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temozarela · 3 months

Text

-> schoolgirl

GETO SUGURU CHARACTER STUDY murder, angst, established relationship, implied geto suguru/ gojo satoru, use of oc, spiralling thoughts, heavy gore

geto started killing long before he was found out

WORD COUNT: 4.6k

ao3 version

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It has been ten years since the massacre of 112 innocent people, of which was instantaneous with Suguru’s deflection. It has been six hours since he returned, hair outgrown and body drowning in robes fit for a monk. Satoru is sitting on the windowsill of an empty classroom, legs stretched out in front of him. His blindfolded eyes are focused on the sun setting behind the mountains, the crystalline sky blushing more with each inch the sun lowers. After a few troubled moments, a gloomy purple haze begins to taint the horizon, spreading upwards like ink in water. His fingers tap against the wooden beams anxiously as darkness rolls in. Somewhere, Suguru is watching the exact same sunset. Somewhere. It never bothered him before, but now he can’t stop thinking about it. Satoru hadn’t spoken to him for years and now it won’t leave his mind. That face he had almost forgotten, now fresh in his mind, each detail as sharp as a needle. Somewhere, somewhere, he hopes that at least Suguru will spare him a thought.

The massacre had come as an icy shock to Satoru, causing his childhood to shatter into a million pieces, breaking it beyond repair. Things had been different after that. The corridors were emptier, lessons were quieter. Silent, in fact. They were out of sync with each other. Once, everything had played out in a perfected routine, but it wasn’t the same anymore.

Nowadays, the same question comes to his mind again and again.

If things had been different, would Suguru do it all again?

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The streets of Shinjuku bustled with the humble beginnings of nightlife. Suguru wandered down the paths aimlessly, shivering as the autumn frost started to sink through his pores and into his bones. In his distracted state, he’d forgotten to wear a jacket, instead he was wearing a white t-shirt and baggy black trousers. It was better than nothing. The breeze felt like a slap on the face as it carded through his hair like gentle talons. Despite the weather, Shinjuku was never really cold, the constant flow of people as well as the radiating heat of shops made it bearable. It was still uncomfortable though, so he ambled into a café. It was quiet compared to the outside, there were only a handful of people there, idly sipping coffee and reading. Soft jazz played through the speakers, filling what would’ve otherwise been an awkward silence. A few people turned to look at him as he hovered in the doorway. Their gazes lingered for a while before they returned to their drinks. Suguru wasn’t dumb, he knew what he looked like. His hair was a mess from the wind and general lack of care. He knew it needed oiling and he knew he had split ends. He also knew that his roots were greasy, and it was causing the hair that framed his face to lay flat and curl pitifully. The t-shirt he wore drowned him since he had lost weight. It showed on his face too through his sunken cheeks. His under-eyelids had become purple from countless sleepless nights spent on the streets of Tokyo. Suguru reached into his pocket for his pocketknife, relishing in the small comfort it brought him. Logically speaking, he could cause far more damage alone than anyone else with a pocketknife could, but for that reason it supplied him some sort of solace. It felt more animalistic to wield a knife, more human . Recently, he avoided his cursed technique when he could due to the creeping fear that to others, it was all he was worth. From across the room he spotted a girl, presumably around his age. She was tucked into the corner of the room, a glass of what he assumed was iced tea in front of her as she slowly flicked through a book, a bag resting against her thigh. With nothing better to do, Suguru ordered himself chamomile tea before approaching her.

Incredulously, she looked up at him as he sat next to her. “Yo.” Suguru drawled, setting his cup down in front of him. The girl frowned.

“Hey.” She muttered, glancing down at her book before her dark eyes returned to him.

“Don’t let me stop you from reading.” He added smoothly, taking a sip of his tea.

She nodded, adjusting herself as she propped the book up in her lap.

“What are you reading?” Suguru asked wittingly.

She looked up at him, dubiously. “ Schoolgirl .” The girl replied.

“ Osamu Dazai .” Suguru murmured, sagely. “‘You enjoy his works?” He pushed.

The girl looked thoughtful. “As much as I enjoy picking dirt from my fingernails.”

“It’s complicated?”

She hummed affirmingly.

“You?”

Suguru looked at her with scrutiny. “He complains about the wrong stuff.” He muttered after a heartbeat.

Silence settled over them again as she returned to her book. Swirling the steaming cup in his hands gently, Suguru observed her. His eyes settled on her wild, raven curls and her pale olive skin. The girl’s lips were bitten, and she had acne on her forehead which was poorly hidden behind her thick fringe. She wasn’t anything unusual. What was unusual, however, was the sickening pit of dread and disgust in Suguru’s gut.

“You haven’t touched your drink since I arrived.”

The girl looked up at him again, her stare bordering on irritable.

“Is that why you didn’t order a hot drink?”

She pulled an expression of dumbfounded weariness. “Excuse me?”

He smiled at her, sickeningly sweet. “You forget to drink quickly, so when you order hot drinks, they end up going cold.” He said, his voice measured.

“I don’t like hot drinks.” She replied, tediously.

“You like tea.” Suguru lightly offered, gesturing towards the glass in front of her.

The girl shrugged, “I only like it cold.”

“Is that so?” Suguru hummed, sitting back.

Moments ticked by as the girl read, Suguru drinking next to her, slowly savouring the bitterness of the tea. It must’ve been half an hour before he turned to her once more.

“Want to get some fresh air?” He asked, mustering a gentle smile.

“I’d hardly call the city air fresh.” The girl looked at him carefully, “Plus, I don’t know you.” She added.

“Please forgive me, I’m Geto Suguru.” He introduced himself pleasantly. Hesitantly, she looked around herself before swallowing, agreeing with a subtle nod of her head.

“Ok.”

They stood, the girl abandoning her full glass and picking up her shoulder bag as she followed Suguru out of the door. Once they were outside, he turned to her. “What’s your name?”

She raised an eyebrow.

“I told you mine.” He prodded.

She clutched her book to her chest. “Amano Yuuka.”

“Heaven.”

“Huh?” Yuuka shot him a strange look. Suguru smiled politely.

“Yuuka. ” He repeated patiently, “You use the kanji for heaven, don’t you?”

Yuuka nodded, slowly. “How did you know?” She asked, her voice laced with curiosity.

Suguru looked thoughtful. “I could tell.”

“Oh… Ok.” She frowned. “What kanji do you use?”

“Guess.”

Yuuka paused, looking perplexed. “Vitality?” She guessed, watching Suguru expectantly.

His smile thinned. “Wrong.”

“Huh? What is it then?” she implored, looking a little downtrodden.

“Excellence.” Suguru said, eyes narrowed.

Yuuka frowned, posture stiffening marginally. “Oh.”

“Can I show you something, Amano?” Suguru asked. Yuuka cocked her head, eyebrows furrowed.

“What is it?” She pouted, brushing a few stray curls from her face.

“A little place.” He mused, “Just beyond the high streets.”

Visibly, a shiver ran down Yuuka’s spine as she glanced in the direction Suguru was referring to, the cold obviously hitting her. “What’s there?” She insisted.

Suguru hummed, his hand resting against his chin as if deep in thought. “There’s a pretty view of Mount Fuji. A lot of stray cats live around there too.”

“Oh.” Yuuka mumbled, her eyes widening with wholesome curiosity. “Cats...”

“You like cats.” Suguru commented, his eyes glistening with intensity as he looked at her.

She nodded, smiling softly, “I do.”

He gestured for Yuuka to follow him as he turned away, pushing through the crowds on the high street. As soon as his face was out of her view, his smile dropped almost instantly. Suguru shoved his hands in his pockets, subtly feeling for the cold metal of his pocketknife. He didn’t check to see if Yuuka was actually following him, he had a hunch she would be though. Truthfully, the spot that had instantly come to mind was where he and Satoru used to go in the summer. Suguru had a feeling that it would hurt somewhat to see the trees withered and bare this time round. It was a clearing at the very edge of the city, usually covered in long, green grass and small, milky daisies that swayed in the soft breeze. Suguru didn’t lie about the cats. He and Satoru bumped into a small group of them on their last visit before Satoru had scared them away with… well, being him. They had stayed there for hours the previous summer, watching the sunset hand-in-hand, strawberry popsicles melting in their grasp. It was undeniably a precious place to Suguru. He didn’t know why he was taking Yuuka there.

