There is no denying the fact that Japan has a number of positive aspects attached with it. The land of the Rising Sun is beautiful and eye-catching with its ancient culture, breathtaking attractions, nice people and lots more. However, it may appear to be weird at times, thanks to the bizarre trends which are too strange that people might find it difficult to believe them to be real initially.
From temporary bagel on forehead to the use of different face-training devices, from Shironuri to their craze towards face filter apps for making eyes look enlarged, there are many unusual trends in Japan. Take a look at 15 of them!
We have seen that parents have to try very hard to stop their babies from crying but as per a Japanese tradition, the kids are encouraged to cry for one day. Nakizumo Festival which is being celebrated in Tokyo for the last 400 years is said to bring kids good health. In this festival, the sumo wrestlers hold the babies, shake them gently and make funny faces so that kids start crying. This is done to save the kids from evil spirits.
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The whole world is running after a beautiful smile but a trend in Japan is gaining popularity in which people are paying money to get their teeth crooked. The trend is called ‘Yaeba’ and it is more popular among the Japanese women who are undergoing the process of getting their teeth crooked to attract men.
Even the Australians loved it and it got popular in Australia in the past few years. However, an official of Australian Dental Association warned people that following this trend can cause problems for lips and speech.
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This trend is actually originated in Canada and not in Japan; however, it’s getting much popular there. This is a saline injection which works on a temporary basis and utterly vanishes in 24 hours. It’s indeed costly and largely used in underground scenes. Although this trend is not prevalent yet it still exists. Doesn’t it look weird?
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For enlarging eyes, Japanese resort to various tips and tricks; for instance, contact lenses, surgery, etc. However, with the advancement of technology, this can be done without spending money and with the help of face filters on Instagram. Such apps enable them to get big anime-like eyes along with even-toned skin which looks graceful, glowing and smooth.
The traditional idea of beauty in Japan is light and white skin and dark hair. In the 1990s, there was a reaction against this notion of beauty and it gave birth to a trend which is known as Ganguro. The meaning of Ganguro is “intensely black” and there are many Ganguro cafes in Japan where women have tanned brown skin and light hair- mostly blonde, orange or gray, waiting to serve you and give you a Ganguro look. Lips, a portion around eyes and the front part of the nose are also painted white. Tourists can get to see a completely new Japan if they visit these cafes.
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You must be familiar with dog or cat cafes but have you ever heard about owl cafes? Well, that’s the uniqueness of Japan which makes it different from other parts of the world. While we may find the idea of hanging out with owls a little weird, it’s being loved by Japanese and there is no wonder as to why the number of owl cafes is gradually increasing in the country. Walk around, click pictures and pet cute owls; one can even hold an owl with the help of staff members and people usually find the overall experience delightful.
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This is definitely of much use for those women who find it difficult to apply lipstick flawlessly without leaving a spot outside lips. Even though this template is not a trend itself but it’s the part of a trend called ‘chindogu’ which means ‘unusual tools’ for everyday common issues. This may not be a perfect tool but who knows it could be the beginning of some invention which can get pretty popular in future.
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Japanese people are said to be very open about their sexual desires and needs so while visiting Japan if you get to see vending machines selling used female underwear, don’t be surprised. If you also want one for yourself, search for the machine which has “Gentleman” written on the top of the machine. The price of such female used underwear starts from 12 USD.
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This is one more crazy eye trend for which Japanese have shown interest. The motive of this tool is to make a double eyelid and it is a perfect gadget for those who want to enhance the look of their eyes without opting for surgery. Isn’t it nice and useful?
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Some of the most uncommon face masks with massaging tools and effects like gym and sauna can be found in Japan. Such special masks are designed for the exercising of the face and are of much use for improving blood circulation, toning cheeks and reducing wrinkles. It may sound bizarre but there are many who don’t mind doing even weird things to look young.
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It was in May 2018 that a cosplayer from Japan Yui Okada posted this trend which is actually a new and different way to wear a backpack. As per Yui Okada, this method is comfortable, safe and sexy and to prove her point correct, she even shared several pics of boobpacking wearing just a bra.
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The meaning of Shironuri is ‘painted white’ and in this trend, clothing style does not matter but what is actually important is the white skin. There could be a traditional Japanese dress or any other outfit but the skin has to look white. It can be done either by painting it with cosmetics and beauty products or by covering with a cloth of white color.
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Nyotaimori is a trend which has been slammed many times and it means making arrangement on a female body. This trend is all about placing sashimi or sushi on an absolutely still and nude female body. The trend has its origin in the samurai times when it was carried out to celebrate victory in war. Nantaimori is the male version of this trend.
Having a meal from a nude body is not healthy at all and it doesn’t even make food any more delicious. It is just about the bold statement that it makes and now Nyotaimori is said to be practiced in Los Angeles as well.
This trend started in the late 90s and got popular in 2000s but now it has made a comeback in a strong manner. The word Decora has got its root from the English word ‘decoration’. The make-up and dressing are done in such a manner as to make people look child-like. Accessories are the most interesting part of this trend and used a lot, mostly bright in color, for example - bracelets and necklaces, multi-colored socks, stockings, leg and arm warmers, face stickers, glitter, colorful band-aids, bobby pins, clips, and bows.
Japanese are known to be workaholics and their work culture is pretty stressful. It has also been seen that the stress levels are so high that few Japanese suffer heart problems. In order to help their women employees get relieved from work stress, a company ‘Ikemeso Danshi’ came up with a new trend in 2015. As per this trend, women who want to get rid of the pressure hire men known as ‘Ikemeso’; he will come to the woman’s office and watch a touching slideshow and some photos together. After that, he will encourage the woman to cry and he will wipe her tears.
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