In a bid to de-stress and break free from thetensions of daily life, Japanese students andprofessionals are taking to a bizarre trend called'Zentai'. It's a community consisting of people of allages and walks of life, donning full-body lycra suitsand meeting on internet forums, in clubs, atbarbecue parties, and sometimes just on the street.
It's ironical, but the tight suits are actually able to help stressed individuals loosen up, becausesuch behavior is probably frowned upon in genteel circles. Many of the Zentai perceive thetrend as a welcome break from the pressures of living in Japanese society that valuesconformity to tradition over individual desires.
"My family is conservative," said university student Yukinko, a member of the Zentai club. "They like me to be quiet and feminine, but in secret I wear all over tights and let loose. I'm adifferent person wearing this. I can be friendly to anyone and feel as if I can do anything."
The anonymity that the stretchy suits provide is another factor that pulls many peopletowards the trend. "People can't see us and it's difficult to see them," explained Zentai leaderSeiwa Tamura. "So whether one is a teacher or public servant, we become without identity andour true self emerges."