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Web-only Exclusives
November 30, 2000

From Our Correspondent: Hirohito and the War
A conversation with biographer Herbert Bix

From Our Correspondent: A Rough Road Ahead
Bad news for the Philippines - and some others

From Our Correspondent: Making Enemies
Indonesia needs friends. So why is it picking fights?

Asiaweek Time Asia Now Asiaweek story

The Man Who Creates Miracles


AT THE CUTTING EDGE: Dr. Takasu Katsuya, 51, is president of Japan's Takasu Clinic. He discussed trends in the beauty business with Asiaweek Contributor Norma Reveler. Excerpts: Megawati

What are the more expensive operations these days?

I have set up an Auto-Collagen Bank. One hundred women have become members, at a cost of 3 million yen each [about $28,000]. We take collagen from these women's bodies when they are young. We keep it at a very cold temperature so that it is preserved. When the women get older and wrinkled, we can inject the collagen back into their bodies to rejuvenate them. They can come to the clinic whenever they want and pay for an injection.

And what are the most popular procedures?

It depends on the age and the profession. Older women come in to have their sagging breasts lifted. Young people, under the age of 30, usually get things done to their face. Middle-aged people, between 30 and 60, are normally looking for rejuvenation through facelifts. Middle-aged men are usually worried about their protruding stomachs.

Any new trends?

The clothes fashion for women these days is tops that show the bellybutton. So, since last year, women have been getting bellybutton jobs. Those with "outy" navels are getting them put in. It's a seasonal thing. Usually, they come in spring or summer. Last year, we probably did two or three a day in each of our 11 clinics. This year, the numbers are down to one a day.

Do you think Japanese women who have double-eyelid operations are doing it to look more Western?

No, not today. I would say that was the case right after World War II, when Japan was occupied by the U.S. But now I think the trend has gone toward the traditional Japanese notion of beauty -- the look you see on porcelain dolls, with a small nose and double eyelids.

But these double eyelids are not as pronounced as those given to Japanese women after the war. The look is much more subtle and natural.

And Japanese men?

They want to look strong. They are the workers, the soldiers. So they want a powerful-looking face: much more square, rather than the rounded look that appeals to women.

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