Wear Yourself, Not the Trend: Party-Chan's Nobuko on the Core of Her Gyaru Style

In today's Reiwa-era gyaru scene, Nobuko of the comedy trio Party-chan stands out with her one-of-a-kind flair.

Her striking two-tone hair, bold makeup, and minimalist yet high-impact outfits set her apart from the traditional gyaru look. Whether she's on the comedy stage or on social media, she never compromises her personal aesthetic. This commitment to her style truly embodies the modern Reiwa gyaru mindset of "valuing your authentic self."

In this interview, we dive deep into her passion for fashion and explore the core of her unique aesthetic.

A 4th-Grade Awakening! The Life-Changing Impact of "egg" Magazine

Nobuko, from the comedy trio Party-chan, is known for her unique "gyaru × charao × paripi manzai" (gyaru × party boy × party people comedy) style, performing alongside Suga-chan Saiko No. 1 and Kaneko Kyonchii.

The trio's signature colors are inspired by a traffic light, with Nobuko representing blue.

Despite her bold look, her cheerful personality instantly makes you feel at ease when you talk to her. Her style—highlighted by her trademark blue and silver hair—has earned her a huge following among Gen Z. So, when did her journey with "gyaru" culture begin?

"I think it was around fourth grade when I first saw 'egg' magazine. Kanako Kawabata was on the cover, and I was just blown away. I was like, ‘Whoa, she’s so cool! What is this world?!’ It felt like I was seeing a type of person in a magazine that I had never encountered in real life. I was instantly drawn to the gyaru style.

I thought, ‘Gyaru are so cute!’ and immediately ran to Shimamura (a popular clothing store) to buy 15-centimeter stilettos. I begged my mom, ‘Please buy me these!’ (laughs). But when I wore them to school, the dirt playground and my stilettos were a terrible mix... I ended up poking holes all over the schoolyard and got chewed out by my teacher (laughs)."

When Nobuko discovered gyaru fashion, magazines for young teens were booming, and kids' fashion was starting to diversify. But even then, she was all in on the gyaru look.

"Even though I was just in elementary school, I impulsively dyed my hair with my mom's gray hair dye (laughs). The color didn't come out super vibrant because it was for covering grays, but it was still way lighter than anyone else's hair. My mom has a bit of a funky personality herself, so she was just like, ‘That’s so you,’ and totally accepted it (laughs)."

So, what inspired her now-iconic blue and silver two-tone hair?

"Actually, I had two-tone brown and blonde hair back in junior high, too. I think it was around my third year. At the time, Kanako Kawabata had a short two-tone style, and I saw it and just thought, ‘Might as well give it a shot!’ (laughs).

After I became a comedian, I still wanted to rock a two-tone style as part of my gyaru identity. When we formed Party-chan, I wanted to create a signature look. I chose blue so I would stand out and be more memorable."

A Style That Stays True to What She's Always Loved

Zebra print and skinny jeans are central to Nobuko's style, reflecting a strong, trend-defying commitment to her personal taste.

"I'm team zebra all the way, way more than leopard print. There's something about zebra print that just clicks and feels right for me," she explains. This preference has been a constant since her elementary school days. Her dedication extends to her nails; to keep her spirits high, she strictly adheres to a "white, black, and silver only" rule, unifying her look with only the colors she loves.

This meticulousness is also clear in her choice of denim. Even as baggy jeans dominate the trends, Nobuko has always been "team skinny," and she's still on the hunt for that perfect pair. This commitment to choosing based on what she loves and what looks good on her is the secret behind her unshakeable style.

Nobuko’s Aesthetic: The Art of "Tsuyome Gyaru"

Nobuko also has a unique take on the recent Y2K boom.

"To me, it's just like, 'Wait, isn't this basically the Heisei era?' I get that they're cherry-picking Heisei elements, but seeing that time of 'cute and passionate gyarus' get co-opted and consumed under the 'Y2K' label is honestly a bit frustrating."

Nobuko finds herself drawn not to the sweeter styles, but to the "tsuyome gyaru" look, which was all about strong, tanned "onee" (big sister) types.

She's especially a fan of the world portrayed in magazines like "nuts" and "JELLY," and has long worshipped Sayoko Ozaki, calling her "a true goddess." The edgy fashion of that era, like the body-conscious clothing from brands such as "LIP SERVICE" and "EGOIST," is an inspiration that still breathes life into her current style.

For Nobuko, this style isn't about "playing the part" of a gyaru.

"I already have a set formula of things I love: zebra print, bold makeup, certain music. That's my comfort zone, so I just stay there. I'm not forcing myself to be a gyaru; it's more that the things I love just happen to fall into the gyaru category."

She doesn't chase trends; she sticks to the principles that feel right to her. Even when people tell her, "You're so consistent," she laughs and replies, "Well, it’s not like I'm trying to be." Her unshakeable devotion to what she loves is what naturally underpins her style.

Kindness Within Strength: That's the Nobuko-Style Gyaru Mindset

As a comedian, an unconventional fashion sense can sometimes become the target of jokes. However, Nobuko never changes her style, whether she's on stage or off.

"Ever since I started appearing on TV, I've been allowed to be just as I am. Trying to force a character would just destroy my mental health. As long as I can be myself and be accepted for it, I don't see any reason to create a fake persona."

This authentic stance is a sign of her "strength." But as the interview reveals, her strength isn't aggressive; it's rooted in kindness and consideration for others.

"I just fundamentally love people. I can't help but wonder, 'What kind of person is this?' and I naturally find myself wanting to hear more from all sorts of people. This isn't just a pleasantry; I'm asking because I genuinely want to know.

Also, I really can't stand seeing someone left alone in a group. Since I was young, the atmosphere when someone is left out of a conversation has always felt... wrong. So I guess I naturally find myself reading the room and trying to bring them into the fold.

I think that's part of a comedian's job, too: to warm up the room and create an atmosphere where no one gets left behind. I feel that's a crucial part of it."

The "gyaru mindset" Nobuko talks about isn't just about a flashy appearance. It’s the strength to stay true to what you love and the deep loyalty to cherish your friends. This combination of spirit is what defines a gyaru in her eyes.

Laughing, Nobuko declares, "I want to be a gyaru forever, even when I'm a grandma!" She left us with this final message.

"Both comedy and fashion are ultimately about one thing: 'living life on your own terms.' I say what's on my mind and wear what I love. I believe that instead of changing yourself for someone else, focusing on your own happiness is what ultimately brings happiness to those around you!"