When it got quieter, he cast a glance behind him.

“Tell me about yourself, Amano.” He raised his voice to ask Yuuka, who was still tailing him. He heard an alert ‘huh?’ from behind him as Yuuka realised he was addressing her.

“I like music.” She replied.

Suguru rolled his eyes. How generic.

“What music?”

“Uhhhhh…” Yuuka mumbled something under her breath, “I like David Bowie and Fleetwood Mac .” She told him. Could be worse.

“Western music.” Suguru stated.

Yuuka hummed, “Yep. What about you?”

Suguru thinned his lips.

“I don’t really listen to music anymore.”

“Oh.” Yuuka’s tone indicated that she must have cocked her head, “What did you used to listen to?”

Suguru’s hands clenched in his pockets, his shoulders tensed. “If we’re speaking Western artists… Joy Division .”

“Oh!” Yuuka brightened up, evident from her voice which had become too loud, “I like them!”

Discomfort and a deep sickness swirled in Suguru’s stomach. No you don’t, not like I did.

In that moment, the voice at the back of his head was loud and clear.

I don’t want to be associated with you.

Soon, the streets almost completely cleared and the light footsteps behind him sped up as Yuuka joined him. The familiar dread and disgust weighed down heavier inside of him. “Are we close?” She asked, still clutching her book to her chest.

Suguru nodded, “Not too far now.”

His answer seemed to satisfy her as she walked beside him quietly, matching his pace despite being barely less than a foot shorter than him. After a while, the shops thinned out. Suguru didn’t lie about the cats, but he did lie about Mount Fuji, and he wasn’t entirely sure why. Sure, it was visible from some areas of Shinjuku, but mostly high-rise buildings and skyscrapers. From his spot, the city skyline littered the view, but the sunset disappearing behind the buildings wasn’t any less beautiful.

Soon, their surroundings became greener and it wasn’t long until he located his spot. It was odd, seeing it at this time of year. It added to the perpetual voice at the back of his brain which told him ‘ something’s wrong’ . Yuuka jogged up to him, carelessly throwing her bag down before spinning around to look back at the city.

“Oh.” She gasped, shivering slightly. “It’s so pretty.”

Suguru nodded, “It’s a shame Mount Fuji isn’t visible at this time of night, I didn’t realise.” He muttered, lying through his teeth.

“That’s ok.” Yuuka grinned, “Thank you for showing me this place, Geto.”

“No problem.” He drawled, watching her warily. “You should see it in the summer.” Why did I say that?

She visibly perked up, “Is it much better in the summer?”

“Yes.” He replied through gritted teeth, “It’s prettier than you could imagine.”

For a while, they stood in silence, watching the twinkling lights of the city. Restlessly, Suguru ran his finger up and down his pocketknife, feeling each ridge and screw. It was only a 3 inch blade, nothing extravagant, but with the average human only having a flesh thickness of around 0.28 inches, he knew it was far from useless. Had it been a year ago, he probably would’ve thought Yuuka was rather attractive. As in this light, he began to notice the hollowness of her eyes, revealing a similar lingering fatigue that Suguru had felt for a while. It was a sinister beauty. In a way which made Suguru’s gut twist unpleasantly, she reminded him somewhat of himself. Currently, she was staring at the view, feet rooted to the ground, and that book still pressed to her chest. If he hadn’t said anything, the moment probably would’ve lasted for hours. Suguru couldn’t shake the disgust he felt, it was all too familiar. It had happened before though. Again and again. The same stench of artificial perfumes and chemical products. Every time it ended the same. How many times? Three ? Four ? Suguru’s hands clenched in his pockets, it felt like the most unpleasant and gruelling deja vu he’d ever experienced. He started when he realised Yuuka had moved from her previous spot, now pacing around the clearing, a pensive frown on her face.

“What is it?” He asked, sharply.

Yuuka looked up from where she had been peering into a bush, knelt. “I’m looking for the cats.”

Suguru scorned her, silently. “It’s late, they’re probably not here.” He sighed.

She hummed in acknowledgment, sounding a little disappointed. “Oh, worth a look I guess.”

It really wasn’t. His mouth twitched. “Sure.”

“What school do you go to?” Yuuka asked, looking up at him with wide eyes.

Suguru raised an eyebrow as she watched him, expectantly.

“A Buddhist private school in the mountains.”

“Oh.” Yuuka cocked her head, “I didn’t even know there was one in Tokyo.”

He hummed. “Now you do.”

“I guess so.” She nodded absentmindedly.

Suguru’s eyes narrowed, critically. “What are your parents like?” Yuuka stilled.

“They’re ok.” She mumbled.

“Ok?” He sneered.

“Mhm.”

“You should be more grateful, they raised you after all.” Suguru said coolly, malice lacing his tone.

Yuuka shuffled, looking uncomfortable.

“I guess you’re right.”

“I am.” He replied, bluntly.

She nodded again, staring at the ground.

“You should keep eye contact when you talk to someone, it’s disrespectful if you don’t.” He chided. Yuuka stood, visibly bewildered. She stepped back slowly, her back to the glowing horizon. “What’s your problem?” Her voice harshened.

Suguru’s lip curled, “Nothing.”

“Nothing.” Yuuka parroted, skeptically.

“I’m just tired,” he shrugged, “that’s all.”

Yuuka looked unsure, her book creasing as her grasp on it tightened, “Oh.”

With Yuuka’s useless awkwardness, Suguru became increasingly impatient. He looked around himself, observing the startling emptiness of the area. There was nothing unexpected. The trees rocked and groaned in the wind, the last leaves- the colour of dried blood- fluttered to the ground, and the grass looked anaemic- lacking the richness it always had when Satoru was there. His hands had become clad with cold sweat as the outline of the pocketknife imprinted onto his palm, his fingers blotchy and white where he was exerting the most pressure on the handle. The fake smile he’d been baring was long lost, replaced with a conflicted grimace before a sneer took its place. He couldn’t help it. They’re disgusting. They all are.

The breeze picked up, whipping his skin with a prominent iciness. “I think I’ll head off…” The girl, Yuuka’s nervous voice interrupted his musings.

He tried to smile, but he was under the impression that it was more threatening than comforting, “Are you, now?”

Yuuka nodded, turning around, “Thank you for showing me this, Geto.”

“You’re welcome, Amano.” Her name felt like venom on his tongue as he spat it, his weak façade crumbling.

In a flash, he removed his hands from his pockets, the pocketknife in his grasp. The moonlight reflected off the blade as he snapped it open, the metal dotted with coppery splatters from previous use. Yuuka seemed to hesitate as she looked across the clearing.

She’s probably lost. A lone girl will never make it through Shinjuku without interference. She probably won’t let me walk her home, anyway.

Yuuka turned back to look at Suguru helplessly.

A rapid heartbeat was all it took for her eyes to flicker down to the blade in Suguru’s hand, and back to his poisonous glare. She stumbled backwards. It was unclear who moved first. In her terror, Yuuka dropped her book before running. Stupid, stupid. A split second later, Suguru was on her heels. Stupid fucking monkey. One slash- to her shoulder. Yuuka cried out, her hand instantly moving to grasp at her wound. Blood gushed through the cracks between her fingers, running through the crevices of her cuticles and knuckles like a waterfall. It looks black in the moonlight. Impatiently, Suguru slapped her hand from her shoulder, replacing it with his own, cruel grip. Ignoring her sobs, he forced her around. She trembled, tearfully staring up at him with trepidation, eyes puffy and red. Suguru’s lip twitched as he studied the dripping blade. “Please.” Yuuka whispered.

Suguru’s attention returned to her as he studied her pitiful expression. “What are you begging for, Amano?” He asked, voice inappropriately soft.

She swallowed, tears tumbling down her flushed cheeks, “…My life.”

“Why do you want to live, Amano?”

“I…” Yuuka sobbed, “I don’t-”

“Right! You don’t know.” Suguru laughed, humourlessly. She squirmed in his hold, choking on her cries of pain.

“Answer me this, Amano.” Suguru continued, “Should someone be allowed to live if their presence is ruining the lives of others?”

Yuuka shook her head, “I- I don’t know!”

“Answer it.” He snapped, raising the blade. “Should someone be allowed to live if their presence is ruining the lives of others?” He repeated, agonisingly.

“No- no?”

“No?” Suguru mimicked, “They shouldn’t?”

