Have you ever been to a place or event and noticed that someone was wearing the same outfit as you? Many people hate that this happens. Maybe they even leave the place, because there is someone with the same or similar clothes. But in Japan some things are quite different. For some, dressing the same or similar is something that makes them feel good.
In Japan and other Asian countries there is a fashion or practice called Osoroi. This fashion basically consists of dressing like other people. There is something called the osoroi code, where fellow friends and even families dress or match outfits alike. And it doesn't even have to be a special day or event. Many are fans of this fashion in their daily lives, from shopping to a walk on the beach.
That word Osoroi (お揃い) is a variation of the word sorou (そろう), which means to become complete or equal. People who adhere to this fashion or code say that wearing matching or matching clothes is an expression of your love and intimacy with your partner friend.
Knowing more about Osoroi fashion
This fashion is extremely popular among young people, especially with girls. But it is also noticed in all age groups. In a book called The Japanese Mind, written by Osamu Ikeno and Roger J. Davies is commented on something interesting. The book says that in Japanese society, people are generally oriented towards a specific group.
And it is their custom to give more priority to the harmony of the group than to them as individuals. This is considered a very important virtue to adhere to the values of different cultural groups. This loyalty to the group produces a feeling of solidarity. developing in them a "group conscience" noticed in many aspects of Japanese life. so the code Osoroi ends up being seen as a way of physically expressing a feeling of closeness with a person or a specific social group.
Many today are adept at this fashion simply to take pictures, and somehow become popular on social networks. And let's agree that it's something that draws a lot of attention. If there is a place where you will find people who adhere to the Osoroi code, this place is in Disneyland of Tokyo or at Disneysea. There you will find many couples or groups of friends wearing the same outfits.
In the West, wearing the same clothes is usually not well liked by adults. Japan is already quite used to matching clothes since school they wear uniforms to show the unity of a group. Would you go out to a place or event with the same clothes as your friend or partner? We look forward to seeing your comments and shares.
