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CRAZY, STRANGE JAPANESE NAIL ART: DECORATED FAKE NAILS, DECORA HARAJUKU STYLE MANICURE.

Holy Basil! I have a Mt. Fuji-sized memory stick of photos and video from TOKYO to share with you. Starting tomorrow, you’ll be deluged with coverage of out-of-this-world Harajuku fashion and cyber Gothic parties… and the reason for this trip will be revealed, ooh!

Til then, you can stare at my crucifix-stamped nails. After my first (and last) professional manicure, I’ve been experimenting with DIY nail art. This one was relatively easy: I painted on a black base coat, then drew crucifixes on top using silver polish from a Japanese dollar store. I like how you can recognize the crosses from a distance.

Weird strange odd Japanese nail art, best decorated nails with cute kawaii roses and flowers, stick ons. Care bears manicure and fake nails

Of course, nothing beats the nail art I see around Tokyo. Salons in Shibuya and Harajuku advertise wild, Rococo stick-ons and paint-jobs like the ones pictured above and here. Wouldn’t these Care Bears look amazing with a Fairy Kei outfit?

Weird, strange nail art, Japanese crazy wild bizarre decorated nails. Long fake nails with stick ons, nail decorating competition, top best nail artists.

There is such a thing as going too far… These gilded monstrosities make me think of that “tree hands man” I saw on TV (shudder, I dare not link to a photo!).

Have you seen some inspiring Japanese nail art on the net? Send me a link in the comments!

Song of the Day #99: Time Bandits – I’m Only Shooting Love (A 1985 funky-disco track I’m sort of obsessed with.)

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93 Comments

  1. Teefie
    Posted April 27, 2009 at 3:22 am | Permalink

    I adore your crosses, I might have to do that sometime… but…
    what in the mother of nail art, Japan!?

    How do these poor people do anything!?
    I can't even find them cute ;~;

  2. Teefie
    Posted April 27, 2009 at 10:22 am | Permalink

    I adore your crosses, I might have to do that sometime… but…
    what in the mother of nail art, Japan!?

    How do these poor people do anything!?
    I can’t even find them cute ;~;

  3. kat - rock n roll bride
    Posted April 27, 2009 at 5:42 am | Permalink

    aaargh I totally regret that i didnt buy some hello kitty crazy nails when we weer over there! i LOVE the crazy arse nails!

  4. chelsea
    Posted April 27, 2009 at 5:49 am | Permalink

    I don't even understand the bottom left hands but really want to try one of the more tame versions at home.

  5. kat - rock n roll bride
    Posted April 27, 2009 at 12:42 pm | Permalink

    aaargh I totally regret that i didnt buy some hello kitty crazy nails when we weer over there! i LOVE the crazy arse nails!

  6. chelsea
    Posted April 27, 2009 at 12:49 pm | Permalink

    I don’t even understand the bottom left hands but really want to try one of the more tame versions at home.

  7. seed
    Posted April 27, 2009 at 9:09 am | Permalink

    AHHHHHHH i've seen the tree man on tv as well x_x!
    there's a girl in my illustration class that has her own business in nail art and decking out ppls phones and stuff…i think she's frm japan, i can't remember for sure but she brought in pictures to show the class, KAWAII! i thought about asking her to do my phone but it's very time consuming and she probably doesn't have time to do anything with school right now.

  8. Lhene
    Posted April 27, 2009 at 9:24 am | Permalink

    I can't imagine having nails that long (fake or not). How would you write, or type, or do anything?! It would be hard to just hold onto a bar on the subway!

    But I really, really like the black sparkly nails with the flowers.
    Oh, the choices I have to make… *sigh*

  9. Anonymous
    Posted April 27, 2009 at 4:09 pm | Permalink

    AHHHHHHH i’ve seen the tree man on tv as well x_x!
    there’s a girl in my illustration class that has her own business in nail art and decking out ppls phones and stuff…i think she’s frm japan, i can’t remember for sure but she brought in pictures to show the class, KAWAII! i thought about asking her to do my phone but it’s very time consuming and she probably doesn’t have time to do anything with school right now.

