OSAKA - A quiet cultural shift is taking place in Japan as cross-dressing experiences gain attention among men seeking both self-expression and understanding. Visiting Palette House, a long-established cross-dressing salon near Shin-Osaka Station, first-time participants are guided through wigs, makeup, and clothing to experience life from a woman’s perspective.
The theme on this day was “a date with a boyfriend on a day off,” and through makeup and gestures, participants found themselves unexpectedly connecting with feminine emotions.
At Palette House, which has operated for over 40 years, clients range from teenagers to those in their 80s, including university professors and doctors. The shop’s second-generation owner, formerly in the fashion industry, said many come not to become women permanently but to escape daily roles and explore different sides of themselves. Some even take part in outdoor photo sessions once they feel confident in their transformed appearance.
For the reporter who tried the experience, the process began nervously. Choosing clothes took time, as did learning makeup techniques. “I didn’t realize how long makeup takes,” he noted, adding that keeping eyes closed during the process required trust and patience. When the transformation was complete, the change was striking—so much so that colleagues barely recognized him.
Experienced patrons such as photographer Meisa, who has been cross-dressing for over a decade, teach newcomers feminine poses and mannerisms. “It’s not about acting,” she said, “but about naturally feeling beautiful and expressing that through small, graceful movements.” With practice, participants find their posture, gestures, and mindset shifting to align with a more feminine presence.
The salon emphasizes that these experiences are not limited to those seeking gender change but can also serve as a form of self-reflection and empathy training. “Many of our customers want to understand women better or simply refresh their minds,” said the owner. “When you take on another form, you also learn how others feel.”
Historically, cross-dressing has deep roots in Japan—from the onnagata actors of Kabuki to modern television figures like Matsuko Deluxe—showing how gender performance has long been a part of cultural expression. Today, with social attitudes becoming more open, more people are exploring cross-dressing as a way to understand diversity and emotional depth.
For the reporter, the day’s experience ended with an insight: “Through makeup and dress, I learned how much care women put into their appearance—and how that effort reflects self-respect and communication. It’s more than an act; it’s empathy in practice.”
Source: Television OSAKA NEWS
