ig in Japan: adorning your bag and/or cell phone with tiny charms found at temples, shrines and gift stores everywhere. Carry them with you, and you’ll supposedly have more luck, safety or even well wishes for love. Schoolgirls’ charms often look like little stuffed animals.

Also big in Japan: umbrellas. They are as much an accessory as a pair of shoes or a bag. Even when it doesn’t rain, umbrellas are out in force, because the female standard of beauty is lighter skin. No one wants too much of a tan, so a cute umbrella also serves as a beauty treatment of sorts!

For the women, layering with leggings and boots is a very popular way to be comfortable and chic at the same time. For the men, a lightweight jacket and cool jeans are crucial, as is a well-styled head of hair.

Page