A sobbing mess, Yuuka could only shiver weakly as he taunted her.

“What about you?” Suguru pushed.

“M- me?”

“Your negativity, the burden you cause others… Who do you think has been cleaning up the mess you’ve been making.” Suguru raised an eyebrow, “Hm? You don’t know?” Yuuka shook her head, her bottom lip trembling. “Of course you don’t, you’re ungrateful.”

“Ok, I am! Just let me go!” She wailed, struggling against his hold. However, he ignored her, instead digging his fingers deeper into her wound, earning a shrill scream.

“I’ll give it to you, Amano.” Suguru droned on, glaring into her terrified eyes. “You’re not the only one. In fact, it’s all of you. Filthy, filthy, monkeys. You should worship me, you know? Do you realise how much we do for you? No, you don’t, that’s the issue. And despite that, you still treat us like shit. So fucking ungrateful.”

“I- I d- don’t know what you’re talking about!” She sobbed, fingernails weakly scratching Suguru’s arm, leaving fresh, pink lines on his tanned skin.

“Of course you don’t, you take everything for granted, Amano.” Suguru jeered, his grip tightening. “Oh, but Amano… this wouldn’t be happening if you didn’t. If you behaved like a useful monkey would, you wouldn’t be here.” The pocketknife in Suguru’s hand plunged into Yuuka’s stomach. Her howls echoed throughout the clearing as she doubled over, arms wrapped around her midsection. Relentlessly, he kicked her down, leaving her gasping through choked tears on her back. He could see it then, clearly. Blood erupted and bubbled as the fluid seeped into her clothing, each white fibre plunged into hot, sticky gore, turning it deep crimson. She yelped hoarsely as he kneeled, his muscular thighs bracketing her hips as he gripped the knife with both hands and forced it into her chest. Expertly, he dragged it downwards, watching Yuuka descend further into pain-consumed hysteria with each new inch torn into her organs. Suguru hissed as a particularly strong spurt of blood splattered onto his face as the knife hit what he assumed was her large intestine. The silence was almost deafening as Yuuka passed out, the drenched knife still sticking out from her lower stomach. Only the ambience of cicadas sounded out, alongside the rustling of the trees waving in the wind.

If Suguru listened carefully, he was still able to hear her agonised cries bawling ringing out. Yuuka��s blood and guts had stained the precious grass of his holy land. He couldn’t forgive her for that. Carelessly, he pulled the pocketknife from her flesh, and finished her off with a direct stab to her heart. Warily, he stood and shuffled back, glaring at the puddle of guts which imminently spread towards his shoes. Delicately, he wiped the knife on his dirtied t-shirt. He never bothered to dispose of the bodies. They could have his DNA for all he cared, he could kill them all in a heartbeat anyway. However, he usually took care to decapitate them. He wasn’t entirely sure why. Suguru crouched by Yuuka’s head, bringing the knife to her neck before sawing through her flesh and tendons. The bone was always the trickiest part, and his pocketknife was usually a poor match. Instead he pressed a hand to Yuuka’s drenched collar bone, and another to her chin, and with a nauseating crack , snapped her neck with a twisting and pulling motion. Once the job was done, he tucked the pocketknife back in his trousers before peeling his shirt off. Suguru knew it wasn't normal to walk around nighttime Shinjuku shirtless in early September-time, albeit it was more acceptable than walking around covered in the guts of a girl he only knew for around 2 hours- so he decided to embrace the former option. He’d rather avoid causing more fuss. Suguru was somewhat grateful that Yuuka had at least left him a bag, which he could use to discreetly carry her head. He grasped her hair, matted with blood, lifting it to eye-level. Her eyes were hazy and half-lidded, splatters of darkened blood dripping from where it had struck against her eyeballs. Her mouth was lax, peeling lips parted in a silent scream. Mud and blood caked the side of her face. Suguru grimaced, tucking it carefully into Yuuka’s leather shoulderbag.

The shirt ended up in a random litter bin after Suguru had used it as a wash rag. The walk home was haunting. His skin crawled and he told himself it was because of the overcrowded streets of Shinjuku. He’d meet up with Satoru later, maybe he’d mention that he visited their little stop too. He released a hefty sigh when he reached the mountains. The trek always filled Suguru with indescribable relief, the air always felt so much fresher, the ground untouched by monkeys , and impossibly closer to Satoru. When he arrived back at the school, his first order of business was dealing with Yuuka. Or at least, what he had of Yuuka.

Notably, the air was icier than before.

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Flames licked at the piles of wood, puffs of grey smoke drifting into the air. Suguru was sitting a safe distance away, dressed in a fresh hoodie.

“Yo! Suguuuurruuuuu!” Two large hands squeezed Suguru’s shoulders. “Guess who.”

Suguru laughed, “I couldn’t possibly.” He smiled, looking up to see Satoru’s grinning face surrounded by a halo of white hair.

“Where were you?” Satoru whined, sitting down next to him, “I couldn’t find you anywhere! I tried to phone you too but you left your phone behind.”

“I must have forgotten it…” Suguru shrugged, feigning surprise.

“Hang on…”

“Hm?” Satoru blinked at him, obliviously.

Suguru narrowed his eyes as the dots connected, “What were you doing in my room?”

Satoru grinned weakly, “Nothin’!”

For a moment, Suguru studied him carefully before shrugging, sighing fondly, “Honestly…”

They watched the fire for a while, leaning into each other’s sides. The fire was impressive, tall and blaring. Satoru cocked his head, looking pensive.

“What is it, Satoru?” Suguru nudged him, gently.

“I think…” Satoru muttered, “…there’s something in the fire.”

Suguru’s lip twitched, “Oh?”

“Yeah, look!” Satoru pointed at a spherical silhouette engulfed in the flames. “I wonder if an animal had been hiding in the wood…” He frowned.

Suguru stared at him for a moment.

“It’s the fire starter.”

“Huh? Really?”

“Yeah, I put it in there to help the flames out.” He said, shortly.

“Oh.”

Suguru hummed, his leg bouncing.

“It smells.” Satoru grimaced, “Almost like…”

“We should go inside.” Suguru interrupted.

“Huh?” Satoru wrinkled his nose. “Why?”

“It’s getting late.” Came his matter-of-fact reply, a bluff of course.

Nodding, Satoru frowned, “I guess so.”

They both stood, and Suguru spared the fire a final glance. As they wandered indoors, Suguru turned to Satoru.

“If a stranger introduced themselves to you as Yuuka, what kanji would you assume they used?”

Satoru stopped to look at him. Suguru raised an eyebrow.

“You’ve been asking a lot of these questions recently.” Satoru said, inquisitively. Suguru shrugged.

“Just answer the question.”

After a moment, Satoru clicked his fingers as if a genius idea had come to him, “Fragrance and beauty!”

“Really?”

“Mhm! What about you?”

“Probably heaven.” Suguru glanced at Satoru.

“Heaven, hm?” Satoru pondered.

“Yeah, ‘just seems right.”

Silence settled over them briefly as Satoru appeared deep in thought. Then, he turned to Suguru.

“You’re so decisive, Suguru.” he grinned.

Suguru laughed, charmingly, “I am?”

“Yeah! It’s why I love you.” Satoru chirped.

“That’s why?” Suguru teased.

“Ha!” Satoru chuckled, “Beggars can’t be choosers, Suguru.”

He scoffed, “Beggar?”

“Mhm, beggar.”

Their banter bounced back and forth easily as they walked, hips bumping. When they reached Satoru’s room, the television was on, but Suguru hardly paid attention to the news anchor rambling about car crashes and politics. See, Satoru and Suguru had a routine, and it felt like muscle memory to him as he climbed onto the right of Satoru’s bed, kicking his legs out in front of him. Satoru joined him on the left, resting his head on Suguru’s shoulder. The news anchor continued talking, her monotonous voice jarring him.

“ …Two dead bodies were found in Shinjuku, both beheaded. This is believed to be the work of one person…”

Only two?

Satoru yawned, curling up into Suguru’s side. “Would you kill for me, Suguru?” He mumbled, poking his arm.

Suguru made a disapproving sound at the back of his throat as he swatted Satoru’s arm away, “I shouldn’t be murdering anyone, Satoru.”

I already did.

He could tell that Satoru was rolling his eyes.

“Boring .”

