In its most literal form, Harajuku is a place. Most specifically, it is the area around Harajuku Station on the Yamanote train line in Tokyo, Japan. But Harajuku isn't just a place, but is the fashion district of Japan.

Though it had only become mainstream to other countries recently (with much help from Gwen Stefani's all-Japanese back-up dancers called the Harajuku Girls, and the singer is also a self-confessed Harajuku fan), Harajuku had been the place to seek in order to know about the latest in Japanese fashion.

This place, which looks like an ordinary train station on weekdays, transforms into a tourist paradise wherein all types off fashion are "modeled" by real people---goth, lolita, cosplayers, ganguro---all that and more can be seen at Harajuku. This aspect of Harajuku---fashion---is what UP AME wants to emulate this year. But Harajuku isn't just about fashion---it celebrates individual uniqueness and breaks down boundaries.

By picking the Harajuku theme, we wish to capture and celebrate the self-expression fostered at the Harajuku Station here in the Philippines, and enjoy the experience with our patrons.