Magazine: Men’s Egg
Publication Date: October 2003
Where to buy: Here
Models featured: Miichi Kobayashi, Makoto Nakatsugawa, Ooya Kiyusuke, Yusuke Ooyane
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The very first mention of Sentaa Guy that appears in Men's Egg is the October 2003 issue. Presenting very differently to how the look came to be at its end, the main thing distinguishing Sentaa Guy from other gyaruo at this point in their evolution is their bleached hair and women’s clothing brands.
I think that most people associate sentaa guy with colourful hair and face gems, so it's really interesting to see their humble beginnings. The core of sentaa guy is that they're addicted to Alba Rosa and its sister brand My Tane, so if you're interested in adopting the style definitely keep this article in mind.
"CENTER GUY - What do you think of guys decked out in gal clothes?"
First we're introduced to the Men's Egg team covering this spot:
Ryujin, a Sentaa Guy Watcher.
Satomi Yamamoto, a reader model.
Takamichi, a former club member.
This issue is key in documenting the short history of sentaa guy. Ryujin, the resident sentaa guy enthusiast, coins the term "Center Guy" in this issue- named after the sentaa guy’s habit of hanging around the Center Gai area of Shibuya. He also wrangled the editor into running this feature, because he wasn't very enthusiastic!
Do you like Sentaa Guy?
| 30% - Normal | 36% - Like | 34% - Dislike |
The editor wonders: "Has it finally gained mainstream acceptance?!" - Sentaa guy was a controversial style, as the idea of men wearing hair extensions and women's brands was an unusual novelty. But it seems like they gained a level of acceptance.
What do people think of Sentaa Guy?
30% of the general public didn't really have an opinion. 35% voted, 'it's ok if it suits you', while, 'lame' received 26% of votes. The most positive answers were from 'typical gal types' who like Alba Rosa, while the people who disliked it seemed to really hate it.
What are Sentaa Guys' favourite clothing brands?
My Tane, Bong, Burberry, Alba Rosa, Tiara.
My Tane is stated as the undisputed leader of trendy clothing for men, while 'three brands on the list are women's brands' - This must be Alba Rosa, Tiara and Burberry. The editor notes that brands like Armani and Dolce & Gabbana are not included in the rankings.
What is the Sentaa Guy's habitat?
Center Gai, Shibuya Clubs, Harajuku, Shibuya 109. There’s a My Tane shop in Harajuku so you can find Sentaa Guy there, too. (My Tane is the sister brand of Alba Rosa that sells menswear.)
"You know how some people continue to get more and more tattoos after their first one, and before they know it they're covered in them? It's kind of like that, isn't it?" - Takamichi
Ryujin: "It doesn't have that wild, 'devouring girls' vibe, does it? Or am I imagining things?"
Takamichi: "That's exactly what they were aiming for!"
Ryujin: "I feel like I have a strong connection to that. I get a kind of lucidism vibe from them. They all have beards and stuff, don't they? They don't look rugged at all; they're so skinny, it's like they've been going to a beauty salon. It's like they're saying 'Am I sexy?'"
Satomi: "At that point, it's not about appealing to women at all. I wonder if they don't mind?"
Takamichi: "Hmm, I guess it's gone beyond even appealing to gyaru girls? If so, this is Shibuya-style punk (laugh)"
Satomi: "But why are we talking about this so seriously? I don't get it at all (laugh)"
Takamichi: "Fashion is about self-satisfaction! I think this is fine."
Center guy says, "This is the way we live!"
Men wear men's clothes, and women' wear women's clothes. The old ways are crumbling now. Is it the rise of a matriarchal society where women have become stronger!? Or is it the general trend in society that says you can live however you want!? They don't seem to think about such things, and they strut around town dressed in gyaru brands as if nothing happened. That said, I have absolutely no intention of criticising them. Because they are the true street culture. I can't deny I feel a bit resentful. I looked at them with envious eyes, seeing how they go about their own lives without being incited by magazines... just a little bit (laugh). - Hosoya |
Miichi: The reason I started wearing this fashion is because my girlfriend was a gyaru. She asked me to wear it, so I started wearing it.
Yusuke: In my case, everyone was wearing it at the clubs and stuff, so I thought I'd wear it too...
Interviewer: You see it in stores and on the streets, right?
Yusuke: Yeah. I wear it all the time. Don't you think the design is youthful and cool?
Interviewer: Also, you like tight-fitting clothes.
Yusuke: I somehow find myself fitting in with gal-style clothes. I'm more of a gyaru than a gyaruo. (laugh) And If I had to categorize myself, I'd say I'm an Ogyaru*! (laugh)
Interviewer: I think that's going too far.
Yusuke: No, these hair extensions are often worn by gyaru girls.
*Ogyaru means ‘dirty gyaru’ - gals who avoided showering to prolong their fake tan or didn’t wash off their makeup out of laziness.
