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"There Are No Girls Who Aren't Cute" – Examining the Culture of Elaborate Hairstyles & Diversity Through "Hime Gal Paradise"
In the 2000s, "Ciao" escalated in entertainment value, featuring glamorous series, among which many readers fondly remember "Hime Gal Paradise."
Launched in 2009, "Hime Gal Paradise" follows the story of the plain high school girl Hiko Tachikawa who meets the "Hime Gyaru" boys Tochiotome Mikami and struggles to pursue her goal of being "fashionable."
Tochiotome's radiant beauty and countless uplifting words resonated strongly with readers at the time, and this sentiment continues to be shared on social media even in the Reiwa era.
How was "Hime Gal Paradise" born ahead of its time? This time, we spoke with the author Akira Wao about the fashion and culture of that era, as well as valuable insights related to the work.
PROFILE
Akira Wao
Hailing from Aichi Prefecture. Debuted in 2005 with "ハイカラ恋らんまん" published in the spring issue of Shogakukan's "Ciao DX." Since then, they have serialized works like "Hime Gal Paradise" and "特攻サヤカ☆夜露死苦" in "Ciao." In 2017, she gave birth to a girl, and in 2019, to a boy. Currently, she is serializing "ギャル漫画家がママになりました" weekly on the WEB "Ciao Plus."
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The Background Behind the Creation of the Talked-about "Hime Gal Paradise" with Its Innovative Setting
In contemporary times, the concept of "makeup boys" has become quite common. However, at the time of serialization of this work, the setting of male characters who are highly interested in beauty was groundbreaking in the world of shoujo manga.
In contrast to the modern era where the word diversity signifies respect for individual values, the time when "Hime Gal Paradise" was serialized still did not have this consciousness widespread. However, it was also a period when "gyaru culture" was glamorous.
With this background, how did "Hime Gal Paradise" come to be?
"The idea originated from my editor at the time, who suggested I try creating a manga about gyaru. They said, 'I want you to push the boundaries more' (laughs).
"Since I was also a gyaru with 'Nagoya rolls' in my hair back then, I received advice to draw from that image, leading to the start of "Hime Gal Paradise" serialization.
"Actually, the idea of 'Hime' in 'Hime Gal Paradise' was a spontaneous thought. Since the word 'gal (gyaru)' was being used everywhere at that time, I considered how it would sound if I attached 'Hime' to it."
In the years around 2009, during the serialization of "Hime Gal Paradise," was also a time when gyaru had become more segmented.
From the co-gyaru born in the 90s, after various transitions, "Hime Gyaru" was born in 2007.
The difference with traditional gyaru is that "Hime Gyaru" is characterized by a sweeter vibe reminiscent of Lolita fashion rather than emphasizing body lines, favoring pinks and cute items.
Moreover, the makeup and hair are exaggeratedly "elaborate," and this extravagant image generated buzz. However, it's surprising to note that "Hime Gal Paradise" arrived at "Hime Gyaru" from a different angle.
"At that time, it was an era where 'Koakuma Ageha' was in vogue, and while I thought gyaru was evolving, I didn’t actually know about the 'Hime Gyaru' genre yet.
"I did go through the era of black gyaru, but I learned about 'Hime Gyaru' later and then referenced 'Koakuma Ageha.'"
The "elaborate hairstyles" featured in "Hime Gal Paradise" convey an essence that transcends mere hairstyling.
The grand "elaborate hairstyles," illustrated across full spreads, have become iconic scenes that symbolize this work due to their impact.
"When I depicted the elaborate hairstyles in the manga without knowing about 'Hime Gyaru,' I imagined a true princess. Think of hairstyles as grand as Marie Antoinette's.
"Later, while referencing 'Koakuma Ageha,' I also creatively drew things like crabs and my favorite items on the head to fit within the panels (laughs)."
And in discussing the charm of "Hime Gal Paradise," the fashion of Tochiotome is an indispensable element.
Many young girls must have yearned for the glamorous appearance of Tochiotome. The variety of outfits that unfold throughout the storyline of the first episode showcased a vibrancy akin to a fashion show.
How were those captivating outfits created?
"The costumes for Tochiotome were developed by first conceptualizing a base outfit, then thinking about which costume to have her wear three pages later, and so forth.
