Have you ever wondered about the development of Japanese beauty ideals that we see today? Although the trends have vastly changed, the modern look of Japanese fashionistas has its root buried deep into Japanese history.
The chronicles called kojiki ("Records of Ancient Matters") and nihon shoki (the second oldest book of classical Japanese history) reveal that even in ancient times, specific beauty customs such as of painting the face with red pigments did already exist. Diverse forms of makeup - such as cheek colors and facial powders - were imported into Japan, along with other cultural aspects from China and Korea. It is said that the first Japanese face powder was produced by a Buddhist priest. Apparently, he delighted the Japanese Empress with his newest invention so much that he set the trend for what should soon become one of the biggest cosmetic markets in the world.
Black Teeth as a Symbol of Beauty and Liberty
During the Heian period (794-1185), Japanese beauty products broke free from the influence of Chinese models and created a more distinct aesthetic of its own. This included straight long hair, white powdered faces, and repainted eyebrows. Despite this transformation, most make-up remained only available to the world of the elite. About the same time, a quite unusual beauty ideal set foot in Japan - the blackening of teeth, called ohaguro.
Teeth, black as night, were seen as beautiful and remained popular as a beauty ideal until the 19th century. Many Westerners who visited Japan described ohaguro as a repugnant Japanese custom which disfigured Japanese women by making the women intentionally unattractive. However, many Japanese girls were allowed a relatively large degree of both social and sexual liberty, so it is much more likely that this social ritual is a celebration of the determination of matured women.
The Beautiful Harmony of Red, White, and Black
By the early Edo period (1600-1868), the focus shifted onto detailed treatises on etiquette, which also included teachings on the adequate way of using cosmetics. During this period, cosmetics generally centered on a palette of three basic colors: red (lip rouge, fingernail polish), white (face powder called oshiroi), and black (tooth-blackener, eyebrow pencil). The white face powder was used to create a stark white complexion, often artfully contrasted to the natural shade of the surrounding skin with a carefully contoured edge at the lower neck below the hairline. The lips were painted onto the white foundation and usually rendered smaller and slightly higher than the natural lip shape.
It was during this era when women were particularly concerned with the application of face powder in order to create a flawless complexion that was regarded as "the essence of a beautiful woman."
Although refinement and sensitivity where cherished traits when it came to the general application of make-up, a trend in the late Edo Period made the use of heavier lipstick increasingly popular. Pigments that were produced from fresh safflowers became so expensive, it was said to be even worth its weight in gold.
Modern Aesthetics for Modern Beauty
With the beginning of the 20th century, the focus shifted toward quick application and more convenient make-up practices that were in strong correlation with the advancement of women in society and, more importantly, the workplace. Face powder and lipsticks began to be sold in a broader range of shades other than the traditional white and red. Emulsions and variations of skincare products appeared on the market as the cosmetics industry became increasingly aware of the Western sphere of influence from the 1910's onward. Especially after World War II, Japan's aesthetics became heavily influenced by Western mass media, especially American magazines and movies.
The Beauty of Old is the Beauty of Today
In present days, Japan has been able to become one of the worldwide market leaders for cosmetics and beauty products and has furthermore been able to firmly establish itself with miscellaneous innovations made in the name of beauty.
Although the white heavy face powder look of the Edo period doesn't hold true today and mainly survives in a re-enactment on stage, beautiful white skin is still a crucial beauty ideal for many Japanese. The leading advancements in scar tissue reduction techniques of the beauty industry are directly linked to the emphasis placed on unblemished skin - a beauty ideal that has been existent long before any Western influence touched the Japanese islands.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
Recommended places for you
-
Tokyo Summer Festivals: Bon Odori, Digital Festivals, and Theme Park Events for August 2024
-
Experience the Magic: Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi Fireworks Festival (August)
-
Farewell, Doctor Yellow! Japan’s Legendary Shinkansen Bullet Train's Retirement Announced - Starting 2025
-
Japan's Rainy Season Set To End July 20th! Summer Is Expected to See Sizzling Highs
-
BicCamera Coupon! Tax-free, Plus Discount!
-
Top Tips for Tourists! Roppongi Project for Safety and Peace of Mind: Creating a Fun and Safe Roppongi for All
Inspiration for Accommodations
-
10 Asakusa Hotels Featuring Views of Tokyo Skytree®
-
8 Scenic Hakone Lodgings with Breathtaking Views of Mount Fuji from Your Room
-
Make Your Tokyo Stay Comfortable! 10 Convenient Hotels with Airport Shuttle Service
-
10 Open-air bath Onsen Ryokans in Hakone for Ultimate Relaxation
-
10 Family-Friendly Hotels with Comfortable Family Rooms in Asakusa
-
Asakusa's Comfortable Long Stay Hotels: 10 Picks with Complete Kitchens
-
Experience Luxury: Hakone's 10 Best Five-Star Accommodations
-
Best Picks for Hotels Near Asakusa Station – Top 10 List
-
10 Best Hotels in Tokyo with Gyms for a Comfortable Workout Experience
-
Enjoy a Comfortable Stay!10 Concierge Service Hotels in Hakone
-
Escape Game: Challenge your Instincts and Team play in Tokyo!
-
Japan's Bath Culture: Tips You Should Know!
-
9 Deli Delights in Tokyo 'Depachika' - Underground Department Store Areas of Shinjuku's Keio, Odakyu, and NEWoMan
-
OMO3 Tokyo Akasaka by Hoshino Resorts: Explore Tokyo's Hidden Gems - Right Near This Awesome New Hotel
-
Ikebukuro Station Area Guide: Top 15 Spots When You Escape the Station's Maze!
-
Spending Wonderful Time Alone in Shibuya - Free Cosmetics and a Hundred-Yen Bus!
- #best ramen tokyo
- #what to buy in ameyoko
- #what to bring to japan
- #new years in tokyo
- #best izakaya shinjuku
- #things to do tokyo
- #japanese nail trends
- #what to do in odaiba
- #onsen tattoo friendly tokyo
- #daiso
- #best sushi ginza
- #japanese convenience store snacks
- #best yakiniku shibuya
- #japanese fashion culture
- #best japanese soft drinks