In Praise of Shadows: Skin Tones

 The friendly Google AI bot has this to say:

Japanese people exhibit a range of skin tones, but a common perception is that many have fair to light skin. However, there are also individuals with darker skin tones, particularly in warmer regions of Japan. A notable trend in Japanese beauty culture is the preference for a lighter complexion, which has historical roots and influences the beauty industry. 

Factors Influencing Skin Tone: 

• Geographic Location:

  People from the colder, overcast northern regions of Japan may have lighter skin compared to those in the warmer, sunnier south. 
Social and Economic Class:
Historically, a lighter complexion was associated with higher social status and a life less focused on outdoor labor. 
Gender:
Studies have shown that males generally have darker skin than females, a trend observed across many populations. 
Genetics:
While environmental factors play a role, genetic influences also contribute to individual variations in skin tone. 
Cultural Preferences:
The preference for light skin is deeply ingrained in Japanese beauty standards and has fueled the "whitening" cosmetics boom. 

Beyond the Generalization:

It's important to remember that not everyone in Japan falls neatly into one category. There's a diversity of skin tones and undertones, just like in any other population. Additionally, the cultural preference for lighter skin does not necessarily translate to a lack of appreciation for diversity in beauty. 

I was surprised to see a Wikipedia article on "Light skin in Japanese culture"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light_skin_in_Japanese_culture

I haven't read this yet, but it might be interesting:

https://unseen-japan.com/japan-whiteness-1-colorism/