How to Read “Appearance is artificial”
すがたはつくりもの
Meaning of “Appearance is artificial”
“Appearance is artificial” means that a person’s outward look can be greatly changed through makeup and clothing.
It’s not just about natural features or body shape. Makeup techniques, clothing choices, and hairstyle arrangements can dramatically transform how someone looks.
This proverb is often used when observing someone’s beauty or impressive appearance. It points out that the splendor comes from their styling.
People use it when recognizing the power of makeup and fashion.
Even today, the power of makeup and fashion is widely recognized. This proverb’s truth hasn’t changed.
With social media, photo editing tools have added even more ways to enhance appearance. People’s impressions are greatly influenced by looks.
That’s why makeup and clothing, these “artificial” elements, play such an important role.
Origin and Etymology
The origin of “Appearance is artificial” has no clear documented record. However, we can make interesting observations from how the phrase is constructed.
The term “tsukurimono” (artificial thing) appears in Edo period literature. It referred to things made artificially, things that weren’t real.
Theater props and artificial flowers were called “tsukurimono.” This word carried the meaning of “not the original form, but decorated.”
This proverb likely emerged alongside the development of makeup and costume culture. Japan has long had advanced makeup techniques using white powder and rouge.
During the Heian period, sophisticated makeup culture flourished among nobles. In the Edo period, makeup and dressing up became more accessible through townspeople’s culture.
The importance of grooming one’s appearance became widely recognized.
By combining “sugata” (appearance) with “tsukurimono” (artificial thing), the phrase expresses a key insight. Human appearance isn’t natural but intentionally created.
This saying contains realistic human observation. Beauty and impressiveness aren’t necessarily inborn but created through effort and ingenuity.
Usage Examples
- I met an old friend who looked like a different person, so polished now. I was impressed thinking how true “Appearance is artificial” really is
- Seeing students in suits for job hunting, “Appearance is artificial” is right—one outfit changes everything
Universal Wisdom
“Appearance is artificial” contains deep insight about the relationship between human appearance and inner character.
Why have people worn makeup and beautiful clothes since ancient times? Because appearance isn’t merely superficial.
It holds important meaning for humans living in society.
Humans are visual creatures. Before knowing someone’s inner character, we first receive impressions from their appearance.
That’s why how we present ourselves matters when building relationships with others. Makeup and clothing, these “artificial” elements, are means of self-expression.
They’re also symbols showing our position in society.
This proverb has been passed down because grooming appearance is a human instinct. The desire to look beautiful or impressive exists across time and culture.
At the same time, this proverb shows calm observation. It teaches wisdom to see through surface glamour and recognize it as “constructed.”
Humans possess both appearance and inner character. Grooming appearance isn’t false decoration.
It’s wisdom for living in society and a form of self-expression.
When AI Hears This
The act described in “Appearance is artificial” actually functions as a sophisticated information transmission system. It can be explained through biologist Zahavi’s “Handicap Principle.”
Consider the peacock’s enormous tail feathers. They hinder flying and make escaping predators harder.
In other words, they prove “I can survive even with such disadvantageous decoration.” Because it’s costly, it becomes an honest signal that can’t lie.
Human decoration has the same structure. Expensive clothes, watches, and careful grooming cost time and money.
Being able to maintain these “artificial” things proves that person’s economic power and self-management ability.
What’s interesting is that it functions even though everyone knows it’s “false.” Wearing a suit to job interviews is performance.
But it demonstrates the social skills to perform that role.
In economics, “Signaling Theory” applies this to education. University study content matters less than the fact of overcoming the difficulty of graduation.
Appearance as an artificial thing paradoxically conveys genuine information about the ability to create that artifice.
This is the clever communication mechanism common from the biological world to human society.
Lessons for Today
This proverb teaches us the meaning of grooming our appearance in modern life. It’s not superficial decoration.
It’s practical wisdom for valuing ourselves and smoothing relationships with others.
What matters is balance between grooming appearance and cultivating inner character. We should recognize the power of makeup and clothing as “artificial” things.
But we shouldn’t rely only on them. We must also remember to enrich our inner selves.
Effort to groom appearance expresses respect for ourselves. By treating ourselves with care, our self-esteem grows.
This becomes a radiance that shines from within.
In modern society, first impressions matter in many situations. Job interviews, business meetings, first greetings.
In such moments, presenting yourself in the best form through makeup and clothing is courtesy to others. It’s also a means of expanding your own possibilities.
You can create your own appearance. Use that power positively while also enriching your inner self.
Such balanced living is the true message this proverb conveys to the modern world.
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