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Suguru stares at the sunset from his balcony. The meeting with Satoru was messy. If he hates me this much because of the village, imagine what he’d think about the others before. A shiver prickled down his spine. They did end up finding the other bodies, but they never connected it to him. Satoru never did either. Suguru had been tempted to tell him, but he couldn’t find a reason to. Life now is pleasant. It’s all Suguru has ever wanted for himself. He has daughters who love him, crowds of monkeys who worship him for the work he does, a family who notice him, and employers who respect his personal boundaries. The girls don’t know about the murders either, and Suguru is reluctant to tell them.

Often recently, he’s taken back to one girl, 11 years ago. She must have been a similar age to the age Mimiko and Nanako are now. Thinking about it, she looked similar to Mimiko. Round, deep eyes and dark, dark hair. It threw him off when the girls had found his copy of Schoolgirl. Initially, he had wanted to take it off them and burn it, but something had stopped him. A self control that he’s never had before. Suguru has never forgotten the faces of those he killed, but he’s never felt bad about it either.

If Amano stood in front of me in any timeline, I’d probably do it again.

That’s what he tells himself.

#satosugu #jjk geto #gojo satoru #jujutsu kaisen #jjk gojo #geto suguru #angst #philosophy #horror #thriller #own character #jujutsu gojo #jujutsu geto #cw: gore

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beantothemax · 3 months

Note

MORE KUROKAMI INBOX FIC: THIS TIME WITH THE RETURN TO CANON SMT IV!! This contains slight spoilers, But its mostly after what i consider to be the "First act" of the game, that being post-Minotaur.

Anyways, lets begin~

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Shinjuku. A place known for its nightlife, lies in disarray. This isn’t new for the citizens of Tokyo. And hasn’t been for years.

A girl sits on a rooftop. She is dressed in a brown school uniform of unknown origin, her dark hair flowing freely in the cold wind of Tokyo.

She looks out of place here, too clean for the crushed buildings and unkempt streets. But she doesn’t care. She never really cared at all. In the dreadfully short time between then and now, many things have changed.

Her head tilts up from her reverie, looking at a new person who entered the torn fence.

She walks smoothly, gliding across the broken asphalt like water on tile. She is dressed in a different school uniform, one with a white-gray plaid pattern on a black skirt. Her white hair flows down her back in a loose braid.

She, too is an outlier in this land. A pristine black and white, plucked straight out of an old movie. She contrasts the other girl as she jumps down, amber eyes meeting black.

“That’s a new look, I almost didn’t recognize you!” The brown haired girl said. She has a chipper sort of voice, one that wouldn’t seem out of place in a cheerleading squad.

“Thought I would match you, maybe even bring a souvenir back. So to speak.” The braided girl smiled back, a genuine one, like greeting an old friend. Her voice is more somber, deep and smooth like the depths of the ocean.

“Oh I see now! That uniform…”

“Yes, it is that one. Thought you would like it. Sadly, I don’t think I could recreate it wholesale.”

The white haired one put on a pensive face for a moment, then looked at the curious demons watching their exchange.

“Let’s go somewhere else. I don’t think I want anyone overhearing us, Hikaru.”

“Alright, suit yourself. What do you think about up there?” Hikaru pointed to the top of the building next to them, neglecting to mention that it was where she previously was sitting.

“It’s perfect,” the other girl chirped, “I bet we could see a lot from there.”

“Well, come on then!” Hikaru flashed a smile at her, before bounding up stacked rubble.

———

Two girls sat upon the rooftop, looking out into city streets.

Hikaru tapped her nails on the concrete, while the other girl hummed a somber tune.

“You know… you never did tell me where you went, Vidé.” Hikaru smiled mischievously.

Vidé matched the smirk with her own devilish grin. “I went to a lot of places. Traveled both above and below ground. Say, did you know that Minotaur is not as good at blocking the exit as Aquila thought he was?”

Hikaru laughed. “I’ll say! I have to ask though, how did you get past it?”

“Trade secrets, I’m afraid.”

She frowned, “You’re no fun.”

“Oh come now, we both know that I’m plenty fun! I let you eavesdrop on me while I traveled. That’s fun enough, right?”

“I suppose…”

“Enough about that, I have something for you.”

Hikaru leaned into Vidé’s space, trying to spy what she was rummaging for in her pockets. Vidé shifted, trying to keep the other girl from looking too hard, but it quickly became a small game of keep away. Culminating in turning her back on the brunette before finally pulling the thing out of her pocket.

It was a white worm, no larger than her hand. Affixed to its head was a flat helmet, with a set of two squared horns jutting out from it. It was hanging limply from her hand in a loose grip.

“I believe this is yours.” Vidé said, turning around.

Hikari’s eyes widened, looking shocked as she looked at the Magatama in her friends hand. “Now why would you do that? I gave that to you as a token of our friendship!”

“Please. it was either this, or I toss it into Tokyo for some unlucky soul to find. We can be friends without the surveillance.”

Hikaru pouted again. “Really? I’m shocked you would even say I was doing that kind of thing.”

“Hikaru.”

“But Vidé… you’re interesting…”

“And you can learn about me like a normal person. Like asking questions, and me answering them.”

“You are so not fun.”

“So I’ve graduated then? Do I get a diploma?” She smirked.

“You know what I mean.”

“Will you take the worm or not?”

“Fine…”

Hikaru took the Magatama from Vidé and rather inelegantly stuck it into her bag.

“So did you come by just to drop this off? Or did you want to stay?” Hikaru asked.

“Bit of a toss up, really. I met the most fascinating pair last time I came here, and I want to see them again. Maybe I’ll play another song for them.”

“Oh? You played music for them? Can I hear it?”

Vidé laughed. “Sure. I think you would like it too.”

She sat down on a nearby piece of rubble, pulling an acoustic guitar out of nowhere. The instrument looked well-worn, with small dents and scratches littering the greyed wood.

She played a note, before humming the key. Hikaru sat down on the ground, eagerly awaiting the performance.

The citizens of the Shinjuku underground heard the intercoms turn on for the first time in decades. Broken machinery rekindled for a single performance. Many would clutch the words to their hearts, remembering the lyrics and attempting to sing them for themselves for days to come.

Let's go in the garden, you'll find something waiting, Right there where you left it, lying upside down. When you finally find it, you'll see how it's faded, The underside is lighter when you turn it around.

Everything stays right where you left it. Everything stays, but it still changes. Ever so slightly, daily and nightly. In little ways, when everything stays.

Hikaru smiled, letting the melody wash over her. Music was such a human thing to do. Same with art and cooking. Time wasters. Humanity was always such an interesting thing to see flourish in the cracks of a world, and even more fun to puppet.

Perhaps everything does stay the same, but it still changes.

Go down to the ocean, the crystal tide is raising. Waters’ gotten higher as the shore washes out, Keep your eyes wide open, even when the sun is blazin’ The Moon controls the tide, it could cause you to drown.

Everything stays right where you left it. Everything stays, but it still changes. Ever so slightly, daily and nightly. In little ways, when everything stays.

Hikaru clapped, as is customary. She smiled wildly, showing her unnaturally long canines.

“That was beautiful!” She chirped.

“Thank you. That’s what they said too. I doubt they would understand the intricacies of it as ones such as us though.” Vidé smiled.

Hikaru laughed, rocking back and forth on the ground.

They smiled at each other for a bit, before Hikaru picked herself up and sat next to Vidé on a piece of rubble. They stayed like that for a while. Gazing out at the streets and skyscrapers, listening to the distant chittering of Demons. It was interesting down here. Chaotic and strange, but Vidé thought it was a good type of strange. The kind of strange that settled into an alien normalcy. Humans… such interesting things. All with their own melodies to sing, with stories engraved upon their hearts, carving out niches for themselves.

“Say, Vidé.” Hikaru said, breaking her out of her reverie. “Do you want to do a favor for me?”

She knew exactly where this was going.

“No, I’m sorry. But I don’t think I want that kind of commitment.”

Hikaru tilted her head, wearing a pensive expression. “Why not? You seem like you would enjoy the kind of things that I do.”

A moment of silence.

“Don’t tell me you’re with Him.” she spat.

Vidé laughed. “Please. I couldn’t possibly side with Him. He's far too similar to what I was before.”

Hikaru raised an eyebrow, curiosity coloring her eyes. “And what would that be?”

“Not your business, that’s for sure.”

“Come on! You and Lilith would get along great!”

