In general, men have a very simple formula they use when determining how much female skin they like to see on display: the more, the better. This of course leads to the corollary, even more skin = even better.
One notable exception to this, however, is Japan’s love of knee-high socks, which leave a small patch of skin on display them and the hem of the skirt. Known as zettai ryouiki, or “absolute territory,” it’s become such a cultural phenomenon that it’s led to the creation of a smartphone game and not one, but two special days celebrating the look.
Now, one Twitter user in Japan claims to have discovered the male version of zettai ryouiki.
First, let’s take a moment to confirm what female zettai ryouiki looks like.
▼ This absolutely qualifies.
https://twitter.com/iyarashiiyo/status/426555720134189057Seeing as men spend relatively little time in hot-pants, skirts, and other upper thigh-revealing attire, zettai ryouiki doesn’t translate directly into men’s fashion. Instead, Twitter user Nakashima723 has proposed the following equivalents.
男女の絶対領域のちがい pic.twitter.com/HmgI6F7q9Q
— ナカシマ723 (@nakashima723) May 19, 2014
First, Nakashima points to a man’s wrist, when framed by the cuff of his shirt and glove, as being incredibly sexy. In particular, the artist says it is precisely the sinew and bone that give this part of the body its special appeal.
Nakashima goes on to offer even another choice for men’s zettai ryouiki, in the form of the space between the cuff of the pant leg and top edge of the shoe. So powerful is its appeal that even if you’re completely covering the area with socks, the tweeting fashion visionary says it still counts as zettai ryouiki.
Eager to see just how effective these visual cues would be, we put together a steamy photo shoot.
▼ Hello, ladies.
▼ And hello, any other ladies.
We realize the wrist in Nakashima’s illustration gets an extra dose of coolness from holding a pistol. Unfortunately, the official SoraNews24 company handgun is in the shop for repairs, so we had to make do with the deadliest instrument we had lying around.
▼ Have you seen what one of these babies can do to a couple of eggs?
We also tested out Nakashima’s footwear idea. We’re assuming that you can get a natural boost from your pheromones by wearing unwashed socks, but we didn’t want any of our fine readers fainting from the unbridled sensuousness/smell, so we slipped on a clean pair, and stood on some kitchen towels because we were worried about damaging the tatami matting.
Honestly, we didn’t feel any more attractive than we usually do, but that’s an unrealistically high standard. We guess time will tell if men’s zettai ryouiki is really a way to drive women wild, or a case of mistakenly-ascribed sexiness on par with Kinki University.
Sources: Togech, Twitter/@nakashima723
Images ©SoraNews24





Absolute territory for ponytails just might be Japan’s newest pinpoint fetish
Penis pocket pants: The latest offering from Uniqlo’s sister brand in Japan
For just 5 yen, Amazon Japan’s cheapest possible outfit will have you looking like 0.04 bucks!
Japan’s Finger Pants capsule toys are exactly what they say there are…and we’re not sure why
How are you supposed to wash a Japanese futon duvet at the laundromat?
Family Mart’s new Famima flagship in Tokyo has a hidden gem that most visitors miss
Face lettuce appears in Japan, with the face of Death Note’s Light Yagami, but why?
Pokémon Card Stores requiring facial recognition scans for entry in Japan in latest anti-scalper move
Studio Ghibli adds new Ponyo glassware to its anime lineup for summer
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
A roadside hair salon stall in China made us Norway’s Haaland for US$1, and warmed out hearts too
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
Starbucks Japan releases a miniature display rack so you can create your very own store at home
Studio Ghibli Laputa figure looks like it’s really flying thanks to cool visual trick
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
Which country’s foreign tourists spend the most money per-person in Japan? Hint: Not the U..S. or China
Giant Evangelion Spear of Longinus to be installed at Japanese train station with Eva art trains
Cup Noodle releases cold-water instant ramen in Japan, but can it really be made with just cold water?
Kodama Shinkansen trains on popular Japan route get a whole new look this winter
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
How to make money with Amazon Japan’s lowest rated, one-yen hat
Rice balls aplenty at the Ministop senbero, but with a special twist【Japan’s Best Home Senbero】