The Harajuku Barbie has had a truly global trajectory, if by global we mean a process that is highly non-linear, a random coalescing of cultural fragments that are essentially trans-identarian (transcends the traditional notions of identity and nation).
The Harajuku Barbie is the invention of the Bronx's very own Nicki Minaj, the hip-hop phenom who is also a pioneer in that she is about the only female hip-hop star on the horizon.
Harajuku is indeed a city in Japan but they don't have a particular Barbie from there. The Japanese doll, that looks like an anime, is Minaj's alter ego in her videos.
The inspiration for the Harajuku Barbie is not got from Harajuku but from Gwen Stefani who was notorious for using fake Japanese "Harajuku girls" as background dancers.
Now Matell has a real Harajuku Barbie; each piece sells for $1000.
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