Edokko's compliment: "Iki de Inase"
There is a compliment called "iki de inase." Both "iki" and "inase" refer to someone who is cool and has a good disposition, and are often used by men, especially those from the Edo period. Now, we know that it is a compliment, but what does it mean?
Originally, iki was a word derived from spirit, and is said to have been a word that would refer to spirit in modern terms. According to the Sanseido Japanese Dictionary,
A refined temperament, attitude, and appearance, exuding natural sexiness.
It says, "Just reading the dictionary definition sounds cool. So what exactly does this sophisticated temperament, attitude, and appearance refer to?"
The Edo period colors 48 brown and 100 gray were developed.
There are many different types of "iki," but the clothing of common people is a prime example. At the time, common people were prohibited from wearing flashy patterns or colors in their clothing. The only materials they were allowed to use were cotton or linen, and there were only three colors they could use: brown, gray, and indigo blue. So, what is indigo blue? As the name suggests, it is the color of the darkness of a storeroom. The color directly expressed the dimness of the place.
A digression. Edo designers, who were only allowed to use those three colors, came up with an enormous number of variations on those three colors. So many variations were born from those three colors that it was called "48 Teas and 100 Mice." Also, many different names were given to each color, such as Edo Brown, which refers to a reddish brown, Rikyu Tea, which is yellowish, and Chitose Tea, which is deep green. It can be said that a color culture that is by no means flashy, but that enjoys subtle differences, was born here.
Edo Komon, a stylish pattern
It was also forbidden to use flashy patterns on clothing. This was not limited to commoners; feudal lords were also forbidden to wear flashy patterns. This led to the development of Edo Komon and striped patterns, which appear plain from a distance but reveal elaborate patterns upon closer inspection. Something that appears plain at first glance but is elaborately made was considered stylish. Furthermore, it seems that hiding a flashy pattern in the lining was also considered stylish. People who could appreciate this were called "tsuu" (people with an understanding of this).
If it's not enough, it's considered unsophisticated, and if it goes too far, it's considered pretentious. Stylishness is something that stands on an exquisite balance.
A sense of coolness deeply rooted in the Japanese
Inase was also written as "inase back." "Ina" is the name for a young mullet, and it is said that the name came about because the topknots worn by those who worked at the fish market in Nihonbashi during the Edo period resembled the dorsal fin of a fish. The name referred to the energetic and assertive appearance of the young people who worked at the fish market.
Stylish and cool is a concept of coolness that is deeply rooted in the hearts of Japanese people.