Due to an influx of spam accounts getting through and joining the site, user registrations have once again been disabled until further notice as we work on a different solution.

KERA

KERA (ケラ) is a Japanese punk fashion and beauty magazine. It was formerly known as KERAOUAC and is credited with starting the Gothic & Lolita bibles and KERA MANIAX photomook.

Beginning circulation in October 1998, the magazine focuses mainly on punk fashion and rock music. Each issue has a section called Harajuku Street Snap, which showcases some of the most unique or coolest fashions from the popular shopping area. Harajuku isn't the only place for KERA's Street Snaps; there have been features in London, Germany, and other areas of Tokyo such as Shibuya.

Although it began as a bimonthly publication, starting with the April 1999 issue it became monthly.

Other publications

KERA has a few spin-off publications and photomooks. These are generally much thicker with nicer binding but are released far less frequently. The price is also more expensive.

KERA MANIAX

KERA MANIAX (ケラマニアックス) is like a larger version of the magazine KERA. It almost always includes goodies for buyers such as stickers or sewing patterns. Street Snaps are included heavily in these special editions and often fashion from other countries are showcased. The first issue was sold in September 2003 and featured Tsuchiya Anna as the covergirl. She holds the record for most cover appearances at six (there are currently nine in total) - Fukada Kyoko was featured on two others, and Becky on the other one. Each issue costs about 1000yen, but a special edition of the mook was released December 2006 entitled "7.8 Special", which cost 880yen. It was likely titled this in commemoration of NANA 2.

Releases of this are rather sporadic, but recently they seem to have been coming out every three months.

Gothic & Lolita Bible

By far the magazine's most popular publication, the Gothic & Lolita Bible (ゴシック&ロリータバイブル) has been published since January 2001. Even though it has a loyal fanbase both nationwide and internationally, many of its readers don't read KERA. The Gothic & Lolita Bibles all focus highly on fashion for the gothic & lolita fashion subcultures and contain several sewing patterns. Interviews with artists are often included as well, but the focus is put on fashion foremost.

Because the gothloli subculture has been featured often in various anime and manga (and some cosplayers are in the mook), several anime and manga fans who wouldn't otherwise be interested also read the mook. The mook has been called "otaku zasshi" (nerd magazine) because of this. Nearly every issue features an illustration for its cover; this is also thought to be where some of the criticism comes from.

So far, with a total of three times there have been human cover features. Surprisingly, gravure idol Ogura Yuko holds two of these. The other was for the special Gothic & Lolita Hair & Make Bible released in August 2004, with Kana on the cover.

Each issue costs a little below 1400yen, but many online dealers sell theirs for $25-30 because backissues of the publication are hard to find.

KERA BOYS

Beginning publication in August 2005, KERA BOYS (ケラボーイズ) focuses on fashion for KERA's men readers. The magazine doesn't seem to focus highly on alternative fashion; slightly more elegant and stylish outfits are showcased. Street Snaps are also included in the magazine.

Each issue costs 580yen, but currently there are only two issues (the last was released in March 2006). Popular actor Tsukamoto Takashi graced the first cover, while boy band w-inds. member Ogata Ryuichi is on the second.

Frequent Models, Bands & Talents in KERA

This is a partial list of celebrities/models who have been in the magazine on many occasions. It is separated into three sections: models almost exclusive to the magazine, artists/actors who guest model, and former models (who may also guest model).

Models

Artists, Actors, Actresses & Bands

Former Models

External Links

Retrieved from "http://www.generasia.com/w/index.php?title=KERA&oldid=25382"