Yamamba was an alternative Japanese fashion trend in the early 2000s. The Yamamba style was characterized by dark tans, bright clothing and white makeup around the eyes. It was related to other alternative fashions such as Ganguro.







The name Yamamba began as an insult. Yamamba is a Japanese ghost who makes frequent appearances in Japanese art, literature, folklore and pop culture. She's an old, unkept, mountain hag who eats children — it's not exactly a compliment. However, members of the Yamamba subculture embraced the term.

Much the way that negative words such as "Punk" and "Freak" have become embraced by youth subcultures — Yamamba just ran with it.

Yamamba were a small subculture. They numbered in the 100s of girls (in all of Japan). Despite this, they received a great deal of national and international publicity. Their style is often emulated in Europe, Asia and North America at cosplay conventions.

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