Yumico Tanaka (X) Jan 23, 2009:

up to 19th century --- until Edo period Even during the Edo period, I think strong influences from China existed, it didn't die. But of course as Edo period turned into Meiji Japan more colourful cultural influence came from European countries. Then came Americans. Anyway Haikara... does anybody know for sure the word has nothing to do with Chinese?

Yumico Tanaka (X) Jan 23, 2009:

High-collar? or 拝唐？ China used to be a major foreign influence to Japan in old days, like up to 19th century, and whenever I hear "kara" I remember the fact and I automatically think of China. Yes I know "hai kara san" may have some negative connotation in the post-war times but nowadays youths who don't know the historical background don't care. So, is it really from the English word High-collar originally?

Minoru Kuwahara Jan 23, 2009:

"Haikara" could have negative connotation Since no one here points it out, I may remind all that the term "haikara" used to have more negative connotation. I guess this is simply a familiar usage of the term. Not only does it refer to someone/something close to our time "おしゃれ" "かっこいい" and so on, but also imply "西洋かぶれ" "形式主義" (dunno how to say in English, maybe "Western-mania"?) sometimes condemned of its frivolousness. Pls read: http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/ハイカラ <br>
BTW when I hear "haikara", i soon thought of the manga "Haikara-san ga tooru"which must have been popular a couple of decades ago.