    • lacarmina
      Posted April 27, 2009 at 6:32 pm | Permalink

      The tree man!! I couldn’t change the channel… even though I wanted to… :

  10. Lhene
    Posted April 27, 2009 at 4:24 pm | Permalink

    I can’t imagine having nails that long (fake or not). How would you write, or type, or do anything?! It would be hard to just hold onto a bar on the subway!

    But I really, really like the black sparkly nails with the flowers.
    Oh, the choices I have to make… *sigh*

    • lacarmina
      Posted April 27, 2009 at 6:31 pm | Permalink

      I know, some of my friends have real nails that they grow to 2 inches… I couldn’t function with anything over 2 millimeters!

      • Lhene
        Posted April 27, 2009 at 9:25 pm | Permalink

        How do you grow your nails that long? Mine don’t go over a centimetre; it’s too much work otherwise.

      • megan
        Posted April 28, 2009 at 2:06 am | Permalink

        2 inches! o_0

        I have to keep mine short too (especially since I play guitar).

  11. lacarmina
    Posted April 27, 2009 at 11:31 am | Permalink

    I know, some of my friends have real nails that they grow to 2 inches… I couldn't function with anything over 2 millimeters!

  12. lacarmina
    Posted April 27, 2009 at 11:32 am | Permalink

    The tree man!! I couldn't change the channel… even though I wanted to… :

  13. lacarmina
    Posted April 27, 2009 at 11:32 am | Permalink

    Hahah yeah, this does not compute.

  14. lacarmina
    Posted April 27, 2009 at 11:32 am | Permalink

    Here is more wild Gothic nail art! https://lacarmina.com/2008/04/vampire-o

  15. R Siu Fung
    Posted April 27, 2009 at 11:53 am | Permalink

    maybe this… have good tutorials n.n
    http://naildolly.com%2Ftutorial.aspx

  16. Jackie
    Posted April 27, 2009 at 11:53 am | Permalink
  17. Aytoel
    Posted April 27, 2009 at 1:45 pm | Permalink

    this is too wicked… but pretty! XD

  18. Midnight Eemi
    Posted April 27, 2009 at 1:45 pm | Permalink

    OH MY GOSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  19. Kuro Hime
    Posted April 27, 2009 at 1:46 pm | Permalink

    I prefer the DIY approach, myself.
    I think 3 inch press ons, with roses the size of silver dollars might be a bit much.
    (and unpractical! How are you supposed to do -anything-?)
    Good for looks, and definitly for photo shoots, but in -real- life outings, it might proove too much of a hassle XD;

  20. Lauren
    Posted April 27, 2009 at 1:47 pm | Permalink

    http://www.shangrilanail.com/gallery/index.html

    this place was featured in one of the gothic & Lolita bible English mooks. i like to look at all the designs.

  21. lacarmina
    Posted April 27, 2009 at 1:47 pm | Permalink

    If I had nails like that, I'd put out one (or both) of my eyes!

  22. lacarmina
    Posted April 27, 2009 at 1:47 pm | Permalink

    Great site! The My Melody nails rock!

  23. R Siu Fung
    Posted April 27, 2009 at 6:53 pm | Permalink

    maybe this… have good tutorials n.n
    http://naildolly.com%2Ftutorial.aspx

  24. Jackie
    Posted April 27, 2009 at 6:53 pm | Permalink
  25. Lhene
    Posted April 27, 2009 at 2:25 pm | Permalink

    How do you grow your nails that long? Mine don't go over a centimetre; it's too much work otherwise.

