Yes, KAWAII is Art | Harajuku Day in Hollywood


Harajuku Day Photo by Mambastic Photography

Date

05.04.2024 (Sat.)

Time

12:00 PM – 06:00 PM

Location

Ovation Hollywood Courtyard

Fee

Free admission. Costs vary based on vendor.

Harajuku’s legendary kawaii culture came to Hollywood! To celebrate the opening of the “Yes, KAWAII is Art -EXPRESS YOURSELF-” exhibition, Harajuku Day LA was held for a special, first ever popup in Hollywood. Harajuku Day LA featured an array of local vendors showcasing their kawaii clothing, accessories, and other original items, as well as the special pop-up booth of leading kawaii brand 6%DOKIDOKI from exhibition creator and artist Sebastian Masuda.

Take a journey to the dazzling, joyful world of kawaii culture where self-expression knows no bounds, uniting in a celebration of diversity and creativity regardless of age, race, sexuality, or gender. Throughout the day, fashion shows spotlighted kawaii streetstyle and presented collections from beloved kawaii fashion brands. Interactive DIY booths allowed guests to make their own accessories like colorful plastic kandi bracelets, heart shaker necklaces full of beads and glitter, and custom bows and bowties. In an exclusive performance, kawaii culture pioneer Sebastian Masuda took the stage for a very special DJ set.

Makeover booths were ready for you to try on a brand new look with kawaii style accessories – don’t forget to snap a picture afterwards!

Program

  • 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM | Kawaii Fashion Show #1 | Kawaii fashion streetstyle
    Directed and emceed by Rin Castles
  • 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM | Kawaii Fashion Show #2 | Meet Kawaii fashion brands
    Directed and emceed by Rin Castles
    Brands (in the order of presentation):
  • 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Sebastian Masuda’s special DJ set
     

Photos Courtesy of Harajuku Day LA

Open All-Day Attractions

Time: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

• Kawaii Style Makeover
Try kawaii style accessories and take a Polaroid snap!

• DIY Station #1 ($5)
Make your own kandi bracelets / heart shaker necklace

• DIY Station #2 ($10)
Learn how to make a bow & bowtie

Photos Courtesy of Harajuku Day LA

About Sebastian Masuda

Photo by GION

Sebastian Masuda began his career in theater and contemporary art in the early 1990s. In 1995, he opened the fashion shop 6%DOKIDOKI which became a platform for artistic expression. Currently working out of both Tokyo and New York, Masuda creates works that transcend the boundaries of art, fashion, and entertainment, showcasing a consistent and unique sense of color. From 2009 to 2011, Masuda conducted the “Harajuku Kawaii Experience” world tour, spreading awareness about the history of Harajuku and kawaii culture in over 20 cities, with a focus on Europe … Read more.

and the United States. As art director for Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s 2011 “PONPONPON” music video, Masuda was pivotal in introducing kawaii culture to the world. In 2015, he created Tokyo’s Kawaii Monster Cafe, and in 2023, produced the restaurant SUSHIDELIC in New York, further contributing to the global recognition of kawaii culture.

Presented by

Harajuku Day logo

Supported by

JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles logo

Related Exhibition

Yes, KAWAII is Art -EXPRESS YOURSELF-

“Colorful Rebellion -Seventh Nightmare-” with Sebastian Masuda, Photo by Yuta Sawamura

Dates

05.02.2024 (Thu.) – 11.03.2024 (Sun.)

Hours

Mon. – Fri. | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sat. – Sun.  | 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Location

JAPAN HOUSE Gallery, Level 2

Fee

Free

Check Exhibition

Media Sponsors

LAist and Los Angeles Magazine logos


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