It is extremely rare to see someone with tanned skin in Japan. You can easily guess it with the legendary figure of the Geisha, who has the whitest face in the world.

To be considered dashing in the Land of the Rising Sun, you must have the fairest skin possible. Most Japanese women can put at least 16 beauty products on their face to achieve this fair complexion! Well, seems they have little choice- fair complexion is a symbol of purity in Japan. Also, almost all Japanese beauty products are composed of ingredients which help the skin whiten. But these products, long-term used, can be dangerous for your health. Purity or health?

Added to this are big round eyes (some Japanese women don’t hesitate to use plastic surgery to get double-eyelid surgery), “kawaii” (cute) behavior, almost childish, and crooked teeth. This last technique is also very popular in South Korea.

Having said that, there remains an undercurrent of contradiction- a people thriving and well famous for their emphasis on hard work, can define beauty by a made-up porcelain complexion, or a surgical intervention. Life indeed is a riddle!