"I personally enjoyed drawing the outfits for Tochiotome, and at times I would change them as many as five patterns. Every time the outfit changed, I also altered the accessories and shoes, so I would check with my assistant at the time while drawing.
"The main inspirations came from the fashions of CECIL McBEE and MARS that were present at SHIBUYA109 back then."
Beyond Gender: The Super Positive "Beauty" of Tochiotome
In "Hime Gal Paradise," not only Tochiotome but also his cousins "Amaou" and "Akihime" appear as vital characters.
Like Tochiotome, they thrive as the aspirational "Hime Gyaru" of their class, adding color to the narrative.
Noteworthy is the fact that rather than focusing on transformation or disguise, the setting of pursuing "beauty" with pure intentions and boldly expressing individuality through being "Hime Gyaru" was groundbreaking for girls' manga at the time.
"I felt it was insufficient to simply introduce cute gyaru characters; thus, I set up 'Hime Gyaru' for the male characters.
"Later, the characters Amaou and Akihime came into being from my desire to depict diverse 'Hime Gyaru.'
"There were intuitive decisions made during that time, but I wanted to avoid settings that would hide Tochiotome's individuality as 'a male' while being 'Hime Gyaru.'
"I paid particular attention to the aspect of 'Hime Gyaru' as a form of self-expression while drawing it."
The Tochiotome as a "Hime Gyaru" is impressive with his vibrant appearance and a gaze that exudes inner strength.
In his usual male form, he possesses a handsome appearance but blends positive words that resonate with those around him with the grandeur of being a 'Hime' and a poised coolness.
A surprising fact about Tochiotome's character creation has been revealed.
"While I didn't have a specific model, I was inspired by the looks of Jun Matsumoto around 2009 when drawing Amaou."
The Magic of Happiness: Enjoying Fashion Your Way
"You're the one you'll be with for life," and "Girls are just super cute when they smile!" are among the many inspirational quotes from Tochiotome found in "Hime Gal Paradise." The positive words from each character resonate with many readers even today, as they stem from Wao's experiences.
"The words of Tochiotome are not only from me, but also from people who encouraged me.
"My family is a lineage of educators, and my aunt was a teacher too. She taught me, ‘There are no perfect kids. What's important is to highlight the good points that overshadow any negatives.’
"The words in the story come from my aunt but also accumulate from friendly manga artists and everyone I've met along the way.
"I've been saved by the words of those who extended a helping hand, so it would really make me happy to convey that to readers and help them in the same way through my work."
The words of Tochiotome are not harsh but loving words of encouragement that support readers.
Many readers may see themselves reflected in the character Himiko. People tend to shrink back when they receive encouragement during self-deprecating moments, but the loving support from Tochiotome resonates deeply with their hearts.
"I was quite gloomy during my school days, so the encouragement from Tochiotome comes from a place of regret.
"At that time, I lacked self-confidence, so it feels like I'm speaking to my past self.
"I have become a gyaru out of regret for not wearing the cute clothes I truly wanted to wear during my student days, and I really wished to receive some encouragement from someone like Tochiotome back then as well."
Readers who admired "Hime Gal Paradise" during those days are now adults thriving in the workforce.
Even as times change, the reason "Hime Gal Paradise" continues to be a hot topic on social media is likely because this generation, filled with worries about work and romance, finds courage in the story's positive expressions and boundless brightness.
Finally, Wao shared some wonderful words for the now-adult readers.
"It truly makes me happy that 'Hime Gal Paradise' still lingers in the hearts of readers today.
"Those elementary school students who read 'Ciao' back in the day have grown into adults who likely carry various worries.
"Although this is borrowed from friends, in the end, relationships and work will be meaningless if one cannot find joy oneself. The saying 'Keep a gyaru spirit in your heart' became popular, but I say, keep 'Tochiotome' in your heart! (laughs)"
Brightening the pages of 'Ciao' in the 2000s, "Hime Gal Paradise" continues to be loved across generations, especially by readers from its time, for its adorable gyaru characters and the uplifting spirit they provide.
Whenever you find yourself lacking confidence, I encourage you to read "Hime Gal Paradise." The powerful encouragement of the ultimate gyaru Tochiotome, combined with a fashion style that you love, will surely resonate in your heart.
Header Caption: "Hime Gal Paradise" Volume 1 Cover (© Akira Wao / Shogakukan)
Text by Tajimax
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