Feminine Japan

[akatsuka]

I find that design wise, things tend to be more feminine in Japan than in England (and probably most of the western world excluding Eastern/Southern Asia)

For example, young Japanese men often look more feminine than in the west. This could be due to 'cute' design influences such as greeting cards, designer toys, fashion, shop displays, advertisements, magazines etc being more feminine than the west.

What is everyones thoughts on this?
Do you think Japan is in general, more feminine than the west?
If so, why do you think this is?

I have also been searching for a website that displays up to date Japanese advertising, print or tv based. However, I haven't found anything all that useful yet.

[kusai Jijii]

Have a look at Brian McVeigh's book "Wearing Ideology". It will be of interest to you.

[Dragonette]

What a great subject, and one that's very close to my heart!
Yes, from my point of view, Japan, is very feminine, both design-wise and otherwise.

My theory, despite J-male posturing to the contrary, is that Japan has been quietly controlled by women from way back in ancient history - from the goddess Ama-no-terasu, who gave birth to the land (ouch!), the warrior Empress Himiko - to the traditional kanai (housewife) who controls family finances, raises the children, etc., while daddy often appears late at night, either drunk or with nothing much to contribute other than his paycheck. So, the otokonoko absorb much of mama's tastes, fears and values, and many J-guys tend to fear mature (over 14-year-old) women - at least the ones who aren't tied up or in body casts, because they become the all-powerful "mommy" in their heads.

The fad for young guys to actually look like women is fairly new, and may not last too long (I hope). I think that most women prefer "cutie-pies" to hulking muscle-bound types, but the current trend is WAY overkill! A little kawaii is ok, but too much and...

[ttjereth]

Or, you know, it could just be that the different cultures have different ideas of what denotes "masculine" and "feminine".

[maraboutslim]

In many other ethnic groups, men have facial/body hair and a significant muscle mass. And then there is that issue of Japanese men wearing their pants at their waists like women instead of their hips like men...

[Dragonette]

...And then there is that issue of Japanese men wearing their pants at their waists like women instead of their hips like men...

Maybe because lots of J-guys have very little ass, and pants worn at the hip would soon be down around their ankles? Just for the record, my resident ronin has enough to hold up his low-hip jeans, although he does feel safer, in public at least, with a belt.

[halfnip]

The low-rise jeans are a fashion "trend" worldwide. In fact, it's pretty difficult to find a pair of jeans that aren't supposed to ride on your hips as opposed to the older style of jeans. I can't get used to them either.

The thing that amazes me the most is the fad with long, wavy, permed, heavily waxed hair that sometimes looks a lot more well maintained than the J gals walking around Ginza. How long does it take these peeps in the morning to get ready? I've got like 4 different kinds of wax at home, all because I thought I'd actually be willing to dry my hair after hopping in the shower vs. just getting out, throwing on some gel and running out the door..

[hundefar]

[quote="ttjereth"]Or, you know, it could just be that the different cultures have different ideas of what denotes "masculine" and "feminine".

]

No. GOD determined that many moons ago.

[ttjereth]

No. GOD determined that many moons ago.

See the definition that refers to gender roles rather than the one that refers to biology.

[hundefar]

See the definition that refers to gender roles rather than the one that refers to biology.

EVERYTHING HAS BEEN PERFECTLY ORDERED BY THE LORD. JAPS, WITH THEIR MANPURSES AND FEMININE DESIGN, ARE SERVING THE DEVIL.

[Iraira]

EVERYTHING HAS BEEN PERFECTLY ORDERED BY THE LORD. JAPS, WITH THEIR MANPURSES AND FEMININE DESIGN, ARE SERVING THE DEVIL.

The power of Christ compels you....the power of Christ compels you...the power of Christ compels you to buy non-brand name handbags...Vuitton sucks Channel's cock in hell!

[Takechanpoo]

Originally there is no tradition of strong paternity in Japan, compared with China and Korea. But in Meiji era Japan copied German style paternity and mixed it into modern J-style fake paternity. And as you know, it was failed pathetically.
Old Japanese often say "Former Oyajis were so dreadful like thunder!!". But these "dreadful" oyajis were merely given as the role of "dreadful" oyaji which was fabricated to copy Western style paternity by Meiji government to be appriciated by fucking western white dudes. Japan is traditionally feminine country. So it is so suitable as rehabilitarion facility for loser white dudes.

[Greji]

fucking western white dudes

You called? Well, that was last night anyway.
I hope she wasn't related to you Take....