Japanese Hairstyles: Historical Overview Part 02: Women’s Hairstyles of the Meiji Period
Hairstyle Name: Suisha Shimada (水車島田) lit. “Water Wheel Rice Paddy Island”
This hairstyle is a variation of the Tsubushi shimada established during the Meiji era (1868-1912 CE). There’s no cushion at the root of the tail, so the tail appears to have been “crushed.” It also adds a twist and bridge of hair atop of the topknot, which makes it the most complicated variation of the Tsubushi shimada. Such a style was recognized as “iki,”or chic, and considered the opposite of the “taka-shimada.”
It was widely popular among all women of Japanese society. The lower base of the topknot, giving it the appearance that it has been crushed, is what gives this style it’s name. Enhancements to this topknot, in the form of kanzashi, kanoko and chirimen, would help to identify the age and status of the wearer.