“It’s a generous offer, but I prefer to go my own way.”

Hikaru rolled her eyes, “Fine. Be that way. I’ll ask again if you’re up to it.”

“I gathered as much.”

Vidé stood up, and stretched her arms up and around. “It’s about time I got going. I’m sure if I dawdle any longer, those two I want to visit will be dead and gone.”

“You’re leaving so soon?”

“We’ll have plenty of time to catch up when next we meet, Lucifer.”

She laughed at the casual use of her Name. Even after Vidé jumped off of the building they were sitting on.

Hikaru smiled.

“Likewise, Kurokami.” -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- So! Context and fun fact time! Kuze is wearing a monochrome black-and-white Shujin uniform, all perfectly to the letter neat. This is a callback to the time that they passingly met in the P5 universe, which Kurokami went to while passing through SMT IV Land It is Highly implied that SMT uses a multiverse system, and by highly i mean basically canon, so its not too far-fetched that the Lucifer Persona is tangentially connected to Lucifer SMT.

The area that Hikaru and Kuma are meeting is the area in front of the south entrance to the Shinjuku settlement.

Kuma is using Vide as a fake Name because she is Very Much A Fey and as a personal middle finger to the final boss of octopath 2, which she visited before this. (Its literally Void in french, how could i pass that up???) Lucifer knows Kurokami, but doesnt know the other Aspects' Names. Anyways yeah thats it bean have fun dont die

kurokami fic!!!!!!! hooray!!!!!!!!!!!!! love how hikaru lucifer and vidé kuma are just chilling on a rooftop as demons are probably massacring innocents on the streets below. hashtag girl.

speaking OF hashtag girl why is Lucifer, Prince Of Hell just. disguised as a schoolgirl? what’s that scamp’s motive this time around…

ALSO also why did hikaru plant a goddamn worm on kuma like a bug?????????? (the listening kind not the critter kind) what is this fella doing!!!!!!!!

positively fascinating fic vin, chewing on this like a puppy would an ice cube. and I did not die! hoor- [GUNSHOT] [GUNSHOT] [FIREBALL SFX] [FIREBALL SFX] [EXPLOSION]

…

[GUNSHOT]

#asks #vinegar-on-main #inbox fic #smtiv spoilers #smt iv spoilers #smt4 spoilers #smt 4 spoilers

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fukuokanodivision · 2 months

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”Let’s make some noise, the silence is killing me.”

Timeline: Age 0- Born to Aoi and Shoji Seishin, older brother of Kairi Seishin. Age 2- Discovered music for the first time, mostly through chart toppers. Age 6- Went to his first live concert with his mom, described it as sad but hopeful. Age 9- Made the decision of wanting to make music and being an idol, dad was proud of him. Age 10- Met Mai and Yuno, proposed the idea of making a future band. Age 12-Traffic Light was formed, receiving vast popularity. Adopts MC name “Aoi” from first concert. Age 15- Still working under Traffic Light, Request from Chuohku to be interviewed. Age 16- Traffic Light travelled to Chuohku, instead are all mind hacked and forced to develop the hypnosis mic. Achieve’s state of tapping into his own mic (Activated by glowing blue eyes), making him able to use his rap ability without it. Age 17- Still in Chuohku. Refuses to work, resulting in second mind hack and current humanoid state. Becomes a Chuohku agent, but devises plan to escape. Age 19- Traffic Light escapes from Chuohku to Tokyo. Heads on a long trip with stops in Shinjuku, Yokohama (+Meets M.T.C/Has strong relationship), Ikebukuro and Osaka. Age 21/22- Traffic Light arrives in Fukuoka. Kairi was happy Eko was home again. Age 23- Traffic Light disbands and reforms as OverDrive, Fukuoka’s rap team. Becomes OverDrives leader. Age 25- Present, Joins the DRB with Mai and Yuno. Currently operates as an idol/agent/composer for OverDrive.

Schedule: 12AM-5AM: Asleep 6AM-7AM: Wakes up, gets ready 7AM-8AM: Calls Mai and Yuno to clarify song structure (or just to chat) 8AM-9AM: Short break before work 9AM-12AM: Idol work session or Ready, Set, Drive!! Episode live (With Mai & Yuno) 12AM-1PM: Lunch 1PM-3PM: Secret agent work session 3PM-5PM: Finished work, goes walking downtown 5PM-7PM: Dinner 7PM-8PM: Downtime, Nightlife short livestream 8PM-10PM: Preps for bed 11PM-12AM: Asleep

Character Hashtags: Regular Hashtags #Next Celebrity Idol #Famously Undercover #New Gen Leader Trauma Hashtags

#How Is It My Fault!? #Always Playing The Victim #Rotten Apple Never Falls Far From The Tree…

Other Info: Hobby- Singing Weakness- Personal Loyalty/Inferiority Complex Trauma- “I had to face a true mic’s wrath and the fact of what power truly is…” Twitter- None Drinks- No Smokes- Occasionally Special Skill- “I’m really good at captivating a crowd. Not just with my mic, but I have this odd feeling of being a “Chick/Dude Magnet.” Intro Quote- “I’m Eko. Yeah, like the word “echo”, I hear people “echo” that a lot (Ah, I’m so hilarious.)” Trauma Quote- “Please don’t hurt me…I’ll do anything, I swear. JUST LEAVE THEM OUT OF THIS!”

#hypmic oc #paradox live

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charlesandmiranda · 3 months

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1/31: Shinjuku morning and Akihabara afternoon

After our first night in Shinjuku, we spent the earlier part of the day wandering around the Kabukicho area before we had to check out of Hotel Gracery. It was kind of interesting, because the area is primarily known for its nightlife, as I mentioned before, but it's still very busy during the day, with people seemingly just passing through, or folks cleaning and getting ready to open up at night. It's definitely a different vibe. We walked through some more game centers and arcades, just to kind of leisurely pass the time, before around 2 pm(ish) we hit Shinjuku station and started heading towards our next place to stay. Here's Charles playing easy mode on a drumming game, playing along to the opening theme of Spy x Family, which is a very cute, popular anime we both like.

I also had to stop at a Japanese Krispy Kreme because they're exceptionally tasty, and they have a super classy vibe that is definitely not part of the marketing in the US

Before Shinjuku station, we stopped by a department store that houses the Godzilla store, called Marui. They definitely had some cool Godzilla stuff to see.

Lastly, before we left Shinjuku, we went to a guitar store, where Charles bought a guitar pedal (this was very much a precursor to what was to come, haha)

The next place we headed to was Chiyoda, where we stayed in the Manga Art Hotel! It was a capsule hotel, comprising two floors -- one for men and one for women. If you're not familiar with a capsule hotel, they're like...private bunks or tiny rooms fitting a single person, and they often have dorm-like shared facilities for showers, bathrooms, sinks, etc. A lot of them are very simple, but you can find some super cool themed ones like this one, too. And best of all, they're typically very inexpensive, which we definitely took no issue with! haha.

The big draw for the Manga Art Hotel, for me, is that it essentially also functioned as a manga library (manga are Japanese comics!) The capsules are built kind of like walled in bunk beds and they're all decked out with tons of manga, in both English and Japanese, and you're free to borrow and read as much as you like for the duration of your stay! I also really loved the design or the whole thing, it had a sort of funky, clean and modern look and there was a really beautiful balcony on the women's floor. I only wish it had been a little warmer, or I would have loved to spend time out there!! Sadly we were still a bit too jet lagged to get much reading in, but I read the first two volumes of Tokyo Tarareba Girls and Charles read Give My Regards To Black Jack. I'll do a separate photo dump for Manga Art Hotel after this post!

The whole building we stayed in was actually quite cool, the ground floor appeared to be some kind of pop up music venue, and on the third floor right below where I stayed, there was an extremely tasty and charming coffee shop called Social Good Roasters!!! There is soooo much really good coffee here in Japan, even from vending machines and convenience stores (called "conbinis" here!) that even fast and cheap coffee is fun to try.

After dropping off our luggage, we went to spend the afternoon roaming around Akihabara, which is also known as Electric Town. It started off back in the day as a hub for folks to buy and sell new and used electronics and computer parts, but now it's best known as an otaku (geek) hub, that also boasts an impressive number of arcades and shops where you can buy anime goods like statues and figures, plushes, buttons, keychains, all kinds of stuff. There are also some cool stores for famous brands like Tamashii Nations, Kotobukiya, and one of my favorites, the Mandarake Complex -- Mandarake is a secondhand goods shop that sells a huge variety of manga, doujinshi (fan comics), cards, figures, etc. They occasionally have really old and rare stuff so it's almost like visiting a museum!

