Japanese IdentityThroughout its history, Japan has strived to define its national identity not by its own means, but by those predefined by foreign and, more recently, Western powers. Despite legends that the archipelago was created by the sun goddess Amaterasu, Japan seems to have always maintained an indecisive image of itself towards its neighbors. In the past, China represented the pinnacle of culture and technology and had greatly influenced other neighboring countries in Asia and around the world. Indeed, Japan owes its written language to imported and adapted Chinese characters. Undoubtedly, China remained the most influential force over Japan for a long time. However, this island nation has retained a rather precarious identity: how could a country like Japan, believed to have been created by the gods and therefore a divine nation, consider itself the top of the world, given the enormous influence and power of China? Could Japan really consider itself the greatest country in the world if China, or 中国 in Japanese, literally meant "the central country"? For this reason, Japan has never truly accepted a position of “belonging” to Asia. That is, despite a considerable amount of imported culture, Japan was still, in one way or another, intrinsically different from other Asian countries. So, if Japan does not belong to Asia, does it belong to another amorphous set of nations, namely Europe or the West? ? Certainly, in the modern post-World War II era, Japan has experienced phenomenal economic growth, even to the point of threatening the United States as the world's leading economic power at the height of the "bubble economy." Some attribute this success to changes implemented during the American occupation. Definitely without American assistance... middle of paper ... he can be seen walking around in some of the most bizarre clothes. I once saw a young girl wearing a swan dress that was reminiscent of the one worn by Björk. I've seen some of the worst fashion faux pas, with very clashing colors, completely mismatched styles of top, bottom and shoes, makeup seemingly done by a five year old. While one might hope that these styles were created in error by the individual, it is clear that they are intended, whether for the purposes of shock or personal gratification. It seems that in places like Harajuku, the more “unique” the better. While Miyake seemed to have far-reaching consequences for Japanese identity internationally, Kawakubo's constant questioning of societal norms helped foster individual deviations, thereby creating a new identity that, ironically, was not limited to or by herself..