Jirai kei dark side and the meaning of it

Hello, sweet angels! 

I decided to make this post for two reasons: firstly, because I’ve seen some people using the Jirai Kei aesthetic without knowing much about its history, and secondly, because I wanted to talk about what I’ve learned after three days of researching and learning about it! 

First: What is Jirai Kei?

Jirai Kei (地雷系) literally translates to “landmine type.” It’s a Japanese subculture that started appearing in Kabukicho and Tokyo.

Jirai Kei started becoming more popular in Japan around the early 2020s. Its key colors are black and pink, although you can also see red, white, and other colors. The aesthetic often combines a dark appearance with a cute, doll-like style.

The term and aesthetic are also connected to stereotypes surrounding people who may be struggling with difficult circumstances, loneliness, or mental-health issues while presenting themselves through a cute and feminine style. However, it’s really important not to assume that everyone who dresses Jirai Kei is actually going through these things.

Kabukicho & the darker side of the culture

If you don’t know, Kabukicho is a famous entertainment district in Shinjuku, Tokyo. It has also become associated with 

Some young people, especially those who lives with toxic family and has mental issues, have been drawn to places like Kabukicho because they feel they can find people who understand them or somewhere they can belong. Unfortunately, some end up in very unsafe situations

You may also have heard of papakatsu (パパ活), a term generally used for arrangements where old men and some are mafias or just drunk old guy who act like rich and take advantage of minors or young ladies 

There are also other ways some vulnerable young people may try to make money, and this is one reason the darker side of Jirai Kei has sometimes been connected with exploitation and the sexualization of young women.

And we also shouldn’t ignore how mental-health struggles can sometimes be romanticized or turned into an aesthetic online. Mental illness is not an aesthetic!!

But I want to make one thing VERY clear:

Not every Jirai Kei girl is self-harming, using drugs, smoking, running away teenages 

Many people simply love the fashion and aesthetic. They can enjoy Jirai Kei clothing, makeup, and culture!!

So please try to learn before liking any subculture and get knowledge, don't wear things without knowing their story this called blind imitation! thank you anyway for reading 

Where I get my informations : 

YouTube :

Google  : https://aesthetics.fandom.com/wiki/Jirai_Kei

https://acubi.blog/jirai-kei-fashion/

https://jbpress.ismedia.jp/articles/-/88256 (Kabukicho informations) 

https://japanwithlovestore.com/blogs/blogs/jirai-kei-fashion

And the others TikTok and Instagram