My last visit to Oahu was cut short, unfortunately, but I did get a chance to do some shopping before I left. It was close to Christmas time, about the second or third week in December. I spent a good deal of time at the Ala Moana Mall in Waikiki. Those of you who may have visited Oahu with a group tour must remember it; as it has been made into an "attraction." Indeed, I do not have to venture too far out on a limb to state that if you do go on a travel-agency designed tour you will find the Ala Moana, like Hilo Hattie's, rather difficult to avoid. 

Among the Japanese I saw, two groups stood out. There was the family group, spanning all generations from great-grandparents to the newborn, and single gender age-defined groups, mostly teens. The family groups were internally cohesive to an amazing degree. Decisions were made apparently without discussion and unanimity appeared to rule. All individuals had their needs met in turn, whether they went into Sam Goody's or the Burger King (The groups avoided all things even remotely pseudo-Japanese).  They sought high-quality merchandise, unlike their American counterparts who might easily purchase tourist-trap items, such as ridiculously overpriced key rings, ashtrays, and t-shirts. Wisely, they weren't shopping for junk. I observed mothers teaching their daughters to examine apparel carefully for minute defects. Anything that didn't meet the grade was dismissed, rendered into the "untouchable" category. Wives glanced at their husbands almost undetectably to get the approving gesture based on the woman's quality assurance guarantee. These groups were efficient almost beyond measure. (Related article:  New York city shopping)

And what were they buying? Far and away the very best the American market could offer. The clothing and apparel styles purchased were what Cosmo might call "Smart-Chic."  Smooth lines, excellently made fabrics designed for good looks and durability. Classic designs like Chanel and Halston, in solids with little or no ornamentation. To some these choices may seem boring, to others they are simply impeccable. Whatever one may choose to call it, brightly colored silk kimonos it was not. I thought to myself they would enjoy Milan and Paris. Among the single gender age-defined groups I could only observe the females properly. The males were too interested in me, and as a trained social anthropologist I know this is no basis for my chameleon-like, fade into the background approach. So I watched the girls' groups. They were young and bubbly; Hawaii was a playground to enjoy. Blonde Japanese girls were everywhere; (my hair is a natural jet black and I intend to keep it that way). Many of them looked very nice as blondes, and appeared to me to have mastered the effect much better than American out-of-the-bottle blondes. It did not appear to be shocking at all; quite the opposite- the effect was in very good taste in addition to being flattering,  I thought. I know that I didn't have a "scientific-sample," but I saw nothing particularly outlandish, perhaps attributable to their socio-economic backgrounds. 

I assume less affluent Japanese are not likely to pop-over to Hawaii for Christmas shopping. These girls attracted the attention of boys. I suppose in any circumstances a tightly packed group of young girls will. The girls showed a bit of haughty indifference. They "had lives," busy with their friends and cellular phone connections. I recognized the "Catholic-school" types, as I was once a Catholic school girl. Purest white blouses, pleated plaid skirts at a demure knee-length, polished black pumps, and carefully sculpted ice cream cones. The make-up was there, to be sure, but nothing ghastly. These girls knew all the tricks of undertones and understatement. They could run circles around American girls without breaking a sweat, or requiring an exaggerated measurement. In the non sectarian girls' groups there was more color: hair, clothing, and every which -wise. As is to be expected they exuded youth, optimism, and cheerfulness, as if the estrogen coursing through their bodies carried with it pure delight. Boots were more in vogue than heels. Jeans much more so than skirts. And tops revealing a confident, but not rash, display of confidence. "Western", "Americanized"; call it what you must, a rose by any name remains a perennial flower. My overall impression was that they all enjoyed themselves. And is that what we would all like to do?

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