Last month, I was in Tokyo for a few TV jobs — which gave me a chance to report on Japanese Gothic parties and boutiques. The scene’s as vibrant and elegant as ever.
I was filmed for an episode of NHK Kawaii TV. The 30 min segment is about La Carmina’s world: the spooky places and people that inspire me.
I took the TV crew to Abilletage, a recently-opened Gothic vintage and handmade corset shop in Shinjuku. The NHK cameraman filmed me meeting my spooky friends, exploring the boutique and getting fitted into a corset by designer Bambi.
Abilletage is lushly decorated with thick red curtains, chandeliers and antiques. There’s also a coffee and tea section, popular with Tokyo’s Gothic ladies and gentlemen. (Order the ice chai, you won’t regret it.)
If you’re in Shinjuku, you must stop by the boutique. Address and more photos are on La Carmina blog.
After, I took NHK Kawaii TV to Baby Doll in Harajuku. I was keen to feature this Goth Fetish boutique in the program, since it’s been independently run for over 10 years. Baby Doll’s original clothing includes form-fitting outfits worn by Lady Gaga. You can pick up everything from tutus to play-torture equipment here.
Support indie stores! A Harajuku shopping trip should include Babydoll, located here. For more Gothic Lolita Punk store recommendations, check out my Tokyo shopping guide and map.
Finally, the TV crew filmed me partying all night at Midnight Mess, the longest-running Goth/Industrial/EBM event in Tokyo. The absinthe poured freely…
On stage with Yukiro, Maya and Selia. The all-night party featured Baroque Opera singing and an S&M bondage show. The Kawaii TV episode will air in January, and I’ll put up clips so you can see the Japan Goth party in action.
Where else to go for Gothic /alternative partying? Torture Garden Japan, which happens about once a year. There’s always a fashionable turnout, and tons of kink performances.
There’s also Walpurgis Night at Shinjuku Jam. The regular Goth event features live bands and music.
I love the 80s Gothic and synth tunes that Taizo spins. Lots of Siouxsie makeup to be found here.
And there’s always Decadance Bar, open almost every night and located above Christon Cafe Shinjuku. Drag queens and cyber kids congregate here to drink absinthe and dance.
For full addresses, reports and maps, please view my Tokyo alternative club guide.
What to wear on a night out in Tokyo? Believe it or not, Lip Service is popular here too! I wore a LS sailor costume during the filming of a Fuel/Discovery/National Geographic TV show.
Only a few days until Halloween… got a costume and party plans yet? I’ve got epic ones: flying to Mazatlan, Mexico for Halloween and Day of the Dead, courtesy of the tourism board. I’m hosting and arranging a travel video for them, about the Gothic/spooky/art/culture of Mazatlan! (More info about my evil plans here.)
That means in the next column, you can look forward to firsthand Dia de los Muertos coverage. Now, off to catch my flight!
XXX LA CARMINA XXX