What is Jirai Kei Fashion & How to Style It? An Exploration into Anime Fashion Ideas

Have you heard of "Jirai Kei"? It's a trending fashion term that has boomed among the young generation in Japan. What exactly is Jirai Kei? How do you dress in this style? This article will thoroughly unveil the Jirai Kei fashion from makeup to clothes to shoes!

• The Origin of the Jirai Kei Concept
• What is Jirai Kei Fashion
• Difference Between "Jirai Kei" & "Mass-produced Type"?
• Jirai Kei Fashion Tips
  • Jirai Kei Clothes
  • Jirai Kei Accessories
  • Jirai Kei Shoes
  • Jirai Kei Makeup
• Recommended Jirai Kei Fashion Items in Japan

The Origin of the Jirai Kei Concept

The term "Jirai Kei" originates from the Japanese SNS term "Jirai Onna," which originally described girls who appear cute and pitiful but become overwhelming in relationships. These girls often exhibit controlling, self-destructive, and emotionally manipulative behaviors that suffocate their partners. In the context of relationships, "Jirai Onna" is a derogatory term. The Jirai Kei style has gradually evolved from this concept.

Jirai Kei: The Dark Gothic Yandere Style

The "Jirai Kei" (in Japanese: じらいけい; in English: Jirai Kei) style that we often hear about now features a dark color palette with Gothic Lolita influences. We often see girls in Japan's Kabukicho embodying this style, wearing black and pink skirts, displaying a cute yet melancholic look, loving Sanrio culture, and exuding a sickly aura, which represents Jirai Kei fashion. It is widely believed that the term "Jirai Kei" started gaining traction on Japanese social media from 2020 onwards, continuing to stir a sensation on these platforms.

The Difference Between "Jirai Kei" & "Mass-Produced Type" Fashion

"Jirai Kei" and "Mass-Produced Type" (Japanese: りょうさんがた) are both popular fashion styles among young women in Japan in recent years. However, unlike "Jirai Kei," the "Mass-Produced Type" typically uses pastel colors as the main palette, combined with "sweet" braided hair and makeup that emphasizes bright, big eyes. This style showcases a typical cute and bright look for girls and is known for being the mainstream look in Japan, resembling mass-produced girls.

Jirai Kei Fashion Tips

Jirai Kei Clothing

Jirai Kei clothing mainly uses low-saturation colors such as black, white, and misty pink, avoiding overly bright colors to better create a "Jirai" feel. Common Jirai Kei items include short skirts and oversize hoodies, featuring a combination of dark and cute elements. It often incorporates seemingly contradictory elements like black hearts and emo-style plush toys, skillfully blending them to create an atmosphere of "cuteness with a touch of danger"!

Representatives of the Jirai Kei style selected by Japanese netizens include "Misa Amane" and Homura Akemi from "Puella Magi Madoka Magica." For real-life styling inspiration, you can search for "Jirai Kei" on social media platforms like Instagram or X (formerly Twitter)!

Jirai Kei Accessories

Jirai Kei fashion typically uses black and white as the base colors, complemented by dark shades like gray and pink, featuring a gothic style. Iconic elements include lace, bows, crosses, and hearts. In overall design, high-waisted belts or harnesses are often used to add styling interest and emphasize a slender waist. Additionally, a bow or tie on the chest is also essential, whether it's a simple ribbon design or an extravagant oversized bow, adding layers to the overall look.

Jirai Kei Shoes

Black platform shoes are a must-have item in the Jirai Kei style, especially those with heart, bow, or chain decorations being the most popular. These platform shoes include not only boots but also Mary Janes, sandals, and loafers, and they are versatile for various styles such as punk, preppy, or Lolita fashion. These shoes provide comfort and add flair to the overall style.

Jirai Kei Makeup

The core of Jirai Kei makeup is to achieve a pale look, creating a porcelain doll-like delicate effect. The eye makeup emphasizes droopy eyes and tear bags, using dark red eyeshadow and blush below the eyes and on the nose tip to create a "just cried" effect. Downward eyeliner and aegyo-sal (eye bags) are also essential, with glitter added under the aegyo-sal to enhance the sparkling tear effect. Lip makeup features deep red or earth tones to emphasize a unique allure. The overall makeup style conveys a sickly, melancholic cuteness that evokes a protective instinct.