Tokyo Rockabilly dancers in full color
Tokyo rockabilly dancers in color? I used to photograph them in black and white. But not this time. I chose to capture them in color. It worked about well. Why? Well, this time, I saw something new.
Rockabilly dancing has been a popular subculture in Japan since the 1950s. Of course, it has its ups and downs. Yoyogi Park in Harajuku is the best place to see them. Every weekend, dedicated dancers gather at the entrance.
Every Sunday, hairspray and combs get a lot of overtime. Leather jackets and vintage dresses are the go. Pompadours are common. The music blares from a small stereo, and the dancers move in unison, twirling and jumping to the beat.
The group I’ve photographed most is Strangers. Fairlady and Lebels also dance at Yoyogi occasionally. This time, I saw a new group. Fallen Angel debuted for my camera.
Fallen Angel members obviously liked leather! That reminded me of many years ago when those outfits were standard. In recent years, most dancers at Yoyogi Park wear simple blue denim. That’s been my experience.
Perfect weather brought a big turnout of Tokyo rockabilly dancers. The men and women ranged from about twenty to sixty and maybe older. Age doesn’t matter. They all share a passion for their subculture.
They have a strong sense of community. Many have been coming to Yoyogi Park for years. It is where they connect with others who share their love of rockabilly. They form bonds with one another, and newcomers are welcomed.
I had limited time, so I didn’t talk to the dancers. Whether Fallen Angel is old or new, I don’t know. If you do, please tell us.
Anyway, the rockabilly dance scene at Yoyogi Park is a vibrant and unique subculture. It showcases the energy, passion, and spirit of rock ‘n’ roll. While it has faced challenges in recent years, it remains a beloved part of Tokyo’s landscape. They are a must-see for anyone visiting the city.
Why photograph Tokyo rockabilly dancers in color?
The answer is simple. In the past, I saw most dancers in simple blue denim, which isn’t eye-catching. On the other hand, some onlookers’ clothes were bright and colorful. That wasn’t a good match. I wanted to strip that away, so I used black and white.
But black leather is compelling. It contrasts sharply against color. The eyes notice it. I didn’t realize that until now. Maybe I was shooting using a preconceived notion in the past.
Well, that’s it for this article. I will be back to shoot the Tokyo rockabilly dancers later this year. Leave questions and comments below.
Date photos taken: 10 April, 2023
Rohan Gillett
Rohan has lived in Tokyo for 30+ years. He loves photography and plans to capture the entire city.
For more people articles, look at:
External Yoyogi Park rockabilly websites
- Strangersharajuku_official (on Instagram)
- 《STRANGERS》80年代の原宿歩行者天国時代から続くロックンロールストリートパフォーマンスチームの「夢」(Japanese article with great photos)