Different societies, Different Ideals
The reason Japanese and Western societies emphasize different ideals of beauty is not due to physical differences, but rather to the different cultural and social values each society has developed regarding women.
How cultural values shape the meaning of beauty
In Japan, “cuteness” is often viewed positively as a symbol of femininity, gentleness, softness, and kindness.
In contrast, in many Western societies, “beauty” is more closely associated with independence, maturity, confidence, and strength as an adult woman.
Additionally, in Western cultures, the idea of being “cute” can sometimes be perceived as childish or immature when applied to adult women. Because of this, qualities such as self-reliance and maturity tend to be valued more highly as expressions of beauty.
Differences seen in fashion, communication , and self-expression
These cultural differences can be clearly observed in everyday life.
In Japan, fashion often emphasizes modesty and cuteness, such as skirts and dresses that do not strongly highlight body lines. Clothing that exposes a lot of skin or strongly emphasizes the body is sometimes viewed negatively or considered inappropriate in daily settings.
In contrast, in Western countries (though this varies by country), clothing that shows body lines or includes more skin exposure—especially during summer—is generally accepted as a normal form of self-expression. While outfits that go too far may still receive criticism, they are often seen as a matter of personal choice rather than something improper.
When I studied abroad in Australia, I was personally surprised to see women wearing leggings as everyday outerwear. In Japan, leggings are typically considered underwear or something worn under other clothing.
Differences also appear in communication styles. Japanese women often avoid expressing their true opinions directly, especially with people they do not know well. One reason Japanese women tend not to speak very directly is that society has long encouraged women to communicate in ways that avoid standing out and maintain social harmony.
As relationships deepen, they tend to speak more openly.
On the other hand, Western women generally express their opinions more directly and clearly, without relying on indirect or ambiguous language.
This contrast is also visible on social media. Many Japanese women choose profile photos that do not clearly show their faces, while Western women more often use photos in which their faces are clearly visible. This reflects different attitudes toward self-expression and social confidence.
Beauty is not about appearance, but about values
These examples show that the difference in beauty ideals between Japan and Western societies is not simply about appearance. Rather, it reflects deeper cultural and social values that each society has shaped, accepted, and reinforced over time.
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