Rollers

Just read a Japan Probe posting on a Peter Bjorn and John video featuring Yoyogi Dancers and prompting readers to explain the subculture.



David Marx of MEKAS commented first, classifying the men as Rollers. Apparently, they're a yanki-influenced, half-bosozoku, Japanese take on fifties rockabilly / greaser style subculture that gave birth in the '70s, fizzled in the '80s, and still exists amongst a small group of aging men.

How fascinating is that? And of course, to understand the coolness of Rollers, then, one must delve into the history of bosozoku, yankii, and greaser subcultures, plus get a grip of how Japan interprets and adopts different international social phenomena. It's like a never ending breadcrumb trail of fascinating facts!