In Japan, there are many "classifications" based on individuality and characteristics. These classifications often become popular topics on social media and in the media, as well as in everyday conversations. Even the Japanese band SEKAI NO OWARI mentioned "classifications" in the lyrics of their 2022 song "Habit." This article introduces Japan’s unique classifications related to face types, fashion, styles, personality diagnostics, and generational differences.
Fashion Diagnostics and Styles: Face Type, Body Frame, and Color Analysis
Diagnoses related to fashion, such as face type, body frame, and color analysis, are widely used as tools to help people choose makeup and clothing styles that suit their unique traits. These diagnoses can also serve as a way to enhance one’s appeal or completely transform their image.
Face Type Analysis
Face type analysis categorizes individuals into eight types based on the shape, contour, and features of their face. The analysis determines whether someone has a child-like or adult-like face and whether their features lean more toward straight or curved lines. This classification helps identify suitable fashion tastes (style, brand types), patterns, materials, accessories, and hairstyles.
Child-Like Face
Cute: Gives a gentle and adorable impression. Girly and casual styles suit this type.
- Active Cute: Bright and lively with an energetic impression. Pop and casual styles are a good match.
- Fresh: Refreshing and approachable. Simple and casual styles complement this type.
- Cool Casual: Boyish, stylish, and unique. Boyish and casual styles work well.
Adult-Like Face
Feminine: Exudes femininity, elegance, and a hint of allure. Feminine and elegant styles suit this type.
- Soft Elegant: Gentle, refined, calm, and mature. Elegant and classic styles are ideal.
- Elegant: Sophisticated, glamorous, and mature with a polished vibe. Elegant and luxurious styles suit this type.
- Cool: Chic, modern, and mature with a stylish impression. Simple, cool, or elegant styles complement this type.
For more information about the Face Type Diagnosis by the Japan Face Type Analysis Association, check here ⇒ https://kaotype.jp/
Body Frame Analysis
Body frame analysis categorizes individuals into three types based on the texture and features of their body lines. This helps identify the colors, designs, materials, and items that best highlight one’s physique through fashion coordination.
Straight: A glamorous, well-defined body shape with volume. Simple designs suit this type.
- Wave: A delicate body with soft curves and little volume. Lightweight, soft-textured fabrics and decorative designs are ideal.
- Natural: A stylish body type with a dry texture. Washed or textured fabrics and relaxed designs complement this type.
* For more information about the Body Frame Analysis by the Body Frame Analysis Association, check here ⇒ https://fashion.or.jp/stylecheck/
Personal Color Analysis
Personal color analysis determines the colors that best suit an individual based on their skin, eyes, and lips. It serves as a guide for choosing clothing, makeup, hair colors, and other fashion elements to create a cohesive style and image.
The results are first divided into two undertones (base color groups): "Yellow Base (Warm)" for colors with yellow tones, and "Blue Base (Cool)" for colors with blue tones. These are further divided into four seasonal groups.
Yellow Base
Spring Type: Bright and fresh tones that give an energetic impression. These colors tend to have high brightness and saturation.
- Autumn Type: Deep and rich tones with a refined feel. These colors are often low in brightness and saturation.
Blue Base
- Summer Type: Soft and cool tones that feel refreshing. These colors are typically high in brightness but low in saturation.
- Winter Type: Bold and striking tones with a strong impression. These colors are usually low in brightness but high in saturation.
Seasoning Face Diagnosis
The "Seasoning Face Diagnosis" is a playful way to classify people’s facial features by comparing them to Japanese seasonings. It gained popularity on social media and has been featured in various magazines and media. Using celebrities as examples makes the classifications easier to understand.
Salt Face: Simple and understated features with a clean look. Gentle eyebrows and a soft atmosphere. Example: Kentaro Sakaguchi, Go Ayano.
- Soy Sauce Face: Classic and clean-cut Japanese features with an approachable and fresh vibe. Example: Osamu Mukai, Shun Oguri.
- Sauce Face: Deep, prominent features with a striking, almost foreign-like appearance. Example: Hiroshi Abe, Jun Matsumoto.
- Sugar Face: Round, soft features with a cute and gentle impression. Example: Tomoya Nakamura, Ryosuke Yamada.
Other categories include Vinegar Face, Miso Face, Mayonnaise Face, Ketchup Face, and more.
Fashion Style Categories: Kinds of Girls and "City of Tokyo Girl" Types
By categorizing female fashion styles, you can get an idea of what kind of fashion and lifestyle each type represents.
Girls Categories
By classifying the lineage of girls, you can see what kind of fashion and lifestyle they have.
