Escape claws: Some of the fantasy figures on this Japanese woman’s fingernails are three-dimensionalThe extravaganza that is the Tokyo Nail Expo had 50,000 visitors feasting their eyes on the latest in nail art.
Its highlight was the Nail Queen 2009 awards ceremony, where Japan showed once again that it remains at the cutting edge of the genre.
Its highlight was the Nail Queen 2009 awards ceremony, where Japan showed once again that it remains at the cutting edge of the genre.
Flower power: a petal design
Flipping the bird: Swans also featured
Creations on show included an extraordinary montage of tropical flowers and birds painted on long, straight nails.
But many were three-dimensional and featured swans, ribbons, hearts, figures and even a bow and arrow. Hello Kitty adorned one pair of hands.
But many were three-dimensional and featured swans, ribbons, hearts, figures and even a bow and arrow. Hello Kitty adorned one pair of hands.
And of course, no Japanese event is complete without a Hello Kitty
Pop singer Kumi Koda has won the Nail Queen title for the past three years with her over-the-top styles and has now been inducted into the Nail Queen Hall of Fame for her trouble.
But this is not just for the girls. Male Japanese stars have also been sporting painted nails – albeit without any Hello Kitty models painted on them. 
