Have you ever visited a Japanese shrine? If so, you may have been lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a miko (巫女, lit. “shrine maiden”). These young priestesses go through rigorous training and perform various duties at their shrines, such as sacred cleansings and traditional Kagura dance performances. Of course, these maidens also make appearances in all sorts of anime and manga.

The beautiful and powerful Kikyo (from Inuyasha) is probably the first image that springs to some fans' minds when they think of miko.

Have any of the mystic maidens below purified your heart?

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There’s something about a white lab coat that makes a person seem knowledgeable, right? From scientists to doctors, the garment symbolizes that the person has worked and studied to become an expert in their field.

Of course, not everyone wearing one should be trusted. After all, mad scientists are also known to don them from time to time. Does Loremaster, the Science Demon (from Helltaker) count as one such villainess?

Which of the characters below do you think has the best prescription for you?

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If you’re unfamiliar, kigurumi are a kind of onesie that typically uses design motifs from animals or mascot characters. Sometimes they have just a hood, but occasionally they have a full-face mask that covers and reshapes the head. 

The latter tends to be a little more common in English-speaking communities, but the onesie is still more common worldwide!

Bakugo (from My Hero Academia) in a Typhlosion (from Pokémon) kigurumi is quite fitting. Do you recognize any of the other characters?

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The dirndl is a dress that's traditionally worn by young women and girls in the Alps. In modern times, the outfit tends to call up imagery of Oktoberfest, beer, and traditional pubs. It’s also been used as a motif in a lot of fantasy works, many of which are available on pixiv.

Do the ladies in dirndl below match what you imagine?

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The classic maid (also referred to as “French maid”) outfit features a white apron over a black dress with a white bonnet. It’s heavily romanticized these days, although the association with a professional domestic worker persists.

How would you design a traditional maid outfit? Do any of the illustrations below give you ideas?

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Aprons are a great way to keep your clothes clean when you’re cooking, gardening, or doing another messy task. Washing clothes may be fairly simple in most regions today, but historically it was a very time-consuming process and aprons offered a way to keep your clothes clean while you worked.

When you see a girl in an apron, don’t you have the impression she’s a hard worker?

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The cheongsam, also known as the qipao, is a dress design that originated in Shanghai and was inspired by classical Chinese fashions. They usually feature elaborate embroidered patterns, often in bright colors.

The style can vary widely. Traditionally, they went to the ankles but all lengths can be seen today. The most common design features a high neckline, a form-fitting cut, and a deep leg slit for ease of movement. Some variations include sleeveless shoulders, a keyhole cut around the collarbone, fusions with Western styles, and some are even backless.

What sort of accessories would you pair with a cheongsam? 

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The energy of cheerleaders eagerly supporting their team is almost infectious, isn’t it? You’ll definitely feel driven to win with these ladies as your motivation.

Are cheerleaders common where you’re from? If not, do you have something similar at sporting events?

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