"GALS!" as Narrated by Mihona Fujii: The Path & Charm of the Heisei 'Gyaru' Culture

In discussing the Heisei era (1989-2019), the presence of 'Gyaru' (from the English, 'gal') cannot be overlooked. In the early Heisei period, they diversified from Gyaru into Ko-gyaru (literally, 'Gyaru children') and Mago-gyaru (literally, 'Gyaru grandchildren'), becoming a social phenomenon.

Although their strong presence was sometimes ridiculed at the time, the Reiwa era (2019-present) has come to appreciate the endlessly positive and bright presence and mindset of these Gyaru.

"GALS!" is a girls' manga that depicted the world of Heisei Gyaru, serialized in "Ribon" from 1999 to 2002. Centered on the vibrant and carefree protagonist Ran Kotobuki, the world of Gyaru unfolds in Shibuya.

What was the Heisei Gyaru, who made headlines at the time? This time, we asked the legendary manga artist and author of "GALS!" and its sequel "GALS!!", Mihona Fujii, to once again discuss the Heisei Gyaru and her thoughts on the Reiwa Gyaru.