
The newest installment in the 100 Years of Beauty series shows off some of Japan’s most famous fashions of the last century.
Cut’s 100 Years of… video series is not only incredibly popular, it’s also downright fascinating. Even if you’re not a huge history buff, it’s amazing to see how fashion has changed over the years — and to try to imagine all the social, cultural, and economic influences behind each variation. Their women’s fashion videos have spanned the globe, and it’s finally Japan’s turn to step in front of the camera!
▼ Check it out below!
If you can’t watch the video right now, worry not! We’ve got screen shots of model Mei Kurahashi in the fashion of each of the decades from 1910 to 2010. Mei is an artist and actor currently living in Seattle but was born and raised in Japan, making her an excellent candidate to demonstrate some of Japan’s most popular looks of the last century!
Towards the end, the video offers multiple fashions for each decade, including the look of the ganguro and other alternative styles popular during their time. Keep an eye out for the pink backgrounds that indicate those less mainstream (but still popular) styles!
Cut also released a research video with information about all the fashion, makeup, and hairstyles above, providing some helpful historical context. Not every look was necessarily commonly worn by women of each decade, but there’s little down that each style had a big impact culturally.
So, which decade was your favorite? Are there any older styles you wish would come back? Let us know in the comments section! And if you haven’t seen them yet, be sure to check out the other videos in the 100 Years of Beauty series, like this one for China.
Sources: YouTube/WatchCut Video via Gigazine
Featured image/images: YouTube/WatchCut Video
Now watch:
A century of Chinese beauty trends in less than a minute【Video】
















Watch a century of Chinese beauty trends in less than a minute【Video】
30 years of Japanese hair and makeup trends, all modeled by one beautiful woman【Video】
Sayonara Heisei Brows: Japanese makeup video takes us through an era of eyebrow beauty trends
Spot the difference? Japanese women’s hairstyles in the 1910s were amazingly… similar
Beautiful YouTuber shows Japanese and Korean makeup trend differences in half-faced comparison
The Japanese city where ordering grilled chicken doesn’t guarantee you’ll actually get chicken
Studio Ghibli adds new Jiji’s baby plush toy to its anime merchandise range in Japan
Japanese airlines set to cut fuel surcharges for international flights in September and October
Delta Airlines adds first nonstop flight between Japan’s Narita Airport and U.S. in seven years
Beautiful off-the-beaten-path spot near samurai castle in rural Japan looks like a Monet painting
Tokyo sweets store has a “350% Pudding Soft Serve”, and people are going wild for it
Hello Kitty x Godzilla Happy Meals are coming to McDonald’s, but not in Japan [Video]
Japanese figure skating star Yuzuru Hanyu and Winne-the-Pooh announce crossover merch line [Pics]
This beautiful Okinawa beach gives you the best of both worlds when visiting the prefecture [Pics]
Wagyu ramen for foreign tourists appears in Kabukicho, with a very high price tag
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Anime fan in Japan arrested for ordering and cancelling over 4.3 billion yen in anime merch
Starbucks Japan teams up with Traveler’s Company for new stationery and goods collection
Japan’s new beer glass is designed to force you to drink…water [Video]
Beautiful Totoro bonsai figure needs no watering, makes soothing rain showers whenever you want
End of a manga era as Weekly Shonen Jump’s circulation drops under one million
This beautiful rural Japan river is a great alternative to touristy summer retreats [Photos]
Studio Ghibli releases new Kiki’s Delivery Service Jiji music box for anime fans
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
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]
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Air-conditioned dress shirts arrive in Japan to save working professionals from sweltering heat
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
Cup Noodle unveils first-ever cold-water instant ramen in Japan
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
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
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
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
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Anime magical girl spokesmodel tells Japanese women not to feel bad about dying their hair【Video】
Japanese video shows what life was like in Tokyo and Mt Fuji over 100 years ago
Animated video looks at 40 years of women’s fashions in Japan as Tokyo landmark gets set to close
Fendi’s latest collection features garments made using kata-yuzen, a historic Japanese dyeing technique
How to tie a women’s summer kimono sash 【Video】
Breathtaking pixel art video shows 100 years of Japanese work culture changes【Video】
Nothing is more relaxing than watching this Japanese artist drawing with Daiso crayons【Video】
Japanese actress wows in stunning edible dress made of vegetable slices【Video】
Japanese train history plays out like a sliding doors rom com in 100 Years Train ad 【Video】
Amateur filmmaker’s videos are a time capsule of Tokyo in the year 1990 【Video】
Rice bran, the skincare product used by Japanese women for centuries and now Chloë Grace Moretz
Japan’s 59-year-old “eternal idol” amazes fans with hasn’t-aged-a-day self-cover【Video】
Japanese cosmetics ad has women recoiling in horror as ugly man tries to help one of them【Video】
Sheena Ringo’s latest music video leaves us spellbound by its traditional Japanese aesthetics
Tokyo miracle hairstylist returns with new geek-to-chic video, plus how to have him cut your hair