Okay, I admit it – I will put my hands up and say that I don’t talk a lot about gyaruo on this blog, and that’s because I don’t really know much about them. I’ve only met a handful of gyaruo/gyaruo (the male equivalent of gyaru) and, sadly, we only have one in the U.K. (my gal Amber who occasionally does it from time-to-time). So I had a lil’ chat with my friend, Wes, about his life as a gyaruo! I’m going to call this as part of my “Interview with a Gyaru(o) series!” (Catchy, right?) Let’s begin…
Hey Wes! Thank you so much for joining me. Let’s start with the basics – what’s your gyaru story? How long have you been gyaruo, and how did you first find it?
Hey Lizzie, what is my gyaru story? Well it started 8 years ago when I came across Japanese music by accident. I started to gain an interest in Japanese music and suddenly I came across a singer that was dressed gyaru. She was playing in the Jdrama “Galcir”. I was so impressed how fashionable, colourful and cool it looked. After some research I learnt what gyaru was and I was wondering if there was a guys variant of gyaru. I searched it up on the internet and I fell in love instantly! I connected with all the gyaru on social media over the world and I got inspired. Everyone was very friendly, helpful with advices and I started to made a lot of friends. After that I got in contact with some gyarusas in my own country and they invited me to my first meeting. Before I knew it I travelled the world for fashion and friends.
I remember a time where there were quite a few gyaruo in the community, but now there doesn’t seem that many at all! Why do you think this is?
I remember that time very well because there were so many gyaruo so I got all the inspiration I needed. At that time there were also much more gyaru as there are now. So many gyaruo stopped but no new gyaruo came back. Now the gyaruo style toned down and it is maybe not so interesting anymore. I do hope at the bottom of my heart that more people become interested and it starts to bloom again.
Gosh me too – it would be amazing to see more gyaruo in the community! And has it been difficult for you to find inspiration? Where do you find inspiration?
Inspiration is easy to find – you just have to know where to look. Before I used the men’s and women’s EGG magazines but now since they are gone I use Instagram and the web stores of the brands. But Instagram is by far the best. I follow a lot of models and hosts on there.
I’ve had a look at your Instagram and I saw that you love techno! Do you do parapara? What’s your favourite routine?
Partying is a big part in my life but I prefer techno the most. On every part of the world there is a party and I want to see them all! I do like parapara. I don’t know many routines but learning them is quite hard.
Ah yeah I know that feeling, as parapara can be quite challenging (although you did great at the International Gyaru Meet!). I heard you’re going back to Japan again (super jealous). What was your experience like when you first went?
I came back from my second time in Japan about 2 months ago. This time I went with my brother and I can say with all of my heart that this was the best holiday I ever had in my life. It’s difficult to tell people about my experience but what I liked the most were the people and the ambience. We talked to every person that came in our path and made a lot of friends. It was so much fun that I want to go again and then it will be my 3rd time.
What’s your favourite Instagram account?
My favourite Instagram account is from Rina Sakurai. She is the perfect gyaru in my eyes.
I love Sakurina too! She’s an absolute babe. And what do you enjoy most about gyaruo? What advice would you give to someone new to it?
Being fashionable and making friends all over the world is the best thing about being gyaruo.
My advice to someone new to gyaru or gyaruo is to start an conversation with anyone from the community. Post some pictures on gyaru pages on Facebook for advice and to show off!
I’m curious – what do you wear outside of gyaruo? Or are you an everyday gyaruo?
Since I work at an office I can’t wear flashy items. But I always try to combine my gyaruo items with my office outfit. For instance jewellery and jeans.
I do that as well, although sometimes I admit that I love just being in my hoodie (tehe). Okay, just one final question – what’s your favourite dessert?
For the last question: my favourite dessert is strawberries with chocolate.
That’s all for now! Do you have any questions for gaijin gyaruo Wes?
Love,
Lizzie xx