Why Do Japanese People Wear Glasses with No Lenses? (The “Date-Megane” Trend)

Last updated: March 20, 2026

The Finger Poke Illusion
You are walking in Harajuku and see a very stylish person wearing thick, black-framed glasses. You say, “Nice glasses!” They smile, say “Thanks,” and literally poke their finger straight through the frame to rub their eye. Wait, what? There are no lenses!

What is “Date-Megane”?
This is a popular fashion item called “Date-Megane” (Fake Glasses). “Date” means doing something just for show or vanity. Even people with perfect 20/20 vision buy these frames purely as a fashion accessory to upgrade their outfit.

The “Small Face” Effect
Why wear them? The main reason is the “Kogao” (Small Face) effect. In Japanese beauty standards, having a small face is highly desired. Wearing large, bold frames creates an optical illusion that makes the rest of the face look smaller and cuter.

The “No Makeup” Shield
It is also a perfect camouflage. If a woman wants to run to the convenience store or take out the trash but doesn’t want to spend 30 minutes putting on makeup, she puts on “Date-Megane” and a face mask. The thick frames hide tired eyes, under-eye bags, and the lack of eyeliner perfectly.

Why Remove the Lenses?
But why pop the lenses out? First, cheap plastic lenses reflect light and ruin selfies. Taking the lenses out means perfect photos for Instagram or TikTok. Second, if you wear fake eyelashes or heavy mascara, long lashes will constantly hit the glass and make it dirty. No lenses? No problem! It is a brilliant, slightly ridiculous, fashion hack.

Upgrade Your “Date-Megane” Fashion (Related Article)
If you want to try the “Date-Megane” trend, you need a stylish frame! JINS just released their Spring 2026 collection, focusing on Japanese minimalist designs that blend naturally into your daily life. Whether you put lenses in them or not, they are the perfect accessory to add personal flair to your outfit.
👉 Check it out: “Step Into Spring with Confidence: JINS Releases ‘JINS TODAY’ 2026 Spring Collection”