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Zoey Zhang

A Lolita-style singer and father of two in Japan believes dressing up in feminine clothes makes his music softer.
Takuma Tani, 47, who is known for his outfits and vocals, has more than 20,000 followers on social media.
Lolita fashion is a subculture and a style of dress that originated in Japan, in the 1990s. It is inspired by Victorian and Rococo styles.
Tani started learning piano at the age of three and later studied vocal performance in Liverpool, England. After returning to Japan, he became a vocal coach.

In 2005, the band Jikkendai Marmot was formed in Tokyo. Tani was the lead singer, songwriter and composer.
He first encountered Lolita fashion at 34, while working as a part-time model.
One time, when a female model cancelled, staff asked Tani to step in and wear a Lolita dress.
He was hesitant, feeling it was inappropriate for a man and father to wear women’s clothing, but agreed.

Tani looked so striking that staff said he appeared “even better on camera than a female model”.
According to Japanese media, Tani has always been petite and hoped he could look more masculine.
But it was not until he wore a Lolita dress that he found real confidence.
“My petite body, delicate features and soft temperament all became my greatest strengths,” he said.

Tani’s early music leaned toward traditional rock but after embracing Lolita dresses, his music became softer and more expressive.
“I found it easier to write songs about emotions, to express love and gentleness,” he said.
One of Tani’s anime music cover versions has racked up more than 50,000 views on social media.
One fan said: “I was stunned by your beautiful appearance and voice. Even though I can tell it is falsetto, your singing is still powerful and moving.”
“I envy your kids. They have the cutest Lolita father in the world,” said another.

Tani’s mother even helps him pick out dresses and has told him: “Do whatever you want.”
But his lifestyle has not come without challenges.
He once faced sexual harassment on the underground by someone who mistook him for a girl.
He always opts for multi-gender bathrooms to avoid misunderstandings.
Some netizens criticise his appearance and say he does not look like a father, adding that his daughters might be bullied because of him.
“If my daughter ever said she could not accept it, I would stop wearing dresses immediately,” he said.
Tani’s story has attracted wide attention on social media.
One online observer said: “A dad in a Lolita dress is no less than a dad in a suit. Real courage is being true to yourself and living with pride.”


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Japan ‘cutest’ Lolita character is dad of 2, and singer, says girly look makes music softer

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Petite former rock singer ditches masculine persona, finds he can express emotion, has found ‘real confidence’

Petite former rock singer ditches masculine persona, finds he can express emotion, has found ‘real confidence’