This is Randi Hacker with another Postcard from Asia from the KU Center for East Asian Studies.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder – or on the screen of a digital camera. We are our own worst critics, so few people are satisfied with the way they appear in photographs. A Japanese company recently capitalized on this fact by releasing a camera with a “beauty re-touch” function that gives you the ability to improve your look in photographs. The function allows you to alter the shape of your face, widen your eyes, whiten your teeth, apply makeup and change your skin tone; in short, make your blog profiles or facebook pictures look like the best version of yourself – or someone else. Another instance of magical Japanese technology. Only unlike Snow White’s stepmother’s magic mirror, this camera won’t just tell you you’re the fairest one of all, it will make you the fairest one of all. Say cheese---y.

With thanks to David Boyd for this text, from the KU Center for East Asian Studies, I’m Randi Hacker. Wish you were here.