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Feb 10, 2026

Is there less pressure for "futae" in recent years?

As I explained in my previous post, "futae" is an eyelid that has a crease in it, sometimes called a 'double eyelid'. An eye without a crease is called a "hitoe". For a few decades, there seemed to be an obsession with "futae" in Japan. It seems to be on a downward trend in recent years though. 


It will be no surprise to learn that media played a large role in shaping the "futae" standard in Japan. For decades, Japanese magazines, idols, and actresses tended to feature people with futae, which subtly framed it as the “ideal” look. "Futae" were promoted as being rounder, more open and expressive. To that end, there was (still is) a whole futae-enhancing market, with things such as eyelid glue, eyelid tape, futae-creating cosmetics. 


From the 1990s to the 2010s, particularly the 2000s, there was even a boom in people undergoing surgical procedures to turn their hitoe into futae. But the younger generation seem to embrace their "hitoe" more readily. Modern makeup artists celebrate the "hitoe" eyeliner styles, natural looks and individuality. While there is still a market for "futae" products and even surgical intervention, it's not like it was in previous generations. The pressure is lower and the obsession seems to have eased. What do you think?


Is there less pressure for "futae" in recent years? photo

BigfamJapan

BigfamJapan

Former nickname was "Saitama". Changed it to save confusion on place review posts! Irish, 20+ years in Japan! I also write on my personal website: insaitama.com


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