The girls showed off the new underground fashion trend in one of the city’s most upmarket shopping streets.
Earlier this year, we were introduced to a new trend emerging from Japan’s cosplay scene: Isshoku Hada, or “Unique/Remarkable Skin“. As the name suggests, the young people involved in this eye-catching craze pride themselves on displaying flamboyant skin, which they colour with body paint in all shades of the rainbow.
▼ Japanese DJ and model Miyako is one of the leaders of the new movement.
#新しいプロフィール画像 pic.twitter.com/lil9Y95DyV
— 𝕞𝕚𝕪𝕒𝕜𝕠 (@miyakocore) June 26, 2017
▼ This is what Miyako looks like without her colourful skin.
おはよう☀ pic.twitter.com/6giWZVYBDt
— 𝕞𝕚𝕪𝕒𝕜𝕠 (@miyakocore) September 14, 2017
The unique look is said to recreate the otherworldly appearance of magical characters seen in anime, manga and video games, and while it’s a small and emerging subset of the Japanese cosplay scene, the self-titled “Isshoku Hada Girls” are steadily gaining more attention around the country. Most recently, a group of five girls turned heads after making a rare appearance on the streets of Tokyo last week, where passers-by couldn’t help snapping pictures as they posed for a series of photos.
今日は #異色肌ギャル で和装&おいらんでお出かけしたの〜〜💜❤️💚🍓
— 𝕞𝕚𝕪𝕒𝕜𝕠 (@miyakocore) September 9, 2017
うちらが一番かわいいし🍥🍭🍣🍒💙💚💜💛❤️ pic.twitter.com/sk6d1ZKO0w
Surprisingly, the girls chose not to make their appearance at Harajuku, the city’s well-known mecca for bold, fashion-forward individuals. Instead, the group opted for an evening stroll around Omotesando, the nearby shopping district known for its collection of posh eateries and high-class international designer flagship stores.
💝🌈👘😍🌈💖 #異色肌ギャル pic.twitter.com/7RKrxbAlU9
— ソノラマ🧡 (@sonorama13) September 14, 2017
The girls added some striking flair to their unconventional appearances by dressing in yukata summer kimono and other outfits inspired by Japanese tradition and oiran courtesans.
https://twitter.com/b_c_miku/status/907899468346834944浴衣異色肌ギャル、表参道に参上。#異色肌ギャル #異色肌 #ishokuhada#japanesestreetfashion #streetfashion #photography pic.twitter.com/6FTdwruEUc
— ラマスキー@人を輝かせる写真撮るキンのタマゴ (@lmskii) September 13, 2017
For these girls, Isshoku Hada is all about individuality, self-expression and freedom. They enjoy taking unconventional beauty to whole new levels, with wigs, bright skin tones, contact lenses and colourful accessories helping to pull off the look.
表参道にてⅡ#異色肌ギャル #異色肌 #ishokuhada#japanesestreetfashion #streetfashion #photography pic.twitter.com/iIEWyNPtWh
— ラマスキー@人を輝かせる写真撮るキンのタマゴ (@lmskii) September 13, 2017
ハロウィンに向けて、異色肌ギャルやりたい子増えて欲しい💜💚💛💙❤️
— 須永ちえり👑2冠ミス週刊実話・ミス週刊大衆💜公式異色肌ギャル (@cherry2_s) September 10, 2017
昨日は、歩く観光SPOTだったよw
外人さんのウケ凄くいい✨
カワイイは正義#ウチらが一番カワイイし#むっちりさん #グラドル自画撮り部 #異色肌ギャル #TeamABC pic.twitter.com/o8fwUZjd73
The craze for unique skin is growing in popularity as more young women learn about the trend, connecting online to arrange catchups and photo shoots in unusual locations.
妖精のあつまりか、可愛いすぎる、#異色肌ギャル pic.twitter.com/pw3m5i93Rm
— ねん (@fmxxxlillyxxx) September 11, 2017
As the Isshoku Hada girls slowly creep onto the popular culture scene by popping up on TV shows and news media around the country, we have a feeling this is just the first of many outdoor trips for the head-turning group. Be sure to keep an eye out for the girls and their brightly coloured complexions in the future!
Source: Kai-You
Featured image: Twitter/sonorama13

Japanese cosplayer shocks everyone with dramatically different before and after makeup photos
Otaku shine bright with Japan’s #otaku glow-up championship 2020【Photos】
Is that cute girl’s profile pic really anything like her ‘real’ face?
Japanese cosplayer wows crowds in Akihibara with four-legged centaur costume 【Video, photos】
Nine amazing off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom spots in Japan for yaezakura and shidarezakura
Studio Ghibli unveils new Rollbahn notebook in honour of Howl’s Moving Castle
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Stunning central Japan wisteria festival is like a purple fantasy straight out of a Ghibli movie
Mister Donut wows matcha lovers in Japan with new Dora Matcha doughnuts
10 awesome Tokyo cherry blossom festivals and experiences for this year’s sakura season
Universal Studios’ Sailor Moon theme park attraction is finally coming to America
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
Umamusume food and drinks dash into real world at Family Mart convenience stores[Taste test]
Perfume single cover designed by Chihayafuru manga artist is “Flash”ing into headlines
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
The next time you’re feeling stressed out, you could relax on a Pokémon Psyduck chair from Japan
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
When will the cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Japan this year?[Forecast]
7-Eleven Japan’s giant fried chicken skewer would be too big to eat, so it’s really for cuddling
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
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
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Japan’s number-one cosplayer Enako creates jaw-dropping crowd at Winter Comiket【Photos】
Conan O’Brien arrives in Japan, dresses up as a Harajuku girl in Tokyo 【Pics & Videos】
Crowdfunded Little Red Riding Hood makeup debuts as “sickly look” trend continues
Where are all the beautiful women in Japan? Survey investigates
Ninja bikini goes on sale in Japan, sacrifices stealth for sexy coolness【Photos】
Animated video looks at 40 years of women’s fashions in Japan as Tokyo landmark gets set to close