Tenshi Kaiwai

Tenshi Kaiwai is a name given by the international community to a conglomerate of styles with the only defining trait being the presence of a blue and white colorway. Similar to Larme Kei, the term is not actually used within Japan as the name of a particular fashion and also originates from a Japanese magazine.

The Name[]

Tenshi Kaiwai (天使界隈) translates to "angel community" and is originally the fanmail hashtag of the online magazine Tenshi Zyoshi, which is dedicated to the Mizuiro aesthetic.^[1] It describes its worldview as "translucency and ephemerality like an angel" and is especially popular among teenage girls. The name of the hashtag was chosen by the magazine to express a sense of community among its fans. Sometimes the fashion is referred to as "Cyber Angelcore" due to its relation to techwear and cyber fashion.

Controversy[]

Tenshi spinns — Tenshi Kaiwai according to the brand Spinns, which defines it as tracksuits of any color.

Since Tenshi Kaiwai takes heavy inspiration from the nowadays Cyber fashion as well as the Mizuiro aesthetic, it is controversial for being considered an own distinct style overseas instead of just a popular hashtag.

There also have been complains by the Tenshi Zyoshi online magazine and its followers that the misuse of the hashtag as the name of a trend has resulted in its intended purpose being lost with the hashtag being flooded with barely relevant content by those solely using it for exposure.

Style Basics[]

As the only defining trait of the fashion is the presence of a particular colorway that combines a wide range of blue shades with white, there is no specific look to the style.^[2] Looking in the Japanese social media hashtag, you will see a wide range of styles with the most common ones being Cyber, Girly, and Yami Kawaii.^[3] One of the more popular looks is referred to as Jersey Maid within in Japan, but different to the overseas interpretation of "the style" it is not limited to any particular color. Due to the influences of Mizuiro and Cyber, a growing subset of the aesthetic incorporates y2k visuals such as matte/chrome accessories, webcore visuals, and general 1990s-2000s internet imagery.

Hair and Makeup[]

Similar to other styles popular in the 2020s, Tenshi Kaiwai has a makeup style that resembles a very exaggerated byojaku. There is some emphasis on looking pale.

Hairstyles are typically a short, chin-length bob with bangs to resemble the idol Ano, but no one particular hairstyle is necessary to achieve this look.

Clothing[]

The color palette of this style typically involves light or pale blues, with focus on "soft" colors like white or light grey. Some key features of this look are "sporty" jackets and hoodies with the addition of lace and frills. Other accessories involve long socks or leg warmers. Similar to Cyber fashion, there is an emphasis on bigger shoes, which are typically white or blue. ^[4]