Fan Makeup in Japan
Fan Makeup
Fan makeup is a phenomenon that transcends the simple traditions of supporting favorite teams. It has become a truly lucrative business, part of a global industry worth billions of dollars. This enthusiasm for colors, patterns, and spectacular effects reflects not only the passion of supporters but also a unique business opportunity for entrepreneurs and brands.
An Ancient Tradition Modernized
This is tribal makeup that dates back centuries, where ancient peoples painted their faces for war rites or celebrations. Today, this tradition has evolved to become an act of support and solidarity for a sports team. On match days, stadiums turn into real palettes of colors, each fan proudly displaying the colors of their favorite team.
A product has revolutionized fan makeup since 2006, Fanbrush®, the world's first multiline makeup pencil.
A Social and Cultural Phenomenon
More than just a fashion or a simple commercial aspect, sports fan makeup is a major social and cultural phenomenon worldwide. It allows supporters to identify and show their belonging to a sports community or support for a cause. The preparation ritual before the match reinforces the sense of belonging and collective fervor. Fans display their colors with passion during moments of emotion, joy, and sharing.
In Japan: Colors, Fans, and Passion for Sports
The Colors of Japan
Japan is an island country in East Asia consisting of four main islands – Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku – as well as numerous smaller islands. With a rich history spanning millennia, Japan is known for its unique culture blending ancient traditions with modernity. From Buddhist temples and Zen gardens to ultramodern megacities like Tokyo, the country offers a fascinating contrast between past and present.
The flag of Japan is simple yet iconic. It consists of a white background with a red circle in the center. The red circle symbolizes the rising sun, referencing Japan's nickname "the land of the rising sun" ("Nihon" in Japanese meaning "origin of the sun"). The white represents purity and simplicity. Together, these colors reflect Japanese culture, which values clarity and serenity.
Sports in Japan
Sports play an important role in Japan’s culture and daily life.
Sumo is a traditional Japanese sport dating back centuries. It is a form of wrestling where two wrestlers face off in a ring, trying to push the opponent out of the ring or make them touch the ground with any part of their body other than their feet. Sumo is closely tied to Shinto rituals and ceremonies and is considered a significant cultural practice.
Baseball is extremely popular in Japan and is often considered the unofficial national sport. Professional baseball leagues such as Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) attract passionate crowds, and high school baseball matches, particularly the Koshien tournament, are followed with great fervor.
Judo, a Japanese martial art founded by Jigoro Kano, is not only practiced as a competitive sport in Japan but also a globally recognized Olympic sport. Judo focuses on techniques of throws and control, and it has influenced many other martial arts.
Like judo, karate is a Japanese martial art that has gained worldwide recognition. It focuses on striking techniques, including punches, kicks, and elbow and knee strikes. Karate is practiced both as a competitive sport and as a personal discipline.
Football has grown in popularity in Japan, especially after the country co-hosted the 2002 FIFA World Cup with South Korea. The J.League, Japan’s professional football league, has helped develop the sport nationally and internationally.
Volleyball is also very popular in Japan, with competitive national teams and a strong tradition in the sport. Women’s volleyball, in particular, has achieved great success on the international stage, with Olympic victories and world titles.
Passionate Fans, Colors, and Pride
Japanese fans are known for their passion, organization, and respect for rules. Whether in football, baseball, sumo, or other sports, Japanese fans are famous for their enthusiasm, loyalty, and unique way of supporting their teams.
Baseball may have the largest fanbase in Japan. Fans of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) teams are extremely devoted. At matches, they create an electric atmosphere with synchronized chants, drums, pom-poms, and colorful balloons released during the final innings. Baseball cheerleaders, called "ouendan," play a key role in energizing matches, encouraging their teams with songs and energetic movements.
Football fans in Japan are equally engaged. Fans of the J.League, Japan’s professional football league, show their passion by wearing jerseys in their team’s colors, singing anthems, and waving flags and banners. Supporter chants are often created and performed by organized supporter groups, and matches are an opportunity for fans to demonstrate their loyalty with colorful displays and encouragement performances.
Sumo fans show deep respect for the sport and its traditions. Sumo matches take place in arenas like the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, where fans closely follow the tournament. Spectators applaud with specific gestures, such as clapping, to encourage the wrestlers. Matches are also an important social event, often accompanied by meals and discussions among friends and family.
University supporters in Japan are known for their fervent loyalty to their teams, particularly during university sports tournaments such as the Koshien baseball tournament. Students and alumni of universities compete in terms of creativity and energy in supporting their teams, organizing chants and demonstrations to encourage their players.
Japanese fans are characterized by their respect for rules and their generally orderly and civilized behavior, even during the most intense events. Their way of supporting their teams demonstrates great organization and a deep sense of community and sports tradition.
Major Events
Japan hosts numerous major international sporting events each year. Here is a list of the most important sports competitions and events held in Japan:
Koshien (Baseball): The Koshien high school baseball tournament is one of the most popular sporting events in Japan, attracting huge crowds. It is held twice a year (the spring tournament and the summer tournament) and showcases the best high school baseball teams in Japan.
