Tokyo Blog
Tokyo Story
stephendavidsmith.net, my blog from the metropolis. Tokyo, Japan 2010stephen[at]stephendavidsmith[dot]net tokyo story RSS flickr Tokyo Blog
This is the story of me in Tokyo.
I’ve been asked by someone in Japan to write something on Tokyo Story about yaeba in order to enlighten people outside of Japan. Indeed, I had no clue what it meant, but I’ve seen it first hand here on the streets and subways of Tokyo. Yaeba means ‘crooked teeth’, but usually refers to a movement in Japan, of guys who like yaeba girls. The classic yaeba crooked smile is supposedly a genetic trait of Okinawans mainly, and manifests itself as large, misshapen teeth or as a ‘double tooth’, where two canine teeth grow one in front of the other. Sometimes canine teeth are pushed forwards due to an overcrowded gum line and give the girl a feline look - which is supposedly where the attraction for yaeba fans comes from. It’s supposed to be charming or cute to certain Japanese guys. There are a good few celebrities with yaeba in Japan, but rather than have it fixed at a dentist, they keep it and show it off as an asset. People in the west think it’s strange, as it’s desirable to have perfect teeth there - but it’s different here. As usual.
6 Responses to “Yaeba!”
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February 28th, 2009 at 11:45 pm
Thank you for writing down the articles regarding ‘Yaeba’ per my request!
August 5th, 2009 at 7:08 pm
oh no, the “yaeba” theeth is not a genetic trait of Okinawan as you represented above…please check a more accurate and reliable source for yaeba, and I believe you’ll also find that most Okinawan have a straight-line of teeth instead of yaeba…
August 5th, 2009 at 11:45 pm
I can’t remember where I found the info now, but I read it on the net. I’m not sure if it’s true or not, but actually, I have friends from Okinawa - and their teeth are the straightest I’ve ever seen! Hope I didn’t offend anybody - I actually like Yaeba…
February 17th, 2010 at 9:11 pm
iv’e got yaeba theeth, and i’m norwegian
April 6th, 2010 at 8:44 am
I have yaeba teeth too. im american! from the atl, georgia
then again, its probably hillbilly inbred genetics from my dads side
that what my mom says
lol
July 27th, 2010 at 1:21 pm
I think whatever makes someone happy is fine. if they want braces becuase they feel insecure then by all means do it.
but personally most of the decision is based on other ppl making out the ideal “beauty” is straight teeth which is what i disagree with.
if ur teeth are nice and healthy but a little crooked and u feel that theres nothing wrong with it but ppl tell u to get braces i think thats wrong. decisions shouldnt be based on what other ppl think.
unless u cant eat with ur teeth, then theres a problem. cuz i think teeth are for eating bascially.
i think japanese ppl are showing an alternative to what beauty is considered in western cultures.
different cultures brainwashing ppl to think straight teeth is beauty, bigger breasts are beauty, slim, tall, etc etc. i think thats wrong