In today’s episode am talking to a titan of the influencer world, UK based J-fashion & lifestyle creator, Addy Harajuku. With a following of over 100,000 Instagram followers and more than half a million on Tiktok, Addy’s content has earned her the title of one of the top UK based content creators within her field. She has modelled for key J-fashion brands and most recently has collaborated with koi footwear on her own range.

Addy’s personal fashion is based in the Yamikawaii and Menhera subcultures. For those unfamiliar with J-fashion, Yamikawaii is a Japanese aesthetic that has an emphasis on dark themes and colors and Menhera fashion uses medical imagery like pills, plasters, and syringes. Its considered a ‘vent art’ style, regarded as form of art therapy that helps the wearer. In addition, vent art is now seen an important way to challenge social stigmas and encourage conversations around mental health.

Addy’s content is a brilliant combination of Yamikawaii fashion and style, alongside informative and interesting videos about key cultural issues, including art theft, Asian fishing, cringe culture, AI art trends, and various issues around mental health and neurodiversity.

Addy’s trademark honest, open and uncompromising style has made her one of my favourite creators, and in today’s chat we talk about her explosion online and all that comes with it, her journey in fashion and how it links to her own self-expression and mental health. 

Just a quick warning: There are swears in out chat plus discussion of self-harm and suicide, so listener discretion advised.

 Enjoy the episode!

Thanks to Joe Bailey for the intro/outro music, Sam Murphy for the cover art and you for listening!

Podcast by Carly Deering.

Addy on Instragram

Addy on TikTok

Addy’s collab with Koi Footwear

Addy’s interview in Vice Magazine on Menhera fashion opening up discussions on mental health

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