MITSUYOSHI: JAPANESE COSTUME MAKEUP, WHERE TO BUY NOH BUTOH THEATRICAL COSMETICS. JAPAN PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP ARTISTS.
Japan’s traditional theater — butoh, noh — is all about dramatic, ghostly makeup. Where, o where, can you buy dramatic cosmetics in Tokyo? At Mitsuyoshi, a little shop of horrors in Shinjuku Subnade (the shop-lined pathway below Shinjuku Station East).
In addition to selling specialty cosmetics, Mitsuyoshi offers professional makeup lessons. You can learn how to create intricate geisha, samurai, and leopard looks.
The signature palettes come in all colors of the rainbow. Mitsuyoshi’s makeup brushes are some of the best in the business.
The long, colorful fake lashes… they make my heart go doki-doki!
The products can be a little pricey, so it’s good to invest in a point card. In Japan, most major stores have these “reward” cards that let you rack up points for discounts. Naomi has accumulated a thick stack. (Wonder what the Super Potato is for?)
The Shinjuku Subnade has many fashion boutiques, including Goth-Punk streetwear brand Algonquins.
Cute and colorful, as always.
I’ve always liked Algonquin’s flat boots and decorated bags.
London calling.
Halloween is the best time to be in Tokyo. I was there in 2008, 2010, and probably 2011 for another Pirate mission… the wheels are in motion, my friends!
Bonus: the Subnade has a store that sells… sugary-sweet clothing for dogs.
Where else can you buy theatrical makeup and eyelashes in Tokyo? Okadaya, the fabric and trimmings mega-mart. I have photos and info about Okadaya in this and this post.
Speaking of Japanese horror makeup… Kuroneko, an eerie ghost film from 1968, is playing at the Vancouver Cinematheque from Feb 3-6. The film opens with a gang of samurai forcing themselves into a rural hut and the two women that live there. Fast closeups on the women’s face; long shot of the samurai stepping back into the grove as smoke exits the hut. The stark and chilling imagery — influenced by Noh lighting and dance — continues as the demons seek out their revenge. See the chilling Kuroneko on the big screen or buy the DVD.
Have you ever seen Noh, Bunraku or Butoh plays? Isn’t Japanese theatrical makeup astounding?
Japanese Word of the Day: Cosme = Cosmetics, beauty products
Song of the Day: Elegant Machinery – Black Town (Depeche Mode-ish synthpop.)
SHARE & COMMENT
LA CARMINA
22 Comments
Have a koo~ day !
From Tatsu
Wow, what a coincidence. I LITERALLY just came back from a Nō workshop at my university (Düsseldorf in Germany) where I minor in Japanology. It was very fascinating to meet real Nō actors and have them talk and teach about their art. We even got to pose and recite a bit ourselves. Loved it ^_^
Hehe no way! I loved seeing Butoh performances — the agony of the human form, simply fantastic! I’d love to attend a Noh workshop.
Wow, what a coincidence. I LITERALLY just came back from a Nō workshop at my university (Düsseldorf in Germany) where I minor in Japanology. It was very fascinating to meet real Nō actors and have them talk and teach about their art. We even got to pose and recite a bit ourselves. Loved it ^_^
I need to go to see that store *_*
I’m glad we had a point card… or it would get super expensives!
speaking of movies, do you know if that gothic lolita came out yet? the trailer is still killing me to this day x_x <3
wow i love noh makeup. i wish i could take a class here.
I’ve wanted to see one and the make-up looks awesome.
I’d love to take one of the makeup classes! Such cool transformations.
I’m in love with the Algonquins knee-high boots! *_* Can’t decide whether I like the pink or black better.
amazing as always, la carmina.
xoxo
I’ve been to Kabuki plays. Does that count?
We went to see a butoh performance by Ken Mai here in Finland last fall. He’s sooo talented and he also holds butoh-classes!!
Fantastic!!
if u r still n LA go c a friend of mine and his band tonight. THE JUPITER TIDE
I am fascinated by Noh. I want to take a workshop that comes to my town this summer!
Love to try Japanese fashion!
Japanese fashion is also nice.
I LIKE ~!
You can get traditional Japanese performing arts from http://www.violetmoonworks.com.au in Australia. They ship world wide and have the full range of geiasha makeup as well.