地雷系

• Reading: じらいけい
• Romaji: jirai kei
• Kanji breakdown: 地 (ground) + 雷 (thunder/mine) + 系 (type/style) → landmine type/style
• Pronunciation: /dʑi.ɾa.i.keː/

Meaning

Landmine girl style — a dark-cute fashion and personality archetype featuring black, pink, and dramatic makeup.

Literally 'landmine type,' this describes both a fashion style and personality archetype. The fashion features dark colors (especially black and pink), dramatic under-eye makeup, platform shoes, and a doll-like appearance. The 'landmine' metaphor implies someone who seems cute on the surface but may be emotionally volatile or high-maintenance. While the term can be used judgmentally, many people proudly self-identify as 地雷系.

Examples

1. 最近地雷系メイクにハマってるんだよね。 I've been really into landmine-style makeup lately.
2. あの子ガチの地雷系だから見た目かわいいけど気をつけて。 That girl is full-on jirai-kei so she looks cute but watch out.
3. 地雷系ファッションの店見つけたから今度行こう。 I found a store that sells jirai-kei fashion — let's go sometime.

Usage Guide

Context: fashion, social media, friends

Tone: descriptive, subcultural

Do Say

• 地雷系メイク上手だね (You're good at landmine-style makeup)
• 地雷系の服どこで買ってる？ (Where do you buy jirai-kei clothes?)

Don't Say

• 「あの子地雷系だよ」は悪口に聞こえることがある (Saying 'she's jirai-kei' about someone can sound like an insult)

Common Mistakes

• Using 地雷系 only as an insult — many people proudly self-identify with this aesthetic
• Not distinguishing between the fashion style (neutral/positive) and the personality label (potentially negative)

Origin & History

Emerged in the late 2010s as a fashion and personality label. The 'landmine' metaphor comes from the idea that the person appears harmless/cute but can 'explode' emotionally. The fashion aesthetic grew alongside the 量産型 (mass-produced) trend as a contrasting style.

Cultural Context

Era: Late 2010s fashion subculture

Generation: Gen Z, especially young women

Social background: Fashion subculture

Regional notes: Used across Japan. A major fashion category on social media, with dedicated shops, makeup tutorials, and influencers. Often contrasted with 量産型 (mass-produced/cookie-cutter) style.