Just a small update for my final project; i'm researching various forms of temporary body modding in Japan. As tattooing and other more permanent have a place in the culture and a certain connotation; being affiliated with Yakuza, many people opt out for a temporary fix.
As body modification can be seen as a means of self-expression or artistic freedom, many people flock toward it. In the aspect of Japanese society, there are certain things expected of students, office worker etc. (just as in the
USA).
However, due to societal and cultural hold on outward expression in conjunction with expectations, the idea of temporary modifications becomes more appealing. In practice, a salary man can get a bagel head friday night, and have it gone by work monday morning. Along with this example, aspects of dying and the trend of chapatsu came into play.
I have to say that I'm still creeped out by the bagel head thing and I may have to avert my eyes during your presentation. You also freaked me out when you referred to "dying." Make sure you spell it "dyeing"!
ReplyDeleteAll societies, I'm sure, have approaches to variations in costuming and appearance, but I wonder if you see anything as somewhat unique in the Japanese situation. Is temporary body mod a big thing in the U.S., aside from temporary hair dye or henna "tattoos"?