In the reserved and private culture of modern Japan there is one group of people, like brightly colored flowers in a barren desert, who stand in stark contrast with the bustling crowds of businesspeople. 
While most people on the streets of modern Japan simply keep to themselves, this group is boisterous and vivacious-- they smoke, they swear, and they approach random tourists to offer directions-- they are schoolgirls. It could be claimed that schoolgirls should be a national symbol of Japan. Any search online will yield thousands of results that sexualize Japanese schoolgirls, seeking to make money off of pedophiles and perverts around the world, however Japanese schoolgirls often fetishize themselves by rolling up their skirts at the waist. This not only makes the skirts often absurdly short, but it makes the iconic pleated skirts flair outward. The rest of the uniform has become iconic as well; from the sailor top and knee high socks to the tiny backpacks. 
Schoolgirl culture and fashion fascinates so many that it has spawned countless movies, comics and animations. Perhaps one of the most famous is Battle Royale, a Japanese movie which depicts a group of teenage Japanese students who are sleep gassed on a field trip. They awaken on an island only to discover that they are unwilling participants in a sadistic experiment which will force them to battle one and other to the death.
Today I present some vinyl statues that depict infamous sailor schoolgirls in the style of Japanese fantasy artist Shunya Yamashita. Yamshita's illustrations feature seductive poses and alluring eyes. The sculpting and paint is very well done on these toys so hitch up your skirt and grab your tiny back pack and go take notes on the Shunya Yamashita Vinyl Statues, found in the Figures gallery of the Cabinet of Curious Frivolities.
No comments:
Post a Comment