History of Beauty Standards in Japan Since Edo Period

Abstract

This paper goes through the evolution of Japanese beauty ideals, beginning with the Edo period’s elaborate aesthetics and continuing through the Western influences of the Meiji era, the emergence of the “Modern Girl” in the Taisho period, and the complex interplay between modernity and tradition in the Showa and Heisei periods. Exploring how these standards have been influenced by factors such as social hierarchy, gender roles, and global trends allows us to gain a deeper understanding of Japan’s cultural history and the way beauty has been used to express identity, status, and societal values. This paper aims to focus on the various ways in which beauty standards in Japan have both resisted and embraced change. It offers insights into the broader cultural forces that have shaped them. It not only provides a historical overview but also raises questions about the ongoing influences of these standards in contemporary Japanese society.