The Past is just a Shadow of the Future

Hikimayu: This practice, known as hikimayu, involves either completely shaving or painting over the eyebrows, replacing them with smudge-like eyebrows higher up on the forehead. The practice first began in the 8th century in imitation of the Chinese style, using arcs instead of smudges. However, the Japanese imperial court developed its own style starting in the Heian period, creating the smudge-like style. This practice lasted from the Heian period until the Meiji period, when the government banned the practice. Now hikimayu is seen in historical dramas or festivals. The art of lip make up is ancient indeed in Japan. It was an integral feature used by high society women and of course the Geisha. The traditional lip paint was called Komachi Beni, the name derived from the red pigment obtained from the “benibana” (safflower), grown in the Yamagata prefecture in Japan