Ohaguro: The Meaning and History of Japan’s Black Teeth

Ohaguro, the practice of blackening one’s teeth, was once a common tradition in Japan. While it may seem unusual today, it played an important role in Japanese culture and history. This custom was practiced by nobles, samurai, and later by married women as a symbol of beauty, status, and commitment.

Interestingly, ohaguro also had practical benefits, such as preventing tooth decay. Although the tradition disappeared in the early 20th century, it remains a fascinating aspect of Japanese heritage. Even in modern media, such as the video game Nioh 2, historical figures like Imagawa Yoshimoto are depicted with blackened teeth, offering a glimpse into the past.

What is Ohaguro?

Ohaguro (お歯黒) is a traditional Japanese practice of dyeing teeth black using a mixture of ferric acetate (kanemizu) and tannin powder (fushiko). In the past, it was primarily adopted by nobles, samurai, and married women as a symbol of beauty and status.

Ingredients and Effects of Ohaguro

Ohaguro was applied gradually over time by alternately coating the teeth with kanemizu (ferric acetate) and fushiko (tannic acid). This process allowed the dye to penetrate the enamel, resulting in benefits such as:

Archaeological findings have shown that teeth treated with ohaguro had significantly fewer cavities than untreated teeth.

Origins of Ohaguro

The exact origins of ohaguro remain unclear, but several theories exist:

Haniwa clay figures from the Kofun period (3rd–6th century) show evidence of blackened teeth, suggesting that ohaguro was already present in Japan before the Nara period (710–794).

Ohaguro Through the Ages

Heian Period: A Symbol of Aristocracy

Ohaguro became popular among Heian aristocrats and was seen as a mark of noble status. Both men and women of the court engaged in the practice.

Kamakura & Muromachi Periods: Adoption by the Samurai Class

The warrior class began adopting ohaguro, influenced by the aristocratic culture of the imperial court. Notable samurai such as Taira no Atsumori, Imagawa Yoshimoto, Oda Nobunaga, and Toyotomi Hideyoshi are believed to have practiced ohaguro.

Sengoku Period: A Mark of Adulthood

During the Warring States period, children from samurai families would begin blackening their teeth around the ages of 8–10 as a rite of passage into adulthood.

Edo Period: A Sign of Marriage

By the Edo period, ohaguro became associated with married women. Black teeth symbolized loyalty and unwavering devotion to one’s husband. It was also common for women to shave their eyebrows and apply ohaguro as a sign of marital status. Meanwhile, the practice gradually declined among men.

Meiji Period: The Ban and Decline of Ohaguro

With the introduction of Western culture in the Meiji era (1868–1912), ohaguro came to be viewed as outdated and discriminatory against women. In 1873, the Meiji government issued a ban on ohaguro, though it remained in use for some time. The custom quickly disappeared after Empress Shōken (the wife of Emperor Meiji) stopped practicing it, influencing Japanese society to follow suit.

By the Taisho period (1912–1926), ohaguro had all but vanished, surviving only in traditional ceremonies and historical reenactments.

Ohaguro in Nioh 2: Imagawa Yoshimoto’s Appearance

Ohaguro has been faithfully recreated in modern media, particularly in the video game Nioh 2. The game features Imagawa Yoshimoto, a Sengoku-era daimyo, depicted with blackened teeth. This portrayal reflects his real-life connection to the aristocratic traditions of the time, adding authenticity to the game’s historical setting.

Final thoughts

Ohaguro is deeply rooted in Japanese history, serving both aesthetic and practical purposes. While the practice has long disappeared, it remains a significant part of Japan’s cultural heritage. Through historical research and modern portrayals like Nioh 2, the legacy of ohaguro continues to be appreciated by those interested in Japan’s past. Understanding its history allows us to connect with the customs of ancient Japan and the lives of the people who practiced them.