Japan is currently witnessing a major resurgence of the leopard print, a fashion fad that symbolized the Heisei era's gaudy 'gal' trend. This “animalier” trend was prevalent in the 80’s-90’s pop culture, bringing age-old elegance to modern style and raising eyebrows across Japan. Now, with growing nostalgia and a retro wave, the nation is experiencing a comeback of this flamboyant element of style, suggesting that fashion is indeed an ever-rotating cycle.

Holiday seasons in Japan typically usher in new fashion trends. This throwback to the Heisei era's 'gal' style (a rebellious youth subculture that thrived in Japan from the 90s-early 2000s) is causing quite a stir. This comeback is driven by nostalgia and a desire for personal expression amongst Japanese youth. As an era-defining symbol, the leopard print holds a cultural significance, illustrating how fashion not only reflects societal changes but also influences them.

Just like in Japan, Western culture also experiences cyclical fashion trends. For example, the recent revival of 90s fashion in the US and Europe mirrors the comeback of the leopard print in Japan. Both instances show how the fashion industry leverages nostalgia and retro trends to engage consumers.