I will say, maybe it's the time of year or maybe it's just us, but the variety of stuff at Akihabara this time around was not as exciting as times we've gone in the past; just not as much of the cool old/vintage stuff and wide variety as we've seen before. Neither one of us are really into the most popular anime and manga right now, so most of the stuff on display was

We wandered around til well past dark, but at this point the jet-lag was setting in. We stopped for a snack break at the popular chain Mister Donut (which is, as you'd expect, a donut shop -- they're much like....chewier and less sweet than American donuts) we hit a few other places before we decided to head back to Manga Art Hotel and turn in early.

Keep you all posted with more soon! M.

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alenagerashchenko · 4 months

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TOKYO, JAPAN

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travelingonvacation · 3 months

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youtube

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is a dynamic metropolis known for its futuristic technology, historic temples, vibrant pop culture, and exquisite cuisine. Here's a guide to help you make the most of your trip to Tokyo:

1. Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko Statue:

Witness the famous Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest intersections in the world.

Pay homage to the loyal dog Hachiko at the nearby statue.

2. Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower:

Enjoy panoramic views of the city from the observation decks of these iconic landmarks.

3. Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple:

Explore the historic district of Asakusa and visit Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple.

Stroll through Nakamise Shopping Street for traditional souvenirs.

4. Akihabara:

The electronic and anime district; a haven for tech enthusiasts and anime/manga fans.

5. Tsukiji Outer Market and Toyosu Fish Market:

Experience Tokyo's culinary scene by exploring the vibrant seafood markets.

6. Harajuku and Takeshita Street:

A hub of youth culture, fashion, and quirky shops. Don't miss Takeshita Street for trendy boutiques and street food.

7. Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park:

Find tranquility in the midst of the city at Meiji Shrine, surrounded by lush greenery.

Relax in Yoyogi Park, a popular spot for picnics and outdoor activities.

8. Odaiba:

An artificial island with shopping malls, entertainment complexes, and futuristic architecture.

Visit TeamLab Borderless, a digital art museum for a unique experience.

9. Roppongi Hills:

A modern entertainment and business complex with art museums, shopping, and dining.

10. Ueno Park and Museums:

Explore Ueno Park, home to several museums, a zoo, and beautiful cherry blossoms in spring.

11. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden:

A peaceful escape with traditional Japanese, English, and French gardens.

12. Tokyo National Museum and Edo-Tokyo Museum:

Dive into Japan's rich history and culture at these museums.

13. Sumo Wrestling:

If visiting during a tournament, catch a sumo wrestling match for a unique cultural experience.

14. Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai:

Experience Tokyo's nightlife in these narrow alleys filled with tiny bars and eateries.

15. Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea:

If you're a Disney fan, these theme parks offer a magical experience.

Tips:

Public Transportation: Tokyo has an extensive and efficient public transportation system. Get a Suica or Pasmo card for easy access to trains and buses.

Language: While many people in tourist areas speak English, learning a few basic Japanese phrases is appreciated.

Cash: Have some cash on hand as not all places accept credit cards.

Tokyo is a city that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity, offering a unique and unforgettable experience. Enjoy your time exploring this fascinating metropolis!

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osharenippon · 7 months

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'70s Harajuku (Part 1)

The Harajuku district in Shibuya has gained international acclaim as a hub of Tokyo's youth culture and fashion scene. Its streets are lined with cafes, boutiques, and well-known fast fashion stores, drawing a constant stream of tourists, fashionistas, and teenagers. However, before the arrival of billionaire retailers, foreigners, and media attention, this area's early inhabitants were the ones who truly shaped its unique character.

Several factors contributed to Harajuku evolving into a valuable and fashionable destination. Firstly, its location, accessible via the Yamanote Line and situated within the Shibuya ward, played a pivotal role. The vicinity surrounding Shibuya Station, located about 1.3 km north, has been a focal point for youth culture since the 1950s. Moreover, Minato-Aoyama, which borders Omotesando Avenue, has been developed as a fashionable place since VAN made it a hub for Ivy fashion, scattering its boutiques and facilities around the area in the '60s.

Another noteworthy aspect is the absence of certain establishments like sex shops, dingy bars, pachinko parlors, cabaret clubs, and love hotels. This is due to the city's designation of the area as an Education District, owing to the presence of the Jingumae Elementary School. Consequently, Harajuku maintains a safer and considerably less seedy atmosphere than other popular fashion and entertainment districts like Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and the central part of Shibuya.

Despite this, Harajuku didn't become a famous, trendy area overnight. For decades, the district remained a quiet residential neighborhood with minimal activity, except for the annual influx of New Year's Day visitors who assembled at the Meiji Shrine. Yet, one distinguishing feature would set it apart: its international vibe.

In 1947, the construction of the Washington Heights complex, a vast housing facility for the US Armed Forces, transformed the landscape, prompting the emergence of local shops catering to international families, exemplified by the enduring Kiddy Land toy store. Kiddy Land, which still thrives today, became a beloved destination for the children of American soldiers and was the first shop in Japan to offer Barbie dolls.

Route 5, the fashionable drive-in eatery, photographed in 1965.

In 1964, Japanese authorities took back control of the land occupied by Washington Heights. The government repurposed the area and built Olympic facilities and athlete accommodations, further fueling investments in Harajuku. By 1966, the local nightlife began flourishing, primarily due to affluent teenagers cruising the streets in flashy American sports cars. They were drawn to cosmopolitan restaurants that kept their doors open late into the night, with Route 5, a drive-in eatery, being a notable hotspot. Right across the street from Route 5 stood an Adventist church, contributing to the area's foreign allure.

Around that time, Harajuku garnered significant media attention with the completion of Olympia Co-Op, Japan's first luxury condominium development. But it was another residential building that shaped Harajuku's spirit...

Harajuku Central Apartments

Occupations like stylist, copywriter, designer, fashion photographer, and illustrator didn't gain recognition until the post-war period. They were referred to as the "katakana professions" due to their foreign origin and the fact their Japanese translations are loanwords, usually written in the Katakana syllabary. It wasn't until the 1980s, thanks to articles in magazines like AnAn and other fashion publications, that these professions became widely known among the Japanese public. However, starting in the '60s, more than a decade before becoming widespread, these creative individuals—already molding Japanese pop culture, fashion, and advertising—gathered in the Harajuku Central Apartments opposite the Jingumae crossing.

Central Apartments featured seven floors that accommodated offices, boutiques, and a café. The café that occupied part of the ground floor, Leon, achieved legendary status and was immortalized in fashion magazines as a meeting place for Japan's creative elite.

Harajuku Central Apartments photographed in 1980.

With the launch of magazines like AnAn, Non-no, and Popeye, which reported on Tokyo's fashionable districts, boutiques, and individuals, Harajuku gained recognition among trend-conscious individuals across Japan, and so did Leon, the trendiest coffee shop in Harajuku.

Unlike Chianti, the upscale Italian restaurant frequented by celebrities in the posh Nishiazabu area, Leon was accessible, unpretentious, and affordable. In fact, you could enjoy multiple cups of coffee for a fixed price, a rarity in Tokyo at the time. Nevertheless, its reputation as the haunt of Harajuku's most notable professionals made it an intimidating spot where few dared to venture.

The recurring theme in stories from young visitors to the area was, "I was just a kid from the countryside; there was no way I could summon the courage to enter." Even Tokyoites who weren't part of the inner circle kept their distance. However, Leon's large glass windows attracted the attention of passersby, who craned their necks and tried to catch a glimpse of celebrities and industry figures featured in magazines and on TV.

“LEON” in Harajuku/1972/Mike Nogami

Inside Leon, despite its no-frills décor and menu, it felt like entering a new world where only the most stylish individuals were welcomed. Everyone in the café dressed in the latest European and American fashion trends, and the music playing was the latest hits from London, New York City, or California. Since the café also served as an office for its customers, you could overhear Japan's most prominent fashion, music, and advertising professionals openly discussing their latest projects and loudly taking calls on the venue's pink telephone.

