LOS ANGELES (Kyodo) From Tokyo's trend-setting Harajuku shopping district to the timeless artistry of kimono hand-woven in Kyoto, Japanese style and culture are growing sources of inspiration for American fashion designers and artists.

That influence has emerged in a variety of forms -- Tokyo street-style couture and restyled kimono have appeared on New York fashion runways, while chic Los Angeles boutiques showcase jewelry adorned with variations on Hello Kitty, the ubiquitous cartoon cat.

"Japanese culture definitely influences American fashion," said Jason Campbell, founder and editor in chief of JC Report, a global fashion trend-tracking Web site, which will start a Japanese-language version in February.