The National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan has warned against using henna-blended dyes sold for wigs directly on people, as they may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.
The center said it had received 209 consultations regarding hair dyeing with henna-blended products in the six years since April 2020 and confirmed 49 health incidents, including a case in January last year in which a woman in her 40s was rushed to hospital after a hairdresser used a wig dye containing henna on her.
Henna is a plant native to places such as India, and it can dye hair red or orange.
The center said wig dyes sometimes mix henna with oxidative dyes such as paraphenylenediamine, and those chemicals can trigger allergies.
The center also found online retailers that promoted wig dyes with claims such as “makes hair and scalp healthy,” even though the products were intended for wigs.
It also urged people to make sure they check what products are used when getting their hair dyed at a salon, adding, “Do not use wig dyes on people.”
Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is a sprawling metropolis that seamlessly blends ultramodern skyscrapers with historic temples and shrines, such as the ancient Senso-ji in Asakusa. Originally a small fishing village named Edo, it became the seat of the Tokugawa shogunate in 1603 and was renamed Tokyo (“Eastern Capital”) when Emperor Meiji moved the imperial court there in 1868. The city has since risen from the devastation of the 1923 Great Kanto earthquake and World War II to become a global hub for technology, culture, and commerce.
India
India is a vast South Asian country with a rich and diverse cultural heritage spanning over 5,000 years. It was home to the ancient Indus Valley Civilization and later saw the rise of major empires like the Maurya and Mughal dynasties, which shaped its art, architecture, and religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam. Today, India is known for its vibrant festivals, iconic landmarks like the Taj Mahal, and a blend of traditions that have evolved through centuries of history.
Senso-ji
Senso-ji is Tokyo’s oldest temple, located in Asakusa, dedicated to the Buddhist bodhisattva Kannon. According to legend, it was founded in 628 AD after two fishermen found a statue of Kannon in the Sumida River, leading to the temple’s construction. The iconic Kaminarimon Gate and bustling Nakamise shopping street leading to the main hall make it one of Japan’s most visited and culturally significant sites.
Asakusa
Asakusa is a historic district in Tokyo, best known for its traditional atmosphere and the iconic Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple, founded in 645 AD. The area was once the center of Edo’s entertainment and culture, particularly during the 17th to 19th centuries, and it remains a popular destination for experiencing old Tokyo. Today, visitors flock to its bustling Nakamise shopping street and the Kaminarimon Gate, which has become a symbol of the city’s heritage.
Edo
<div class="text-gray-800
Tokyo
Tokyo is the bustling capital of Japan, originally a small fishing village called Edo that grew into a major political center after the Tokugawa shogunate established its government there in 1603. In 1868, the city was renamed Tokyo (“Eastern Capital”) when the imperial court moved from Kyoto, marking the start of the Meiji Restoration. Today, Tokyo is a global metropolis known for blending cutting-edge technology and pop culture with deep historical traditions, from ancient temples to the Imperial Palace.
Senso-ji
Senso-ji is Tokyo’s oldest and most famous Buddhist temple, located in the Asakusa district. According to legend, it was founded in 628 AD after two fishermen found a statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, in the Sumida River. The temple was rebuilt after being destroyed in World War II and remains a vibrant cultural landmark, known for its iconic Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) and bustling Nakamise shopping street.
Asakusa
Asakusa is a historic district in Tokyo, best known for its vibrant Sensō-ji temple, the city’s oldest Buddhist temple, founded in 628 AD. During the Edo period, the area flourished as a lively entertainment hub for commoners, centered around the temple and its bustling Nakamise shopping street. Today, Asakusa remains a popular cultural destination, blending traditional architecture, festivals, and local crafts with modern tourism.
Edo
Edo, the former name of modern-day Tokyo, was a small fishing village that grew into the political and cultural heart of Japan during the Tokugawa shogunate (1603–1868). It became one of the world’s largest cities in the 18th century, known for its vibrant merchant culture and strict social hierarchy. After the Meiji Restoration in 1868, the city was renamed Tokyo and transformed into Japan’s imperial capital.
India
India, located in South Asia, is one of the world’s oldest civilizations, with a rich history dating back over 5,000 years to the Indus Valley Civilization. It has been a crossroads of major religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, and was shaped by empires such as the Maurya, Gupta, and Mughal, before becoming a British colony. Since gaining independence in 1947, India has emerged as a vibrant democracy, known for its diverse culture, languages, and iconic landmarks like the Taj Mahal.
Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is a stunning white marble mausoleum located in Agra, India, built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan between 1632 and 1653 in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is considered a masterpiece of Mughal architecture, blending Persian, Islamic, and Indian styles, and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, it stands as a global symbol of love and one of the most visited cultural landmarks in the world.
Kaminarimon Gate
The Kaminarimon Gate, or “Thunder Gate,” is the iconic outer entrance to Tokyo’s Senso-ji Temple, Japan’s oldest Buddhist temple. Originally built in 941 AD, the gate has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times, with the current structure dating to 1960. It is famous for its massive red lantern and statues of the Shinto gods Fujin (wind god) and Raijin (thunder god), which guard the entrance.
Nakamise shopping street
Nakamise is a historic shopping street leading to Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo, dating back to the early Edo period (17th century). It originated as a path lined with stalls granted permission to sell goods to temple visitors, making it one of Japan’s oldest shopping districts. Today, it offers traditional snacks, souvenirs, and crafts, preserving its cultural charm while attracting millions of tourists.
