omote

Omote is a Japanese noun derived from the kanji 表, commonly meaning surface, exterior, front, or face. It denotes the outward, visible aspect of something, in contrast to ura (裏), which refers to the interior, back, or hidden aspects. The kun-reading omote is used in everyday language to describe outward appearances and public-facing sides.

In ordinary use, omote appears in phrases that describe outward-facing or public aspects. For example, 表向き (omote-muki) means outwardly or publicly, while 表面 (hyoumen) refers to a surface or exterior face. The single character 表 can also denote the surface or front of an object, such as the front surface of a coin or the face of a clock. The common pairing 表と裏 (omote to ura) contrasts front or outward aspects with back or hidden ones.

In culture and aesthetics, omote forms part of a frequent dichotomy with ura. Traditional arts and crafts sometimes distinguish between omote (the visible surface, design, or public display) and ura (the underlying structure, function, or inner significance). This distinction can appear in architecture, costume, or performance, where the outside appearance carries immediate meaning while inner aspects may be concealed.

The term also appears in place names and contemporary usage. A well-known example is Omotesando, a district in Tokyo whose name means “front approach” or “the outward-facing avenue,” reflecting the sense of an entrance or public-facing street.