The person who runs the fansite Kyarychan has painstakingly translated all of her book "Oh! My God!! Harajuku Girl," which came out in late 2011. In it is an interview with Kyary and her best friend, Seechan. This section caught my attention.
Secchan: It’s true. My parents haven’t spent money on clothes for me since the sixth grade either. Even when I got into junior high, they didn’t. There were also times when Kyary’s parents got mad at her and didn’t make her dinner, so she’d come to my house to eat.
Kyary: They’d hit me so hard that they’d leave bruises. My dad is fundamentally nice, but when my mom says, “Dad, tell her,” he’s incredibly scary. He’d sit astride me and beat me viciously.
Secchan: I once saw her mom roundhouse kick Kyary. I remember thinking “Eeek, Kyary’s family is so scary” when I was in elementary school. My parents are also pretty strict. Our parents are unusual in how strict they are.
Sorta gives new meaning to the book's cover. Now, I'm not one of these handwringers who thinks spanking = child abuse. Occasionally a kid does need to be set right. We have 'Lord of the Flies' in our public schools because of it. But sitting astride your daughter and beating her?
I don't know what to make of the fact Kyary is so matter of fact and remains close to her parents. That would create a massive rift with me and my folks. Even if it is a cultural thing, it doesn't speak well for Mr. and Mrs. Takamura.
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