Ufff i know about racism believe me, i have some bad experiences in Japan about being foreigner, is really sad, they are told to be polite but you can see in their insides something that says> ぼくの国を出て (leave my country)

Anyway in Europe i think as the education is lighter they can rebel against the system easily. Probably if in Japan you could leave more free time for students to think and look for alternatives hobbies instead of preparing exams and school clubs stuff, more would find in the goth culture a place where to learn things that wont be shown in school. But well, thats what the government wants, robots and working authomatas.

And also about the american influence...is horrible, i have seen a huge amount of people saying that their dream is to go to the USA, i don't know if is only the music, the food, the different culture or what, but they seem not to care/know about the negative aspects, is like when some otakus dream with Japan and idealize it.

I supose if someday in Japan begin to get really tired about the conformist thoughts they will move to other movements, but maybe the are too alienated for now, so they are confortable in their world of advertisments, lack of social contact, etc.

It is sort of more to perky. It`s pertaining to the circus art and like. It is like a meal done in a country, if adapted by another country and had a few changes, it will lack its original taste.

I have to mention that i`ve seen some European Goths overdoing it with make up and the dresses, but it`s eventually where it was originated from. Usually things are agreed upon to be altered by their origin only.

Synbios, have realized this "leave my country" thing from Japanese Goths or Japanese people in general?

Racism exists everywhere, EVERYWHERE. If not with the majority, it`s with the minority. And I have no idea what`s with the US. Yes, a lot of people dream of landing there. But there`s no convincing reason. If they simply LIKE to live there, then what are the things that compel them? I would like to go to the US just to meet some people I know and then come back. I actually would like to live in the UK and I have a convincing reason, it`s respect for the Gothic Movement there. But I just know and think that I might face some racism. A lot of people hate Middle Easterns there.

I mean in general, most of the people i come across in the street or train arent goth.

Well you know, when people there tell you the same (for example i met brazilian girls that were born there, only with the aspect and they told me that is true that they are racist most of the part), or when you ride a train that is more than full and you have the seat near you empty because no one wanna seat near you after seeing your face...those kind of things hurt. Also you have some restrictions in goth bars, i dont think that have another meaning that they dont trust people for other countries.

Also i never said that everyone is racist, i mean a big part, and sorry but you have to live there to see it. I have faith that some of them arent, i hope im not right and only a few are racist but believe me, thats my experience.

And about the USA is just my oppinion about what Loki said about the Amerian influence in Japan, i have talked with people from there and they arent different from others here and i also would like to go to USA someday.

Synbiosis> Yes, you live in nagoya. Nagoya is like the Japanese equivalent of Texas, they don't even like non-Nagoyan Japanese there. Osaka and Tokyo are a bit more welcoming, but mostly the problem with racism is more subconscious.... people are taught foreigners are different from them since childhood, and even into adulthood, most people just can't shake that way of thinking. It's getting better though.
Asshole foreigners don't make the situation any better, though:(.

Fortunately, most people in the gothic scene, like other gothic scenes, are anti-racist... well, the "real" goths anyways. I've made so many close friends here, much more so than in my birth country, it's almost like a family.
The visual kei scene is quite racist though. Many people refuse to listen to foreign bands and sometimes sneer when foreigners, especially foreign goths, go to VK shows. It's still a mainstream movement, and thus promotes mainstream ways of thought.

Well, as for the circus part, yeah. It's perky, and it seems like the people are just dressing up like it's some kind of funny joke. There's no seriousness or any kind of artistic purpose.
I actually have nothing against going all out in gorgeous clothing. I tend to wear lots of makeup and long velvet dresses. I really like the atmosphere of the german scene.
The difference is the atmosphere and level of seriousness. Clothing is worn for a purpose. Not just "look at me!!"

I think they take it further as an escape from their  everyday life - which is either in a suit or overalls in most cases. I seriously don't know how they have the energy though.

The whole point of the thread. I like Bowie and London After Midnight too. They pull off the glam image well, while still having a sense of purpose.

Personally i love the Japanese style and culture

it's so original and unique

Yes I think soo too, well I've talked to a few and asked questions, and they don't know what gothic is about, they just copy the singers or charcters from the MANGA!!

same with the rastafarians... they wear the cannabis everywhere thinking it to be MOMIJI  (japanese maple)