In early 80’s, a very young Hiroshi Fuijiwara at the trendy club, the Tsudaki House, won its “London Night” fashion contest and received a free trip to London. That trip would forever change Hiroshi and as a result, his influence changed Tokyo pop culture. Later, the mid-nineties became the formulative years of the now iconic Harajuku scene and Hiroshi was among a group of friends who helped to shape its street scene which would become a mecca for global creative expression.

The independent ideas and cultural expressions of Ura-Hara would eventually become big business with an international reach into Hip Hop, luxury brands, music, media and international style. With Nigo’s vision, Bathing Ape has become a massive commercial success while Undercover, the influential fashion brand built by Junio Takashi, continues to take the Paris Preta-Porter by surprise each season. In the meantime, Hiroshi Fuijiwara made himself into a quintessential Japanese mystery…hugely respected for his own unique product…his opinion.

Today, Ura-Hara has entered into its second decade of influence, and while the world is trying to understand what will be next, Hiroshi calmly responds, “I actually really like to do the same things as I have been doing.” Hiroshi’s influence comes from his restraint, an uncharacteristic sense of irony and unapologetic honesty. He explains, “Some people are good at showing 200% of their power, I am much better at showing only 50%.” While the public sees him as a predictor of trends, a futurist of popular culture, Hiroshi’s own desire is to concentrate on the present. “I enjoy the past and thinking about the future but what I really enjoy is NOW.” He continues, “When I die, I don’t want to come back, I only care about now.”

Hiroshi and I have been friends now for several years, his very humble and unassuming way make him easy to be around but it’s never easy to completely know what is on his mind. And that is exactly the point.

The power of Hiroshi Fuijiwara is that his connections cross all boundaries of culture and society. It is his willingness to be uncompromisingly honest through words and action that gives his opinion the respect it deserves around the world. What makes this opinion so unique is that it is fearlessly personal on so many diverse subjects. ” I am really good at putting everything on the table. I can introduce anything from a Mercedes Benz to a track bike, Christian Dior to Undercover; anything from a movie, ecology, sports or music. “I don’t need to push anything but just introduce the ideas that I like.” says Hiroshi. Obviously, the common denominator amongst these diverse concepts is Hiroshi himself.

As the Ura-Hara era matures, so do its founding fathers. What happens when youth culture matures? Can these leaders maintain their relevance with their current and new audience? Could Hiroshi’s constant media presence finally be the downfall of his influence? Harajuku is now surrounded by super brands while the alleys of Ura-Hara have given way to small shops owned by large corporations looking for not only profits but also a cooler image. There is a sense that Harajuku and its founders are now at a crossroad of change. Have they outgrown their neighborhood literally if not spiritually?

Perhaps one clue of the future could be Hiroshi’s partnership in the development of content and commerce in new media. Honeyee.com started as a collaboration between himself, Hirofumi Kiyonaga of Sophnet and Hiroki Nakamura of Visvim and is in its second year of existence. This site has gained a worldwide following as a combination of personal blogshere of their invited friends and e-commerce. The experiment has ironically led to traditional media, a new magazine under the Honeyee concept. Through the digital space, Hiroshi has opened the culture of Harajuku beyond the limits of its physical neighborhood. The original audience of his Harajuku scene is now replicated and connected in many countries around the world. Many people from many different walks of life are now connected around the world through his opinions, mirroring his own ability to offer comment on a diverse selection of topics. Once again, he moves forward by seemingly standing still…he innovates by doing the same thing but in a different media space.

Ironically, he claims that he feels a bit inundated by digital technology and prefers to be more analog in his life today. It was common in the past to see a half-dozen remote controls on his coffee table at his home, each connected to new technology or latest gadget. Despite an enviable collection of high-tech cars, you usually see him riding through Tokyo to appointments on a fixed brake bike. Known for his time as a DJ and playing his choices on a turntable, lately he has been appearing onstage as a singer with his acoustic guitar. While is contemporaries have chosen a road to success by specializing in a business and area of influence, Hiroshi maintains the stance of an accomplished generalist.

Ura-Hara is indeed changing but Hiroshi, more than anyone is able to maintain its founding values. He continues to inspire those around him by choosing only things to do that are of his personal choice. He maintains a connection to the street by riding it, he avoids being “big” through his loyalty to skaters, bikers and acting as a catalyst for up and coming young talent.

Hiroshi Fuijiwara continues to be the spirtual Godfather of Harajuku because despite the fame, he has never emotionally left the neighborhood. Instead, he has opened it to a bigger audience in the virtual space to inspire the next generation of influencers.

The magic of Harajuku continues to flicker but the flame is becoming redundant and less original. Thus the inspiration and freshness of Hiroshi has become more important than ever. Despite his enormous power, global recognition amongst the style cognesceti and well-earned financial success, Hiroshi Fuijiwara remains closest to the new generation who dream of being next influential brand. You will see him riding through the narrow streets of Ura-Hara on a daily basis and he keeps an open door to visitors from all levels of society. His classic demeanor makes no distinction between the famous and those struggling to make it.

While Hiroshi Fuijiwara is no longer a mystery… his actions will always surprise us.