Grand Sumo Tournament (Sumo): Japan hosts six major sumo tournaments each year, known as "Honbasho." These tournaments take place in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka, offering a showcase of the country’s best sumo wrestlers. (Nihon Sumo Kyokai Official Grand Sumo Home Page)
J.League (Football/Soccer): The J.League is Japan’s professional football league with multiple divisions. The J.League season typically runs from February to December and attracts significant attention with matches played across the country. (J.League)
Japan Open Tennis Championships (Tennis): The Japan Open Tennis Championships is a professional tennis tournament that is part of the ATP and WTA circuits. It is held annually in Tokyo and attracts world-class players. (ATP Tour)
Tokyo Marathon (Running): The Tokyo Marathon is one of the six major marathons in the world, known for its large international participation. It is held annually in Tokyo and attracts runners of all levels. (Tokyo Marathon)
FIVB Volleyball World Cup (Volleyball): This international volleyball tournament is held every four years and serves as a qualification for the Olympic Games. Japan, a regular host, enthusiastically welcomes this event. (FIVB)
Japan Grand Prix (Formula 1): The Japan Grand Prix is a Formula 1 race held at the Suzuka Circuit, a track known for its technical challenges and its history in the Formula 1 World Championship. (Suzuka Circuit)
Passionate Fans
Yomiuri Giants (Baseball): Founded in 1934, the Yomiuri Giants are one of the oldest and most successful clubs in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). They are often called "the Giants" due to their historical dominance in the sport. Giants fans, known as "Giants Fans" or "G-Men," are famous for their unwavering loyalty and strong presence at stadiums. They are renowned for their organized chants and colorful flags. (Yomiuri Giants)
Kashima Antlers (Football/Soccer): Founded in 1991, Kashima Antlers is one of the most successful clubs in the J.League. They have won several J.League and Emperor's Cup championships. The club’s nickname is "the Antlers." Antlers supporters, called "Antlers Army," are known for their passion and loyal support. They create a vibrant atmosphere at the stadium and are famous for their continuous chants and encouragement. (Kashima Antlers)
Hiroshima Carp (Baseball): Founded in 1950, Hiroshima Carp is another popular NPB club, known for its history of success and strong connection with the city of Hiroshima. Their nickname is "the Carp," symbolizing their resilience and fighting spirit. Carp fans, known as "Carp Fans," are renowned for their intense passion and unwavering support. They are famous for their chants, balloon waves, and colorful presence at the stadium. (Hiroshima Carp)
Urawa Red Diamonds (Football/Soccer): Founded in 1950, Urawa Red Diamonds is a flagship club in the J.League, with several national and international titles. They are often called "the Reds" or "the Diamonds." Urawa Reds supporters, known as "Urawa Reds Supporters," are famous for their fervent loyalty and creativity in chants and encouragement. Their support is considered one of the loudest and most passionate in Japan. (Urawa Red Diamonds)
Nagoya Grampus (Football/Soccer): Founded in 1939 as Toyota Motors Football Club, Nagoya Grampus is a J.League club with a rich history and a list of national titles. They are often nicknamed "Grampus." Nagoya Grampus supporters, known as "Grampus Fans," are known for their passion and dedication. They create a lively and dynamic atmosphere during matches at the stadium. (Nagoya Grampus)
Fan Merchandise
Sports Makeup: Exponential Growth
With the rising popularity of sports events and international competitions, the fan makeup market has experienced exponential growth. The market offer has adapted to this global market, with a range of individual makeup pencils for artistic makeup, Fanbrush® making last-minute makeup easy, sticker makeup kits, and even personalized makeup operations on match days.
The numbers speak for themselves. According to a recent market study, the sports makeup sector has seen a 15% annual sales increase over the past five years. This growth is fueled by the popularity of social media, where fans proudly share their looks and thus encourage the trend's virality.
The Role of Social Media and Influencers
Influencers play a crucial role in popularizing fan makeup. On platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, thousands of tutorials and transformation videos are shared, generating millions of views. These content creators inspire their followers to express their passion for sports through creative and bold looks.
Brands often collaborate with these influencers to promote their products, reaching a broader and more diverse audience. Dedicated hashtags like #FanFacePaint, #FanMakeup, or #GameDayFace have become viral trends, boosting engagement and product visibility.
Innovations and Product Offerings
Innovations in this field are numerous. Notably, Fanbrush®, the reference in fan makeup innovation. It is the world's first multiline makeup pencil, launched in 2006 in Europe. The product is now available for all clubs worldwide.
In terms of makeup, the products are also formulated to resist sweat, weather conditions, and even offer sun protection. Companies diversify by offering varied ranges suitable for all skin types and preferences, from classics to glitter and fluorescent effects.
Collaborations with sports teams and famous athletes also create limited editions and special collections that sell out quickly. For example, some football teams collaborate with brands to create makeup kits in official colors, often sold in club shops.
The fan sports makeup merchandising business is much more than a niche. It is a dynamic, expanding sector that combines passion, creativity, and innovation. As sports events continue to attract millions of spectators worldwide, fan makeup is only gaining popularity, promising a bright future for this unique industry.
Fanbrush® in Japan
Fanbrush® has revolutionized fan makeup since 2006. It is the world's first multiline makeup pencil.
This innovation was designed for easy and quick fan makeup at the last minute in a stadium, in a group, or at home.
The range includes +1000 references from 2 to 6 colors for flags in lines, crosses, checkerboards, etc.
Fanbrush® is fully customizable for all clubs or sponsors of national or local teams. For example, Fanbrush is present at European sports competitions with major sponsors such as Coca-Cola, Lidl, adidas, Heineken, etc.
Whatever type of supporter you are, we have your Fanbrush®.
Learn more: www.fanbrush.com
Fanbrush® alongside fans since 2006
Whether in the form of supporter makeup, powder thrown in fun runs, or body paint in Rainbow parades, color is now an integral part of sports, festive, or protest events worldwide. Our success story began with the launch of Fanbrush® in Europe in 2006.
Fanbrush® is the world's first multiline makeup pencil. A product made in France, protected by trademarks and patents.
Our product is now distributed in over 21 countries: Europe, USA, India, Australia, Japan. We can export to any other country. With +1000 references and limitless combination possibilities, we can create any new reference on demand.
To discover our products or contact us