Clips from 1993’s コギャルナイト

The Para Gals, affectionately known as Paradise Gals, were the pioneering figures of the Gyaru culture and movement in Japan during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Influenced by the vibrant nightlife of Los Angeles and enthralled by Para Para dancing, these young women left an indelible mark on the Japanese subculture scene.

At the heart of their identity was their love for nightlife and Para Para dancing, a dance style that dominated the club scene during that period. The energetic dance moves, characterized by lively arm and leg gestures, were perfectly complemented by the popular dance tracks of the time, predominantly Eurobeat and Italo disco. Their preferred hangout spots included iconic clubs like Juliana's, Maharaja, and Velfarre, known for their pulsating music and lively ambiance.

Accompanying the Para Gals were their male counterparts, nicknamed "Teamers," who were Yankiis renowned for their tough image and ability to host exclusive parties at the aforementioned clubs. Dressed in American Casual attire, such as Sukajans, leather jackets, flannel shirts, and sneakers, these Teamers were the ones responsible for organizing gatherings that were attended by the Para Gals, either as their girlfriends or by purchasing tickets after school.

The bond between the Para Gals and the Teamers was formidable, and they often socialized together at various clubs and events. Interestingly, the Teamers' own fashion sense would later evolve into the iconic Ganguro style, which gained popularity during the Kogal boom. Kogals, a subgroup of Gyaru, were known for their tanned skin, bleached hair, and heavy makeup. The Para Gals' fashion sense, heavily influenced by Los Angeles style, included platform shoes, miniskirts, and flashy accessories, reflecting the fashion trends prevalent in LA at the time.

In conclusion, the Para Gals, or Paradise Gals, played a pivotal role in igniting the Gyaru culture in Japan. Their enthusiasm for nightlife, Para Para dancing, and their inadvertent influence on the Ganguro subculture contributed significantly to the emergence and acceptance of the Gyaru movement within Japanese society. The term "Para Gal" was originally coined by JJ magazine, reflecting the girls' motto of "Every day is paradise," emphasizing their prioritization of after-school and nightlife activities over formal education. As we look back on the Heisei era, we recognize the lasting impact of the Paradise Gals in shaping and defining the unique Gyaru subculture in Japan.