic?

          – I would definitely like to see lots of club night coverage! The alternative nightlife in Tokyo seems to be AMAZING, I love to see the photos!!

  44. Nakayoshia
    Posted April 11, 2009 at 8:51 am | Permalink

    cosplay pretty plz :3

    and do you noe if they sell lolita patterns over there?

    The only ones I can find r from gothic lolita bible ^^

    have fun !!

  45. Nakayoshia
    Posted April 11, 2009 at 3:51 pm | Permalink

    cosplay pretty plz :3

    and do you noe if they sell lolita patterns over there?

    The only ones I can find r from gothic lolita bible ^^

    have fun !!

  46. Morbicized
    Posted April 11, 2009 at 12:37 pm | Permalink

    o.0 shoes are amazing :3 i've got over 34 pairs >.< yes, more shoes! lol

  47. Morbicized
    Posted April 11, 2009 at 7:37 pm | Permalink

    o.0 shoes are amazing :3 i’ve got over 34 pairs >.< yes, more shoes! lol

  48. Oh-shin
    Posted April 11, 2009 at 9:36 pm | Permalink

    The cosplay bridge no longer exists – they recently opened it up to traffic now, so there are no more cosplayers milling about. :(

  49. Emma
    Posted April 12, 2009 at 2:13 am | Permalink

    I saw some a few weeks ago. Not a lot, but there were still people there. How recently did they open it up for traffic?

    – I would definitely like to see lots of club night coverage! The alternative nightlife in Tokyo seems to be AMAZING, I love to see the photos!!

  50. bellerose
    Posted April 12, 2009 at 7:55 am | Permalink

    hmm..
    maybe some kids at yoyogi park???
    i hear that's where most harajuku kids goes nowadays…^^
    (not sure though… X3)

    but anything visual kei/ lolita is still great!! ^ w ^

    oh and maybe inside some loli shops (if that is possible)- hehe so i can be prepared for the kawaii-ness when i go there XD

  51. bellerose
    Posted April 12, 2009 at 2:55 pm | Permalink

    hmm..
    maybe some kids at yoyogi park???
    i hear that’s where most harajuku kids goes nowadays…^^
    (not sure though… X3)

    but anything visual kei/ lolita is still great!! ^ w ^

    oh and maybe inside some loli shops (if that is possible)- hehe so i can be prepared for the kawaii-ness when i go there XD

  52. lacarmina
    Posted April 12, 2009 at 12:05 pm | Permalink

    Harajuku's formerly all-pedestrian area was opened up to traffic, but Jingubashi Bridge is still there. http://lacarmina.com/2008/07/cute-goth

    There still are cosplayers who hang out on the bridge, but not as many as before…

  53. lacarmina
    Posted April 12, 2009 at 12:07 pm | Permalink

    I'll be at Yoyogi for a special event!

  54. lacarmina
    Posted April 12, 2009 at 12:07 pm | Permalink

    Nightlife?? Me??? hahah, just you wait!

  55. Lemon
    Posted April 12, 2009 at 10:22 pm | Permalink

    Whoa that sucks a lot!!!

  56. lacarmina
    Posted April 12, 2009 at 10:25 pm | Permalink

    Yeah… at least I saw Kanon play one song at the Marui Fashion Expo. http://lacarmina.com/2008/09/gothic-lo

    She's having a secret show at the end of the month…

  57. Momo-chan
    Posted April 13, 2009 at 6:21 am | Permalink

    I would like for you to check out the Sweet Lolita Brands maybe some Punk Lolita stuff too! I would really apreciate it! You're so lucky!!!!!

  58. Momo-chan
    Posted April 13, 2009 at 1:21 pm | Permalink

    I would like for you to check out the Sweet Lolita Brands maybe some Punk Lolita stuff too! I would really apreciate it! You’re so lucky!!!!!

    • lacarmina
      Posted April 13, 2009 at 5:50 pm | Permalink

      I already have an appointment with a designer at Kera Shop in Marui! Stay tuned…

  59. lacarmina
    Posted April 13, 2009 at 10:50 am | Permalink

    I already have an appointment with a designer at Kera Shop in Marui! Stay tuned…

  60. megan
    Posted April 13, 2009 at 7:22 pm | Permalink

    Oh! I have a new request.