  26. Aytoel
    Posted April 27, 2009 at 8:45 pm | Permalink

    this is too wicked… but pretty! XD

  27. Midnight Eemi
    Posted April 27, 2009 at 8:45 pm | Permalink

    OH MY GOSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  28. Kuro Hime
    Posted April 27, 2009 at 8:46 pm | Permalink

    I prefer the DIY approach, myself.
    I think 3 inch press ons, with roses the size of silver dollars might be a bit much.
    (and unpractical! How are you supposed to do -anything-?)
    Good for looks, and definitly for photo shoots, but in -real- life outings, it might proove too much of a hassle XD;

    • lacarmina
      Posted April 27, 2009 at 8:47 pm | Permalink

      If I had nails like that, I’d put out one (or both) of my eyes!

  29. Lauren
    Posted April 27, 2009 at 8:47 pm | Permalink

    http://www.shangrilanail.com/gallery/index.html

    this place was featured in one of the gothic & Lolita bible English mooks. i like to look at all the designs.

  30. maleva
    Posted April 27, 2009 at 4:14 pm | Permalink

    loved…..so very cuteeeeee
    =~.~=

  31. Anime Attic
    Posted April 27, 2009 at 4:15 pm | Permalink

    AHHHHHH TREE HAND MAN..he is scary ~Moony

  32. Lollipop
    Posted April 27, 2009 at 4:16 pm | Permalink

    THOSE ARE REDONKULOUS! yet they're still fly! lol i love 3-D nail art! >w<

  33. C
    Posted April 27, 2009 at 4:17 pm | Permalink

    WHOA!

  34. Aki
    Posted April 27, 2009 at 4:17 pm | Permalink

    I remember a Japanese girl coming into our class once for a tour of the school, and she had nails very similar to these (hers were silver with little crowns and sparkles on them). I had a feeling you'd be writing about them soon.

  35. lacarmina
    Posted April 27, 2009 at 4:18 pm | Permalink

    I took more photos of nail art while in Tokyo! There are some mad designs…

  36. maleva
    Posted April 27, 2009 at 11:14 pm | Permalink

    loved…..so very cuteeeeee
    =~.~=

  37. Anime Attic
    Posted April 27, 2009 at 11:15 pm | Permalink

    AHHHHHH TREE HAND MAN..he is scary ~Moony

  38. Lollipop
    Posted April 27, 2009 at 11:16 pm | Permalink

    THOSE ARE REDONKULOUS! yet they’re still fly! lol i love 3-D nail art! >w<

  39. C
    Posted April 27, 2009 at 11:17 pm | Permalink

    WHOA!

  40. Aki
    Posted April 27, 2009 at 11:17 pm | Permalink

    I remember a Japanese girl coming into our class once for a tour of the school, and she had nails very similar to these (hers were silver with little crowns and sparkles on them). I had a feeling you’d be writing about them soon.

    • lacarmina
      Posted April 27, 2009 at 11:18 pm | Permalink

      I took more photos of nail art while in Tokyo! There are some mad designs…

  41. Dragonswyng
    Posted April 27, 2009 at 6:24 pm | Permalink

    gaaaaaah I saw that tree man show :: shudders ::
    I agree with other readers, these nails are a trip and great for shoots but irl I just can't see how they function. down here where I live I see ladies of color with them all the time, excpet they are painted and not decorated but are like crazy long. and no that wasn't a racist comment, I just honestly haven't ever seen anyone else do it. I'm sure they do tho. somewhere. but I personally think it's cute when you pierce your pinky nail and hang charms from it :-)

  42. LiTtLe_MiSs_PsYcHo
    Posted April 27, 2009 at 6:29 pm | Permalink

    wow, this is giving me ideas for my next manicure!

  43. megan
    Posted April 27, 2009 at 7:04 pm | Permalink

    Ah man, La, I just looked up treeman! It was icky! >__< I feel sorry for the guy though. I think I would take these impractical nails over that any day.

  44. megan
    Posted April 27, 2009 at 7:06 pm | Permalink

    2 inches! o_0

    I have to keep mine short too (especially since I play guitar).

