(CNN) - Japan is well known for its quirky fashion subcultures. It
is one of the kookier sides of an otherwise conservative
society.
But breaking some social conventions comes at a price.
"Japan society is all about conforming to the other people," said
Hideaki Kobayashi.
Kobayashi was suffocating, tired of following the crowd and tired
of hiding "in the closet."
"I just want to wear something cute," he said.
His closet is full of "Seifuku," sailor outfits worn by Japanese
schoolgirls.
Kobayashi is attracted to women, and he is identified as a man even
when he's dressed up.
"I feel much more myself wearing this," Kobayashi said.
He began going out in public three years ago, when he was almost
50.
"I was surprised how quickly I became known," he said.
Social media made him a star. People take and post pictures
everywhere he goes.
But while men dressing up as women is accepted on Japanese TV and
in animation, real life reactions can be different.
He says sometimes, people shout insults on the street.
"They're making fun of me, so I just wave," Kobayashi said.
Teenagers are his biggest fan base, some consider Kobayashi a
subculture icon.
"He's very popular with the young generation,” said Alexander
Blackhall, Waseda Juku Administrator. “Obviously very popular with
our kids."
He caught the attention of administrators at Waseda Juku, a private
prep school for teenagers. They learned Kobayashi is a
patent-holding computer engineer, an accomplished photographer.
"This rich character behind the façade," Blackhall said.
So they hired him to lecture these teens on how to think for
themselves, how to be themselves.
In a country where students spend years learning how not to stick
out.
"If there's something you want to do, do that," Kobayashi said.
He calls it the key to a rich and happy life.
"I thought he might he a pervert," said Eguri Kikuchi, a student.
"But he has wonderful ideas and he's really smart."
Kobayashi says his story proves, you don't have to conform to be
accepted.
"That's my message. Be yourself," Kobayashi said.
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