American vs. Japanese Fashion

Christianity

Conclusions

Japanese Pop Culture

A common fad in Japan is cosplay. Cosplay is dressing up as a specific character from anime or manga.

78.4% of people in America are affiliated with Christianity.

Christianity is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Through the belief of Jesus' death and resurrection, believers attain a forgiving relationship with God.

Christians believe that Jesus is the son of God and that there is life after death.

Who is the study for?

People in both countries look up to figures in pop culture as a model for what is "fashionable."

While American companies portray a sexual look in their advertising, Japanese companies display a more cute, "dolled up" look. The effects of this advertising can be seen in the dress of each country's citizens, respectively.

The availability of consumer goods, such as makeup, in Japan gives Japanese girls the opportunity to alter their appearance to a more American one.

Gordon Lynch's argument about the power of consumer goods, as well as the "shadow effect" for poor and displaced people is very relevant in this context.

Shinto

Object of Study

This study is for anyone who has an interest in American or Japanese fashion.

People interested in Buddhism, Shintoism, or Christianity might also find this fascinating.

Why it matters to Christians

83.9% of people in Japan are affiliated with the Shinto religion.

Shintoism was founded in 660 B.C. and remains the native religion of Japan to this day.

Shintoism has no founder or official scriptures, but it has preserved it's main beliefs and rituals through the years.

Together with Buddhism, the Shinto religion is integral to Japanese society and culture.

Examples

Transitions

At weddings, funerals, and weekly mass, women are expected to wear dresses or other modest clothing.

The Bible says "That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart."

Inventions like the mini skirt and other promiscuous clothing function to promote sexuality.

Popular culture is defined as culture based on the taste of ordinary people rather than an educated elite.

The two major Japanese religions are Shinto and Buddhism

Christianity is the leading religion in America

People use fashion in their dress and their appearance as a way to express themselves.

Japanese fashion has recently become more Westernized. Children wear a uniform 5 days a week for school. Women wear suits, skirts, and tight blouses. Adult men are seen mostly wearing suits.

Carl's Jr, Bud Light, and Victoria's Secret are just a few companies that promote this message in their commercials.

Television shows like The Real Housewives, 16 and Pregnant, and Keeping Up With The Kardashians illustrate this shift to a more scandalous society.

Monks

Connection

Christian women are not allowed to have sex outside of marriage, so they have no need for scandalous clothing.

Their faith-based abstinence carries over and becomes a part of their lifestyle, reflected in the way they dress.

Still desiring to look pretty, Christian women will use makeup and nice clothing to present a classy and attractive look.

Japanese Religions

In a Buddhist temple, monks wear robes. Monks wear robes because Buddha is said to have worn a robe made of donated cloth. Monks wear robes to show their detachment from the physical world.

Robes are also shown as a gesture of respect towards one family and culture

Japanese monks typically wear black or grey robes.

Research Question

It is common for people in Japan to identify with multiple religions.

The two leading religions in Japan are Shintoism and Buddhism

American Pop Culture

References

How is American and Japanese fashion affected by Christianity, Buddhism/Shintoism, and popular culture?

Buddhism

American pop culture increasingly portrays promiscuity as desirable.

Whether it is in commercials where the star is a scantily clad woman or a movie where the young sexy woman is coveted, the message remains the same.

To cope with this increasing societal pressure, many women adopt a "less is more" wardrobe in order to fit the description of American beauty.

Connection

"Half" - Girls

71.4% of people in Japan are affiliated with Buddhism.

The three basic teachings of Buddhism are: nothing is lost in the universe, everything is continuously changing, and karma.

Buddha emphasizes the four noble truths: suffering is common to all, we are the cause to our suffering, stop doing what causes suffering, the path to end suffering can result in enlightenment.

http://eds.b.ebscohost.com.libproxy.chapman.edu/eds/detail/detail?vid=30&sid=64bf2869-986d-476a-83ea-a251be44afb5@sessionmgr115&hid=104&bdata=JkF1dGhUeXBlPWlwLHVpZCZzaXRlPWVkcy1saXZl#db=aft&AN=505067594

http://eds.b.ebscohost.com.libproxy.chapman.edu/eds/detail/detail?vid=22&sid=64bf2869-986d-476a-83ea-a251be44afb5@sessionmgr115&hid=104&bdata=JkF1dGhUeXBlPWlwLHVpZCZzaXRlPWVkcy1saXZl#db=ufh&AN=66192264

http://eds.b.ebscohost.com.libproxy.chapman.edu/eds/detail/detail?vid=26&sid=64bf2869-986d-476a-83ea-a251be44afb5@sessionmgr115&hid=104&bdata=JkF1dGhUeXBlPWlwLHVpZCZzaXRlPWVkcy1saXZl#db=ofm&AN=73928622

Through the study of Japanese fashion, there are robes and coats being worn by women outside of the temple.

These robes are sometimes simple and elegant, but can also be colorful and extravagant.

With the increased presentation of cute "half" girls in the media, Japanese girls are using makeup to look more American.

With this desire to look more like the celebrities they see in the media affecting their identity, the power of pop culture is on full display.

Conclusions

While American pop culture is becoming more promiscuous, Christianity's tenant of no sex outside of marriage encourages Christian women to dress modestly.

Rather than demanding regular attendance at a shrine, the Shinto religion places more emphasis on the idea of being a community and acting as a role model within one's social group. Not wanting to disappoint, Shinto women will often wear conservative garbs that cover their bodies.

The tradition of wearing robes in the Buddhist faith has led to their followers wearing coats, kimonos, and other full length garments in everyday life.

It is evident that in these cultures, religion is much more than something you preach on a Sunday, it is a way of life.

References

Hypothesis

We expect to find many differences between American and Japanese fashion due to religious and cultural beliefs and traditions. We are curious to see if there are any parallels between Japanese and American fashion. We are eager to explore how fashion and beauty may be subjective for each country.

Understanding theology and popular culture (Gordon Lynch)

Brittney Souza's Prezi "Japanese Buddhism and Shinto"

Religionfacts.com

Tofugu.com

Defense of Study

By analyzing American and Japanese fashion, insights to a cultural divide or parallel could become apparent.

At the very least, we hope that people interested in fashion, faith, and culture will find this intriguing.

American vs. Japanese Fashion