  45. lacarmina
    Posted April 27, 2009 at 7:06 pm | Permalink

    I watched the documentary! I felt really bad for him when he was forced to join a traveling freak show to make money. Happily, he was treated and most of the “branches” are gone…

  46. lacarmina
    Posted April 27, 2009 at 7:07 pm | Permalink

    Maybe closer to 1 inch, haha.

  47. lacarmina
    Posted April 27, 2009 at 7:10 pm | Permalink

    For those who are interested – here's the story of the Indonesian tree man. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/15691

  48. Dragonswyng
    Posted April 28, 2009 at 1:24 am | Permalink

    gaaaaaah I saw that tree man show :: shudders ::
    I agree with other readers, these nails are a trip and great for shoots but irl I just can’t see how they function. down here where I live I see ladies of color with them all the time, excpet they are painted and not decorated but are like crazy long. and no that wasn’t a racist comment, I just honestly haven’t ever seen anyone else do it. I’m sure they do tho. somewhere. but I personally think it’s cute when you pierce your pinky nail and hang charms from it :-)

  49. LiTtLe_MiSs_PsYcHo
    Posted April 28, 2009 at 1:29 am | Permalink

    wow, this is giving me ideas for my next manicure!

  50. megan
    Posted April 28, 2009 at 2:04 am | Permalink

    Ah man, La, I just looked up treeman! It was icky! >__< I feel sorry for the guy though. I think I would take these impractical nails over that any day.

  51. Maganda
    Posted April 28, 2009 at 1:11 am | Permalink

    i dont think anything is too much. Extreme self expression is something that the japanese are known for. It is very bueatiful.

    :)

    hey p.s you should do an article on Ali Project, one of the forefronts of lolita since 1987

  52. lacarmina
    Posted April 28, 2009 at 1:12 am | Permalink

    Ah great suggestion… will do!

  53. Maganda
    Posted April 28, 2009 at 8:11 am | Permalink

    i dont think anything is too much. Extreme self expression is something that the japanese are known for. It is very bueatiful.

    :)

    hey p.s you should do an article on Ali Project, one of the forefronts of lolita since 1987

  54. trashtastika
    Posted April 28, 2009 at 3:16 am | Permalink

    I got a great set of nails – black with silver designs and diamantes – from the Alamode Markets when I was there earlier this month. They're so long, I haven't worn them anywhere yet! Can't wait to see your pics from this trip – saw a few on Facebook – so many familiar faces!!

  55. trashtastika
    Posted April 28, 2009 at 10:16 am | Permalink

    I got a great set of nails – black with silver designs and diamantes – from the Alamode Markets when I was there earlier this month. They’re so long, I haven’t worn them anywhere yet! Can’t wait to see your pics from this trip – saw a few on Facebook – so many familiar faces!!

  56. Emma
    Posted April 28, 2009 at 6:48 am | Permalink

    Awesome nails! Oh, and – is that Aromaleigh make-up…?

  57. Emma
    Posted April 28, 2009 at 1:48 pm | Permalink

    Awesome nails! Oh, and – is that Aromaleigh make-up…?

  58. Odinsbacklash!
    Posted April 28, 2009 at 12:31 pm | Permalink

    Those nails ARE amazing….and from personal experience I can attest,if you grow your OWN nails naturally long,you CAN function…..tho once they start to split its bye bye:-(

    I had one broken off nail on my left hand so yesterday I glued on a tip…but dammit it came off before the end of the day:-( So much for crazy glue:-(

    I say its better to just grow your OWN nails,even if one hand is the longer one,then just paint your nails any design you want.That is preferable to spending obscene money on a salon manicure.(And I once went to beauty school,albeit for a half year…)

  59. lacarmina
    Posted April 28, 2009 at 12:34 pm | Permalink

    That's what my friends do – grow their nails long and paint them themselves. DIY!