While the coffee shop served as Central Apartment's meeting place, it wasn't its only commercial facility. Harajuku's first boutique, Madame Nonnon, by legendary designer Taro Aramaki, opened in the building in 1964. It sold casual Parisian fashion, and its border (stripped) shirts were a big trend. (Even today, striped shirts remain a cherished staple of Parisian casual style in Japan, with trend-conscious women often sourcing them from the British brand St. James.).

Madame Nonnon, considered by many as Japan's first boutique, shaped the exclusive aura of Central Apartments. Taro Aramaki was discerning in his clientele, only selling to those who matched the store's style. Prices were exceedingly high, and except for the striped shirts and a few select items, everything was either tailor-made or imported directly from Paris. Additionally, sizing was limited to XS, adding to the exclusivity.

Later, other retailers started occupying space in Harajuku Central Apartments, and the basement floor became a small shopping mall with stalls selling food and fashion items. But the biggest success story emerging out of the Central Apartments' shops is probably MILK.

The entrance of MILK's first boutique (left) and a glimpse inside Mademoiselle Nonnon, including its iconic border pieces, as part of an AnAn 1972 editorial (top right).

Under the direction of Hitomi Okawa, MILK initially sold women's clothes, mixing playfulness with the London punk aesthetic admired by the young designer. Eventually, the brand became a staple of Harajuku kawaii fashion with its girly designs and celebrity admirers. MILK influenced the rise of fashion tribes like the Gothic Lolitas and gained prominence, expanding nationwide. A men's line, MILKBOY, was launched in 1975.

MILK's flagship store is still in Harajuku, but not at Central Apartments. As a testament to how much the area has evolved and how things have drastically changed, the building met its demise in 1998. The place is now the site of the Tokyu Plaza shopping center. However, Harajuku owes a lot of its fashionable, creative cred to the existence of the legendary building, which brought some of the most avant-garde professionals to the area.

The Evolution of Harajuku

Harajuku has become so renowned that every facet of the district is well-known. There's Ura-Harajuku, the charming backstreets teeming with cafes and independent shops. There's the heart of Harajuku itself, which typically includes Cat Street and Takeshita Dori—lively thoroughfares packed with stores and food stalls catering to teenagers. You'll also find the bustling Meiji Dori and the iconic Jingumae Crossing, which doubles as the intersection of Omotesando. And, of course, there's Omotesando itself, the grand avenue lined with zelkova trees, home to the flagship stores of luxury brands that extend from the Meiji Shrine to the entrance of the stylish and equally lavish Aoyama-dori in the Minato ward.

In the '60s, however, there was no Ura-Harajuku, and Omotesando was just a tranquil and beautiful avenue with almost no buildings. Harajuku was a quiet, relaxing area of central Tokyo, catering mainly to its residents. While a few trend-savvy people gravitated towards the area due to its cosmopolitan air, it was a well-kept secret among them.

A fashionable girl walks in front of the Kiddy Land toy shop in Harajuku Kiddy Land in 1974/Alao Yokogi.

However, as the 1970s rolled in, AnAn magazine changed everything. The magazine frequently featured Harajuku alongside well-known Tokyo districts like Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Ginza. During this era, Harajuku hadn't yet embraced the youthful, inclusive vibrancy it enjoys today. Instead, it was an elegant adult enclave characterized by its upscale, intimidating boutiques, the accomplished creative professionals at Central Apartment, and the opulent Co-op Olympia and its wealthy residents.

After Mademoiselle Non-non, a wave of boutiques began to emerge. Model Mako opened the trendy MAKO BIS. London underground fashion, favored by the style-savvy, was available at Help and Suzuroku. Meanwhile, for those who preferred folk and boho-inspired garments, also trendy at the time, there was Violon and Hitotsume Kozou.

In 1970, BIGI, a women's ready-to-wear clothing brand founded by the husband and wife team of Takeo Kikuchi and Yoshie Inaba, opened its first store in Harajuku. Three years later, Rei Kawakubo inaugurated the first boutique of her now internationally renowned label, COMME des GARÇONS, in the same area. BIGI and COMME des GARÇONS, along with other brands created by emerging Japanese designers, set off the "DC Brand Boom," which would shape the domestic fashion scene in the following decade, a theme we will revisit later.

BEAMS, now one of Japan's largest retailers with stores nationwide, started in Harajuku in 1976 as a modest import store modeled after a UCLA dorm room. It quickly drew crowds searching for American brands featured in the MADE IN USA Catalog and Popeye magazine. During the same year, teenagers flocked to the neighborhood to shop at Cream Soda, a second-hand boutique known for its '50s-inspired rockabilly fashion, sparking a youth fashion craze. By 1977, a significant portion of Harajuku had been closed to vehicular traffic, transforming the area into what the Japanese refer to as a "pedestrian paradise." Stylish young people began congregating in the area to dance and flaunt their eye-catching outfits, mostly bought from the local Boutique Takenoko.

In 1978, a fashion building aimed at the youth market, LaForet Harajuku, opened at the Jingumae Crossing, just across from the Central Apartments. LaForet quickly gained fame as one of Tokyo's premier shopping destinations and continues to be a beloved fixture in the area today. Harajuku's transformation into a central hub for fashion was complete.

'70s Harajuku (Part 2)

#harajuku #1970s japan #1970s fashion #70s japan

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streetsahead83 · 1 year

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#japan #nippon #nihon #nightlife #日本 #canon #canon eos rp #tokyo #canon rf 50mm f/1.4 #shinjuku #kabukichō

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indtravels01 · 7 months

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Foreign Tour Packages under 50K

Introduction

Traveling abroad and exploring exotic destinations is a dream many of us share. Fortunately, you don't need a bottomless wallet to make this dream a reality. In this blog, we will introduce you to five enchanting international destinations - Bhutan, Malaysia, Japan, Nepal, and Bali - and highlight budget-friendly Foreign tour packages under 50,000 INR that will allow you to embark on unforgettable journeys.

Bhutan: The Kingdom of Happiness

Nestled in the Eastern Himalayas, Bhutan is renowned for its pristine landscapes, rich Buddhist culture, and the pursuit of Gross National Happiness. Explore the serene monasteries of Paro, the grandeur of the Tiger's Nest, and immerse yourself in Bhutan's tranquil beauty. Bhutan Tour packages to Bhutan offer guided visits to sacred sites, opportunities to interact with monks, and the chance to witness traditional festivals like the Paro Tsechu.

Highlights:

- Thimphu: Visit the capital city and explore its cultural and historical sites.

- Paro: Discover the stunning Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery.

- Punakha: Experience the serenity of the Punakha Dzong.

- Hike to Chele La Pass: Enjoy breathtaking mountain views.

- Cultural Immersion: Interact with friendly locals and savor Bhutanese cuisine.

Malaysia: Truly Asia

Malaysia is a land where diverse cultures, stunning landscapes, and modern cities converge seamlessly. Malaysia tour packages to Malaysia, you can experience the futuristic cityscape of Kuala Lumpur, relax on the idyllic beaches of Langkawi, and savor the street food delights of Penang. Don't miss exploring the ancient rainforests of Taman Negara and the vibrant cultural tapestry of Malacca.

Highlights:

- Kuala Lumpur: Explore the iconic Petronas Twin Towers and Batu Caves.

- Langkawi: Relax on pristine beaches and explore the Langkawi Sky Bridge.

- Penang: Savor diverse street food and visit historical Georgetown.

- Cameron Highlands: Enjoy lush tea plantations and cool climate.

- Melaka: Experience the cultural blend of Dutch, Portuguese, and British influences.

Japan: The Land of the Rising Sun

Japan is a captivating blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology. Discover the wonders of Tokyo, from the serene Meiji Shrine to the bustling streets of Shibuya. Explore the historic city of Kyoto with its enchanting temples and gardens. Japan tour packages also offer the chance to witness the beauty of cherry blossoms in spring and the vibrant autumn foliage.

Highlights:

- Tokyo: Discover the vibrant metropolis, including Asakusa and Shinjuku.

- Kyoto: Explore historic temples, serene gardens, and geisha districts.

- Osaka: Enjoy culinary delights and vibrant nightlife.

- Hiroshima: Visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum.

- Mount Fuji: Admire the iconic volcano and its surroundings.

