Bygone Japanese beauties

When it comes to TV talents and models, Japan certainly isn’t lacking, with the majority of them, it has to be said, effortlessly conforming to the current characterisation of beauty. Like young Yuri Ebihara for example,

or even that mainstay of the media for the last decade or so, Norika Fujiwara. Who, at almost 37 years of age, is a veritable veteran.

A trek back in time, however, reveals significantly different sensibilities, as bygone beauties boasted decidedly dissimilar features, as well as fashion.

For starters, there’s Hisako Ichijou, a star of the Asakusa Opera, who tragically died at 17 due to lead poisoning from the white face paint she wore during performances. A penchant for paleness that is still very popular today, although fortunately the products used now are distinctly less damaging.

Then there’s Yukiko Tsukuba, who was born in 1906 and became a famous actress, plus a little later in life, a geisha. And while her looks may not necessarily link her with today’s leading ladies, the fact that she was involved in a scandal surrounding some supposedly nude pictures, definitely does.

Plus, for an entertainer prone to eccentricity, Aiko Takashima neatly fits the bill, as the actress burned down her house by putting hot braziers with her woollens to keep them warm in the winter.

Although that said, she doesn’t hold a torch, so to speak, to Chiyoko Sakai, as her elaborate hairstyles, or even hats, were allegedly legendary.

(via the mega source that is Mulboyne at the FG Forums)