  60. Odinsbacklash!
    Posted April 28, 2009 at 7:31 pm | Permalink

    Those nails ARE amazing….and from personal experience I can attest,if you grow your OWN nails naturally long,you CAN function…..tho once they start to split its bye bye:-(

    I had one broken off nail on my left hand so yesterday I glued on a tip…but dammit it came off before the end of the day:-( So much for crazy glue:-(

    I say its better to just grow your OWN nails,even if one hand is the longer one,then just paint your nails any design you want.That is preferable to spending obscene money on a salon manicure.(And I once went to beauty school,albeit for a half year…)

    • lacarmina
      Posted April 28, 2009 at 7:34 pm | Permalink

      That’s what my friends do – grow their nails long and paint them themselves. DIY!

  61. Magando
    Posted April 28, 2009 at 4:26 pm | Permalink

    lol my friend makes nils like that and sells them for 40 dollars. if you want to have nails like this you should come to california. also a japanese ail salon in melrose in los angeles called MARIE NAILS, does fabulous 3-D designs for a low price. they add sparkles, glotters, props, bows anything you want :)

  62. Magando
    Posted April 28, 2009 at 11:26 pm | Permalink

    lol my friend makes nils like that and sells them for 40 dollars. if you want to have nails like this you should come to california. also a japanese ail salon in melrose in los angeles called MARIE NAILS, does fabulous 3-D designs for a low price. they add sparkles, glotters, props, bows anything you want :)

  63. Faxless Payday Loans
    Posted May 11, 2009 at 6:25 pm | Permalink

    thats cute in all, but I don't know if I could handle all that on my hands. I know that my girls would just it.. thanks for sharing.

  64. Faxless Payday Loans
    Posted May 12, 2009 at 1:25 am | Permalink

    thats cute in all, but I don’t know if I could handle all that on my hands. I know that my girls would just it.. thanks for sharing.

  65. nail art designs
    Posted May 21, 2009 at 12:52 am | Permalink

    With Mother’s Day at the end of the week, your schedule is probably full of mother-daughter appointments. Why not bring in a little more revenue by upselling some themed nail art for the occasion? I found

  66. nail art designs
    Posted May 21, 2009 at 7:52 am | Permalink

    With Mother’s Day at the end of the week, your schedule is probably full of mother-daughter appointments. Why not bring in a little more revenue by upselling some themed nail art for the occasion? I found

  67. LOVE
    Posted July 1, 2009 at 3:42 am | Permalink

    OH MY….THAT'S CRAZY…LOL

  68. LOVE
    Posted July 1, 2009 at 10:42 am | Permalink

    OH MY….THAT’S CRAZY…LOL

  69. britttany
    Posted August 24, 2009 at 3:44 pm | Permalink

    i bet you anyhting that the people who do these nails are fuckin chinks… ugh!!!!! btw chineese ppl killed my brother so i dont like them.!!!!!

  70. britttany
    Posted August 24, 2009 at 10:44 pm | Permalink

    i bet you anyhting that the people who do these nails are fuckin chinks… ugh!!!!! btw chineese ppl killed my brother so i dont like them.!!!!!

  71. Alice
    Posted September 17, 2009 at 12:14 pm | Permalink
  72. Alice
    Posted September 17, 2009 at 7:14 pm | Permalink

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1w5McJi7uD0
    You gotta love Mana-Sama!

    • lacarmina
      Posted September 17, 2009 at 10:31 pm | Permalink

      WOW. Thanks so much for posting this. Those nails… and his refusal to speak. Ridiculous in the best possible sense!

  73. lacarmina
    Posted September 17, 2009 at 3:31 pm | Permalink

    WOW. Thanks so much for posting this. Those nails… and his refusal to speak. Ridiculous in the best possible sense!

  74. raissa
    Posted December 9, 2009 at 5:35 pm | Permalink

    where can I buy???

  75. raissa
    Posted December 10, 2009 at 1:35 am | Permalink

    where can I buy???

  76. raissa
    Posted December 10, 2009 at 1:35 am | Permalink

    where can I buy???

  77. Jakclove
    Posted September 24, 2010 at 2:47 pm | Permalink

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