When it comes to men and fashion, well up to about two decades ago, most men would wear anything given to them. But the 2000s brought along a stronger consciousness for men, no matter what age, about what t wear. It is more important today to look good. Today, comfort is important, but more important is fashion and style.

When it comes to Japanese male fashion, there are two types of men – the working and sophisticated tribe and the street wearing younger hip-hop lot. In keeping with this disparity the men’s fashion is divided into these two categories. Whether the former category is concerned the trends are simple business-at-work clothing. Well-fit trousers with a large variety of smart-work-shirts. And the latter, there is no end to variety – from self-acclaimed rock stars to hip hop like street gangsters.

The western rock and pop influence reigns most trends but original Japanese trends often mix into them in very successful manners. In fact, there are some local Japanese boy bands that are considered to be fashion icons not only their home country, but even in other western nations. They have that impact, because of their trend-setting ways.

This consciousness made the market react. Shibuya’s it-mall 109 opened up a “little brother”, the 109-2 with a whole floor completely dedicated to the latest trends for males. In Osaka a whole department store, the Hankyu Men’s building, opened up in 2008. And there are tons of magazines out there helping each group of men finding the latest trends.

Three recent trends in male fashion might seem a little strange to the western eye but in Japan they were heartily welcomed. One is the male-bra which is ought to give men a stronger understanding of what women feel. And most of men’s fashion is about empathising with women, so it’s quite understandable that men actually wear it. They feel closer to women and better packed in their styling.

The next trend is named Meggings and Mantyhose. So what is this now? Those are the male versions of leggings and pantyhose! They are worn under short pants for example and give a statement with colourful patterns and decoration. They contain a "male comfort panel" that better fits a man's shape, as well a fly opening.

"It's fun, but no joke," male hosiery-wearer Harisnya told News.com. He's so adamant that both men and women should be encouraged to wear the sexy, sheer garment, he has set up a Web site to promote it. "Men have great legs and hosiery is a great way to show them. It's quite practical in some ways. It prevents chafing, for example, when horse riding or cycling, but it's also a good alternative to bulky underwear if you need some warmth."

Last but not least are the so-called “salon boys” The undisputed trendsetters are professional or apprentice hair stylists in their late teens and twenties. Their major turf is Harajuku, Tokyo's premier hair salon battleground. Known not only for sporting the very latest hairstyles, as one would expect of their profession, but also for mixing designer brands with vintage and second-hand clothes, they pay attention to the smallest items, including hats, glasses, belts and shoes.

Since 2002 the salon boys have their own medium of expression in the CHOKi CHOKi (“snip snip”) magazine, which features real-life hair stylists as models. Keeping up with and setting fashion trends is a professional necessity for salon boys. Clients expect their hair stylist to adopt, model, and advise on the latest trends. And the salon boys' metrosexual style has proven to be popular with both men and women. Salon boys are credited with launching unisex trends symbolized by fedora hats, narrow ties, and long cardigans