Bijin
Encyclopedia : B : BI : BIJ : Bijin
Bijin (kanji:美人) is a Japanese term literally meaning a "beautiful person" (often translated as "a beauty"). Bijin are generally symmetrical, adorned, or even cute. Up until the early 20th century, decorative prints featuring bijin, mostly women, were popular.
The word bijin is sometimes used to refer to both Bishōnen (male) and Bishōjo (female).
In Chinese, 美人 (Mandarin pinyin: méirén) also means "beauty" (a female).
Akita in northern Japan is famous for 'Akita Bijin' who are so called because of their pale skin, round faces, and high voices. Ono no Komachi was one such historical beauty.
See also
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