Nepal: The Roof of the World

Nepal is the ultimate destination for adventure seekers, with its breathtaking trekking routes in the Himalayas. Explore the Annapurna Circuit, hike to Everest Base Camp, or simply savor the tranquility of Pokhara. On the other hand, Bali offers a tropical paradise with lush rice terraces, pristine beaches, and vibrant culture. Nepal Tour packages to these destinations provide an incredible mix of adventure and relaxation.

Highlights:

- Kathmandu: Explore the ancient city's temples and palaces.

- Pokhara: Enjoy the stunning Annapurna mountain range and serene lakes.

- Chitwan National Park: Experience wildlife safaris and jungle adventures.

- Trekking: Choose from various trekking options, such as Annapurna or Everest Base Camp.

- Cultural Encounters: Interact with diverse ethnic communities.

Bali: Island of Gods

Bali, often called the "Island of the Gods," is a tropical paradise that boasts stunning beaches, lush rice terraces, and vibrant cultural experiences. Bali tour packages provide the perfect escape to unwind on pristine shores, witness traditional dance performances, and explore ancient temples like Uluwatu and Tanah Lot. For adventure seekers, Bali offers water sports, hiking opportunities, and encounters with playful monkeys in the Ubud Monkey Forest. Discover the magic of Bali, where spirituality, nature, and relaxation converge in perfect harmony.

Highlights:

- Ubud: Immerse yourself in Balinese culture, art, and lush rice terraces.

- Kuta and Seminyak: Relax on beautiful beaches and enjoy vibrant nightlife.

- Tanah Lot: Visit the iconic temple perched on a rock in the sea.

- Uluwatu: Witness traditional Kecak dance and explore ancient temples.

- Nusa Penida: Explore the pristine island and its stunning cliffs and beaches.

Conclusion

You don't need to break the bank to explore captivating international destinations. With tour packages under 50,000 INR, you can embark on journeys to Bhutan, Malaysia, Japan, Nepal, and Bali, each offering its unique charm and experiences. Whether you're drawn to the serenity of the Himalayas, the bustling streets of Tokyo, or the idyllic beaches of Bali, these budget-friendly packages make your wanderlust dreams come true. So, pack your bags, set your budget, and get ready to explore the world without emptying your wallet. Your adventure awaits.

#Bhutan Tour packages #Foreign tour packages #Bali tour packages #Malaysia tour packages

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shibuya789 · 9 months

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beantothemax · 2 months

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SMT APOCALYPSE FIC INCOMING!!!!!!!!! No spoilers!

Shinjuku. A place known for its nightlife, lies in disarray. This isn't new for the citizens of Tokyo. And hasn't been new for a while yet.

A girl sits on a rooftop. She is dressed in a brown school uniform of unknown origin, her dark hair flowing freely in the cold wind of Tokyo. She looks out of place here, too clean for the crushed buildings and unkempt streets. But she doesn't care. She never really cared at all.

She is scanning the entrance to the small courtyard. Trying to find someone. It has been a while since Hikaru has seen them, almost 25 cycles. Usually, she arrives around now, give or take a couple minutes. Sometimes she is late, sometimes she is not.

Hikaru’s gaze fixates at a newcomer. It is Vidé. The one who she can confidently call her friend. Not ally, not adversary, a friend. It is a strange relationship they hold, but it is held nonetheless.

Vidé walks smoothly, gliding across the broken asphalt like water on tile. She, or rather, he, is dressed in a gray peacoat. Messy, clipped white hair frames his face along an uneven part. His eyes are black, his skin pale, his gait confident. He pulls at one of his gloves, scanning the buildings, before finding his mark.

“Hikaru! Good to see you!” He yells up at the girl. His voice is a soft tenor, invoking visions of plastic smiles and barely-hidden madness.

As soon as Hikaru gets a closer look at him, she laughs. An unsettling thing. It is far too childish for a girl of her age, and reaches around any listener who tries to find the bearer. Vidé looks at her fondly.

“It’s good to see you too, prince.” She says, a sly smile on her face.

“I could say the same thing,” He chirps, “ How about we go to our usual spot?”

“Sure!”

———

A boy and a girl sat on a rooftop, overlooking city streets. Wind breezes past the both of them, carrying faint voices of Demons. Vide treasured these moments of stillness, before everything goes downhill. Or uphill, depending on one’s perspective.

Hikaru turned to him, a playful smirk on her face. “So… you gotta tell me where you’ve been these past few cycles.”

Vidé matches her smirk with his own. “I’ve been around. Recently got to look at a different form of chaos. To be honest, I don’t think you would enjoy it too much.”

“Hit me.”

A soft smile. “It was more of… a people celebrating their differences. It was hard to tell when the traditional ended and when the modern began. Mixing and matching culture and customs. It was pure anarchy. Creative chaos in the best way.”

Hikaru shrugged. “Chaos in culture, huh? Sounds fun, but not exactly my style."

“Don’t say I didn’t try selling it to you. Maybe a song from them would change your mind?”

Her face brightened. “Oh? Is that your song this time?”

He shook his head. “No, not at all. Figured I’d revisit a classic.”

“Everything Stays?”

“How’d you know?”

She put her hands on her hips, wearing a snide smile. “You have so many attachments to that song. I would be surprised if you didn’t play that song in this area at least once.”

He scoffed. “Read me like a book.”

He spun out a familiar guitar, and the intercom below them crackled to life for the first time once again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Vidé smiled while he played, for he had an ace up his sleeve.

Elsewhere, A young boy was wandering the underground of a nameless district. He was playing hide and seek with a good friend, and he lost the game of rock-paper-scissors. He wasn’t exactly performing his task enthusiastically, but that’s not exactly a bad thing. For it got him into the right place at the right time.

The intercom above him made a feedback noise, distracting him from the task at hand. A rare occurrence. Those things hadn’t been working since the Firmament went up. He was naturally drawn to it, as any curious child would. A gentle song began humming from the loudspeaker, with soft piano and an even softer voice. The boy whose soul blazed like the sun listened to the tune, just like his twin who shone like the moon.

Hummingbird you found me resting on my own. Leave me be I'm colored sad. All the world's forgot me, left me all alone, Almost it's as if I'm mad.

Hear the way the sunset, Think we'll find tomorrow? Do you think tomorrow's different than today? Weary of my eyes, I've tired many tries. What is it you offer? I'll take what you offer.

So we share a moment, Is this not a sign? Whistle up a rhyme or melody. Both us move along, Our unity create, Two is quite a potent remedy.

The song was simple, the piano dancing with another instrument that the boy had never heard of filling in an empty space he didn’t even know existed.

What is it you'll find here? Why'd you even come here? What would make you want to stay?

Where is it you're off to? Curious of wonder, Maybe I could join you? Leave myself behind.

Another unknown instrument, this one more melodic in tune, began taking the stage with its own dance. The flute and unknown swaying in perfect harmony.

Look us sit and witness turning of the leaves, Fallen snow and death be had. Stuck here in my roots we hold into the breeze, This is why I'm colored sad. If you have the answer, Where I might belong to, Point to where I'll find my peace.

If you father pride, A sense of what you're after, Is not what you're after, Always just the same?

Hummingbird who share in Death be all but known, Flutter into sweeter times. Tell me that I'll be there, Observed and observing, Father of the future… times.

The song ended with a low note, and the boy released a breath he didn’t know he was holding. He stared at the now-silent speaker, and wondered if what he heard was real.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hikaru clapped. “Good song! Good song!”

Vidé smiled, letting the construct melt into his shadow. “Thank you, glad to see that my voice can continue to amuse you.”

Hikaru hummed. “Amusing isn’t the half of it. See you around?”

He made his way to the edge of the rooftop, listening to his friend. “Always a pleasure.”

Vidé bowed to her, then turned around and jumped off of the roof. A dramatic gesture, but what is he without theatrics?

Meanwhile in a distant district, a child dreamt of hummingirds and soft tones.

Kurokami smiled.

twenty-five cycles? concerning word there.

the girls(?) are here again!!!!!!!!!!! on a rooftop no less….. what are they plotting………

A BOY AND GIRL PLAYING HIDE AND SEEK YOU SAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I KNOW WHO THOSE TWO ARE!!!!! A!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

and auh very good song…. you describing certian parts of it as they came up like the instruments and whatnot was very cool……..

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa im very excited for you to play apocalypse again becuase it’s so cool……… love this game a lot already…. excellent fic!!!!!

#asks #vinegar-on-main #inbox fic

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