#menheratips

[menhera-tips]

Question: I wanna wear menhera but I'm worried about getting weird looks from people on the street for wearing hospital motifs. Any tips?

Answer:

My tip would be to not make it too OTT if that's what you're thinking people will notice. I've worn OTT Menhera before from Menhera themed OTKs to a pastel shirt with a nurse and medical supplies on it.

I'd recommend maybe you could try simple black leggings or simple pants then wear a menhera shirt on top and if people do start giving you weird looks for having a glittery syringe on your shirt also have a cardigan or a jacket if that makes you more comfortable.

These two people are a great example of not too OTT but just noticeable:

But most importantly though, you shouldn't feel like you have to make it lowkey. Wearing alternative/harajuku fashion over time will help you build up lots of confidence and help you realize you don't need others validation if wearing these makes you happy!    

[menhera-tips]

Question: I've gotten interested in menhera, but I feel guilty about it because I don't have a mental illness myself. I really like hospital motifs and relate to the theme of making inside pain visible, but I fear I'd offend someone by wearing it. Any thoughts?

Answer:

I'd say wear it! I myself don't really have a mental illness so we're in the same boat of just really liking the look of hospital motifs! Like you said it's about making the pain visible which is why I also wear Menhera! It's like an awareness statement that while something may look cute and happy from farther away, when you look up closer you notice all of these dark motifs. This can be a powerful and important message whether you are actually someone with a mental health condition or not! :)    

[menhera-tips]

I’ve seen this a couple times so I wanted to say...

It’s “menhera” メ(me)ン(n)ヘ(he)ラ(ra)

Not “menhara” メ(me)ン(n)ハ(ha)ラ(ra)

With an English voice or at least not using Japanese pronunciation it leads new people to write it down “menhara” please note this is not right. :)

Most people get it right but this is just for the people in the back. :D

[menhera-tips]

is it okay to be into this stuff if i’m white? like i’m not appropriating any culture? i just wanna make sure because i know all this stuff really started in japan but i’d really like to try it out if i’m not going to be causing any problems

Race should never matter in your fashion as long as you’re not appropriating a culture! From the way you’re saying this it seems most likely that you’re worried you might be appropriating Japanese culture because it’s a Japanese style. It’s fine though, many people wear styles from all over and the world and as long as you’re wearing the fashion in a respectful way (i.e. not trying to look Japanese, make rude stereotypes, just things stuff like that) just enjoy yourself!

Many fashions like lolita, fairy kei, and more become popular on an international level and people who are black, white, Hispanic, and more can all enjoy the styles. We also have so many great western artists and brands popping up for Menhera such as CherryCheezy who’s become very well known for her anime style illustrations and original designs for Menhera fashion wearers.

So as long as you’re respectful and not trying to change your race you should be fine! Hope I didn’t get too off topic. I’m still getting used to answering questions (^///^)

[menhera-tips]

Question: is it ok if I like Menhera if I don't have any mental diagnosis but I have physical (like my HLHS) it's helped me get over my fear of needles and yearly hospital visits to the cardiologist. tysm!

Answer:

Of course! The answer to your question is similar to what I answered for this one: ( https://menhera-tips.tumblr.com/post/169400095595/question-ive-gotten-interested-in-menhera-but-i ) but yes! Menhera is a style that should give you so much courage and it's great that this fashion style can help you!

Menhera is for everyone except just don't forget that since the style is based of mental illness, the motifs you include in your coordinates should keep that in mind (aka not excessive gore otherwise you are now wearing pastel gore instead menhera motifs are needles (as you stated), pills, and things that would have to do with a mental illness) but from what you said, it seems you got that all down! ;3 Once again though, your clothing choices should make you feel brave and fearless. Own it! ;D