Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on December 2009

Japan’s obsession with youth, beauty and all things kawaii has given it a reputation as the most image-conscious of nations. That will come as no surprise to the estimated 1 million members of My Face, My Style, an NPO that helps Japanese people with facial deformities survive in a culture where appearance is everything. The group serves as an advocacy organization for those suffering from accidental burns or other scarring, or who have birthmarks, cleft palates and other hereditary conditions. As the next step in MFMS’s efforts, next April will see the launch of My Face, a quarterly magazine covering topics that range from bullying at school to easily misunderstood medical conditions, plus interviews with patients and specialists.

http://mfms.jp (Japanese)