Yamanba (ヤマンバ) and manba (マンバ) are styles which developed from ganguro. Old school yamanba and manba (particularly known as 2004 Manba) featured dark tans and white lipstick, pastel eye make-up, tiny metallic or glittery adhesives below the eyes, brightly coloured circle lenses, plastic dayglo-coloured clothing, and incongruous accessories, such as Hawaiian leis. Stickers on the face died out shortly after 2004 and, for a while, yamanba died.
Manba then became more extreme, with multicoloured and usually synthetic hair. Manba in 2008 saw a darker tan, and no facial stickers. Hair was usually neon/bright colours, with pink being a favourite. Wool emulating dreadlocks, extensions, and clips were worn to make hair appear longer. Clothing remained the same, although leis were worn less frequently.
The male equivalent is called a "Center guy", a pun on the name of a popular pedestrian shopping street near Shibuya Station in Tokyo called Center Gai センター街 (Sentā-gai).
Although less popular than other Gyaru styles currently, there are still Gals who wear/identify as Yamanba and/or Manba.
Yamanba Vs Manba[edit | edit source]
Yamanba and manba are distinct from one another. Yamanba involves white make-up only above the eye, while manba makeup is applied below the eye also.
Stuffed animals, bracelets, bells and hibiscus flowers are often worn in both styles.
