Abstract

The Face as a Cultural Lens: Cinema, Society, and the Art of Looking
What do faces reveal about the times we live in?
In this witty and insightful essay collection, Japanese author Kaoruko Himeno—who has spent over six decades observing the subtleties of human expression—explores how faces in film, manga, and even robotics reflect the desires, psychology, and aesthetics of each era. Her lifelong practice of “kaomido” (the art of face-reading) informs every page, offering readers a fresh and often surprising perspective on cultural icons and cinematic history.
Himeno’s essays are filled with sharp observations, humor, and affection. She writes not only as a critic, but as someone who has spent a lifetime “reading faces”—both literally and metaphorically. Through this lens, she uncovers the hidden meanings behind familiar images and performances, revealing how the face can be a powerful tool for understanding society.

Author’s Information

Born in 1958 in Kōka City, Shiga Prefecture, Kaoruko Himeno (also credited as Kahei Himeno, pronounced Kaoruko) is an acclaimed Japanese novelist known for her sharp observational style and emotional depth. She won the 150th Naoki Prize for Shōwa no Inu (The Shōwa-Era Dog) and the 32nd Shibata Renzaburō Prize for Because She’s Not Very Smart. Her diverse body of work includes The Soba Shop Romance, Night Cat, Falling, Real Cinderella, The Mysterious Toxic Parent, What Is Youth, Gossip and Happiness, and Face Talk, reflecting a wide range of themes from family and identity to social critique and psychological insight.