    Swimmer! I just saw you post on the brand (and I find it unfortunate I missed it the first time). I love it's style, and that the products are inexpensive is a definite bonus.
    It would be nice to know where some of their locations are (as I can't quite read the Japanese, though I haven't tried Google-translator yet), so I can visit them on my own trip to Tokyo! :D

    As the above poster mentioned, it would be nice to see more 'sweet' things mentioned for those of us not into the more gothic styles.
    I'm also interested in seeing styles for people who are more 'casually' into things like lolita or decora or whatever. For people like myself who, while we appreciate and love a full, frilly skirt, can't quite fit something like that into our wardrobe. Que a new style, 'subtle lolita,' lol. (^__^)

  61. lacarmina
    Posted April 13, 2009 at 8:48 pm | Permalink

    Swimmer continues to pique my interest! I'll see if I can find the store.

    I see a lot of subtle Lolita around Japan; I'll try to take pics!

  62. megan
    Posted April 13, 2009 at 8:54 pm | Permalink

    Aw, thank you! <3

  63. megan
    Posted April 14, 2009 at 2:22 am | Permalink

    Oh! I have a new request.

    Swimmer! I just saw you post on the brand (and I find it unfortunate I missed it the first time). I love it’s style, and that the products are inexpensive is a definite bonus.
    It would be nice to know where some of their locations are (as I can’t quite read the Japanese, though I haven’t tried Google-translator yet), so I can visit them on my own trip to Tokyo! :D

    As the above poster mentioned, it would be nice to see more ‘sweet’ things mentioned for those of us not into the more gothic styles.
    I’m also interested in seeing styles for people who are more ‘casually’ into things like lolita or decora or whatever. For people like myself who, while we appreciate and love a full, frilly skirt, can’t quite fit something like that into our wardrobe. Que a new style, ‘subtle lolita,’ lol. (^__^)

    • lacarmina
      Posted April 14, 2009 at 3:48 am | Permalink

      Swimmer continues to pique my interest! I’ll see if I can find the store.

      I see a lot of subtle Lolita around Japan; I’ll try to take pics!

  64. bellerose
    Posted April 13, 2009 at 10:44 pm | Permalink

    wow!!
    really???
    you're so lucky!!!!
    what event is it??
    > w <

  65. lacarmina
    Posted April 13, 2009 at 11:00 pm | Permalink

    Earth Day!!!

  66. megan
    Posted April 14, 2009 at 2:22 am | Permalink

    Oh! I have a new request.

    Swimmer! I just saw you post on the brand (and I find it unfortunate I missed it the first time). I love it's style, and that the products are inexpensive is a definite bonus.
    It would be nice to know where some of their locations are (as I can't quite read the Japanese, though I haven't tried Google-translator yet), so I can visit them on my own trip to Tokyo! :D

    As the above poster mentioned, it would be nice to see more 'sweet' things mentioned for those of us not into the more gothic styles.
    I'm also interested in seeing styles for people who are more 'casually' into things like lolita or decora or whatever. For people like myself who, while we appreciate and love a full, frilly skirt, can't quite fit something like that into our wardrobe. Que a new style, 'subtle lolita,' lol. (^__^)

  67. lacarmina
    Posted April 14, 2009 at 3:48 am | Permalink

    Swimmer continues to pique my interest! I'll see if I can find the store.

    I see a lot of subtle Lolita around Japan; I'll try to take pics!

  68. megan
    Posted April 14, 2009 at 3:54 am | Permalink

    Aw, thank you! <3

  69. bellerose
    Posted April 14, 2009 at 5:44 am | Permalink

    wow!!
    really???
    you're so lucky!!!!
    what event is it??
    > w <

  70. lacarmina
    Posted April 14, 2009 at 6:00 am | Permalink

    Earth Day!!!

  71. Playmobil
    Posted June 25, 2011 at 1:25 am | Permalink

    They are so cool! I wish I could see them in person. It reminded me of anime, when I saw their pics. 
    Two- thumbs up for them :D

  72. Playmobil
    Posted June 25, 2011 at 1:25 am | Permalink

    They are so cool! I wish I could see them in person. It reminded me of anime, when I saw their pics. 
    Two- thumbs up for them :D

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