Casual: A style that prioritizes simplicity and ease of movement. Featuring items perfect for daily life, this relaxed fashion emphasizes comfort.
- Natural: A style that gives off a relaxed and natural impression. It often includes natural materials and simple items.
- Polished: A style that values neatness, offering a sophisticated and elegant look. Suitable for office casual or formal settings.
Mass-Produced Style: A type of fashion that enjoys frills, ribbons, lace, and other feminine details. This style is popular among female university students and fans of idols, which is why it's called "mass-produced style."
- Edgy Style: Women with a dark, devilish charm. This style features black and pink as base colors, platform shoes, twin-tail hairstyles, and bold eye makeup.
- Korean Style: Women who prefer fashion inspired by Korean trends. This style often includes oversized items, mini skirts, and clear, glowing makeup, creating a sophisticated look.
"City of Tokyo" Girl Types
The "City of Tokyo" Girl Type Diagnosis links personalities and lifestyles to various areas of Tokyo, helping to identify "which neighborhood's girl" someone resembles.
- Omotesando Girl: A trendsetter with impeccable fashion sense. She loves café hopping, art galleries, and prioritizes beauty and wellness.
- Nakameguro Girl: Effortlessly chic with a refined, natural style. Interested in vintage fashion and interior design, she enjoys leisurely walks by the river and stylish cafés.
- Shimokitazawa Girl: Creative and free-spirited, she thrives on individuality. A fan of thrift stores and live music venues, she values her unique lifestyle.
- Marunouchi Girl (Marunouchi OL): A career-driven, polished professional with a chic office style. She balances work and leisure while enjoying gourmet food and luxury hobbies.
- Shibuya Girl: Energetic and trend-conscious, she has a strong interest in fashion and beauty. Always on the hunt for the newest spots and trends.
- Minato Ward Girl: Luxurious and glamorous, she embraces a high-end lifestyle. A fan of designer brands and fine dining, she exudes confidence and sociability.
Japanese Blood Type Personality Analysis: Can Your Blood Type Reveal Your Traits?
In Japan, blood type-based personality analysis is a common tool for understanding individual characteristics and interpersonal dynamics. While it's not scientifically proven, many people find it fun and relatable.
- Type A: Known for being serious, meticulous, and organized. Sometimes overly sensitive or anxious.
- Type B: Independent and laid-back, often labeled as carefree or self-centered.
- Type O: Friendly, easygoing, and sociable. However, they can be a bit sloppy at times.
- Type AB: Unique and sometimes misunderstood, they possess dual personalities with creativity and originality.
Other global personality indicators, such as horoscopes or MBTI types, are also widely used in Japan.
Generational Traits in Japan. What are the bubble Generation, the Yutori Generation, and the Satori Generation?
Each generation of people in Japan is influenced by the social background, culture, and economic conditions unique to that era, and forms their own unique values and lifestyles. By understanding these characteristics, we can see what people of different generations value and how they behave.
- Baby boomers (born around 1947-1949): Born during the post-war baby boom, this generation fueled Japan's rapid economic growth. They value teamwork and strive for success.
- Shirake Generation (born around 1950–1965): Characterized by apathy toward politics and social movements following the decline of student protests. Known for the "Three No’s" (no ambition, no interest, no responsibility).
- New Human Generation (born around 1955-1967): Grew up during the technological revolution, adopting new lifestyles and values that earned them the title of "New Humans."
- Bubble Generation (born around 1965-1970): Experienced the bubble economy’s prosperity, known for extravagant consumption and strong company loyalty.
- Baby Boomer Juniors (born around 1971-1974): Grew up amid the second baby boom and the post-bubble recession, fostering a competitive, cautious, and pragmatic mindset.
- Employment Ice Age Generation (born around 1971-1982): Faced tough job markets during the economic recession. They are resilient, frugal, and resourceful.
- Millennials (born around 1980-1995): Shaped by the rise of the internet and social media. They value diversity, individuality, and work-life balance.
- Satori Generation (born around 1985-1995): Having witnessed major societal upheavals, they are realistic and seek stable, conflict-free lives.
- Yutori Generation (born around 1987-2004): Raised under "Yutori Education" (less rigid schooling), they avoid competition, value diversity, and prioritize expressing their individuality.
Global generational terms such as Gen X (born around 1965-1980), Gen Y (born around 1980-1995), Gen Z (born around 1996-2010), and Gen α (born after 2010) are also recognized in Japan.
Japan's "categorization culture" offers a playful way to better understand oneself and others. Whether through fashion, personality, or generational traits, discovering "your category" is both insightful and entertaining. So, which category do you belong to?
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