Remembering the Counterculture Classic: Kera Magazine
In the 1990s, a subculture of non-conformist teenagers emerged on the streets of Japan.
They were inspired by the punk, goth, and rave scenes in the West, and they created a style of their own that was a fusion of these influences. It was during this time that Kera Magazine was born. Since its inception in 1998, Kera--or as it was initially known, Kerouac, has been the go-to publication for alternative fashion enthusiasts. The publication took its name from the iconic Beat Generation writer Jack Kerouac, and it became a rallying point for the country's burgeoning counterculture movement.
Kera was a publication that embraced the weird, the unconventional, and the offbeat. Filled with everything from subversive art and music to edgy fashion and lifestyle features, Kera acted as a bible for those who wanted to express their individuality and stand out from the crowd. Their pages have been graced by some of the most daring and innovative styles, from the "Gothic Lolita" to "Decora" and "Visual Kei" looks. They even popularized the iconic Harajuku street style fashion-snap; quickly solidifying the magazine as a staple in the cataloguing of Japanese street style.
One of its most popular segments was "Hair Wars," a showcase of the wildest and most creative hairstyles in Japan's underground scene. This series was just one example of the magazine's commitment to pushing the boundaries of creativity and self-expression in their rejection of traditional beauty standards.
Kera was not just about style, however. It was a cultural movement that celebrated diversity and non-conformity. It was a platform where the outcasts, the misfits, and the rebels could find a sense of belonging. It celebrated individuality and provided a platform for those who felt excluded from mainstream culture.
Today, Kera is remembered as a publication that dared to be different and helped shape the alternative scene in Japan and beyond. While it may no longer be in print, Kera's legacy lives on(line,) inspiring a new generation to break the mould and challenge the norm.
