A Guide to the Types of Sanpaku Eyes and What They Mean

Types of Sanpaku Eyes: Yin, Yang, and the Rare Shihaku

There are many types of eyes, such as peach blossom eyes, almond eyes, and fox eyes. It is said that the eyes are the windows to the soul, and one can see a person’s personality, temperament, and even destiny through their eyes. Do you know what “three-white eyes” means? People with three-white eyes sometimes appear arrogant or gloomy because the whites of their eyes look more prominent. Let’s take a look at the facial features of people with three-white eyes. If you’re interested, please save this post!

What Are Sanpaku Eyes?

“Sanpaku eyes” refers to eyes where the pupil is positioned very high or very low, making it appear as if a lot of white is visible on three sides of the eye. Eyes with a prominent upper pupil are called “lower sanpaku eyes,” while those with a prominent lower pupil are called “upper sanpaku eyes.” Upper sanpaku eyes are characterized by the white of the eye visible between the upper eyelid and the pupil, while lower sanpaku eyes are characterized by the white of the eye showing between the lower eyelid and the pupil.

“Three-white eyes” is a term used in face reading, characterized by pupils positioned very high or very low, with a significant amount of white showing on three sides of the eye. People with this type of eye are generally considered beautiful, hence the saying “beauty eyes.” Famous faces often linked with the feature, such as Billie Eilish and Marilyn Monroe, are compared in our look at celebrity sanpaku eyes.

According to physiognomy, people with “three-white eyes” (eyes where the whites are visible above and below the skin) are considered to have a bold and magnanimous personality, a strong sense of self, and are likely to achieve success. However, they may experience financial losses or major misfortunes in middle age. Because of their tendency to dominate others and show off, it was said in ancient times that “three-white eyes” foreshadowed hardship. The name comes from Japanese, where sanpaku means three whites, and the Japanese tradition of face reading has its own history through the Edo-period reader Mizuno Nanboku.

Types of Sanpaku Eyes and Their Personality Traits

Upper Sanpaku: Gentle on the Surface, Gloomy Inside

People with “three-white eyes” (eyes where the whites of the eyes are visible above the iris) have eyes that resemble those of a snake, hence the term “snake eyes.” These individuals tend to have a somber personality and are skilled at disguise. They usually appear very docile, but once their interests are threatened, they will reveal their true colors and will stop at nothing to achieve their goals.

Lower Sanpaku: Intelligent, Talented and Proud

People with “three-white eyes” (eyes where the whites of the eyes are visible below the iris) are highly capable and intelligent. However, they tend to be arrogant, very competitive, and stubborn. On the bright side, they have a strong drive to succeed; they strive to do their best in everything they do, sometimes even resorting to unscrupulous means. Lower sanpaku is also called yin sanpaku, and what yin sanpaku eyes traditionally mean covers the separate claims made for women and men.

Two single-eye close-ups labelled upper sanpaku and lower sanpakuTwo single-eye close-ups labelled upper sanpaku and lower sanpaku

What Fate Does Face Reading Link to Sanpaku Eyes?

Upper Sanpaku: Average Relationships, Emotional Ups and Downs

People with “three-white eyes” (eyes with the whites showing above the iris) may appear docile on the surface, but are actually strong-willed and domineering. They may face social exclusion and struggle to achieve significant career advancement. Due to their assertive personality, they find it difficult to make genuine friends and generally have limited interpersonal relationships. This personality also tends to lead to more setbacks in romantic relationships.

Lower Sanpaku: Good Career Luck, a Bumpier Love Life

People with lower sanpaku (the whites of the eyes are visible below the iris) are generally more likable than those with upper sanpaku (the whites of the eyes are visible above the iris). However, they tend to be self-centered, which may lead to marital problems and a chaotic life. In their youth, these individuals often experience difficulties in their love lives; their pride and arrogance often result in finding fault and ultimately ending relationships. However, they generally have good career prospects and can achieve success through their own efforts.

Face Reading of Upper Sanpaku Eyes

“Three-white eyes” refers to eyes where the iris is positioned low, with the whites of the eyes showing on the upper left, right, and left sides, somewhat resembling the eyes of a snake, hence the name “snake eyes.” Physiognomy suggests that people with three-white eyes are cold and ruthless. They may be quiet and appear gentle on the surface, but when faced with personal gain, their true nature is revealed, and they may even resort to unscrupulous means to achieve their goals.

Close-up of a green snake's eyeClose-up of a green snake's eye

People with “three-white eyes” (eyes with the whites showing above the iris) tend to be domineering and cunning, skilled in intrigue and scheming. Therefore, they often don’t have good interpersonal relationships, whether in life or at work. Even with outstanding work abilities, they struggle to get promoted. Because of their overly assertive nature, if they don’t know how to be restrained in relationships, their marriages and romantic relationships will likely face many obstacles.

The Fate of People With Upper Sanpaku Eyes

A Proud, Aloof Personality and a Hard Middle Age

People with “three-white eyes” tend to be arrogant and have a strong sense of self, which establishes their assertive personality. If they can gradually change their assertive nature and open their hearts to accept the opinions and goodwill of others, they are very likely to succeed. However, if they insist on going their own way, they may suffer financial losses and major disasters in middle age.

Late Marriage and Frequent Arguments in Relationships

People with “three-white eyes” (eyes with the whites showing above the iris) tend to be very assertive in relationships, hoping to take the lead. However, relationships are a two-way street; mutual respect and understanding are essential for a lasting partnership. People with “three-white eyes” who are prone to stubbornness and extreme tend to encounter setbacks in relationships, often ending prematurely, and are more likely to marry later in life. However, later marriage may also be beneficial for these people, as they gradually learn the art of harmonious relationships.

Face Reading of Lower Sanpaku Eyes

People with “three-white eyes” (eyes with the whites showing below the iris) tend to be self-centered, highly focused on material enjoyment, and hedonistic, making them prone to isolation. However, while they enjoy being in control, they are also loyal and principled. Generally, they are best suited to partners with gentle personalities.

Close-up of one brown eye with white showing below the irisClose-up of one brown eye with white showing below the iris

People with “three-white eyes” (eyes with the whites showing below the iris) tend to be neurotic, suspicious, jealous, strong-willed, and stubborn. They lack empathy for others, often betraying them, frequently bothering others, and are generally disliked. They consider themselves superior, holding the belief that they are always right, and have a rather eccentric personality.

People with “three-white eyes” (eyes with the whites showing below the iris) tend to be arrogant, narcissistic, and have high standards. They are prone to neuroticism and suspicion in relationships, often leaving their partners with no breathing room. They are also jealous, strong-willed, stubborn, and lack the gentle side of a person, making them prone to betraying their families and thus most likely to experience marital crises.

What Is the Fate of People With Lower Sanpaku Eyes?

People with “three-white eyes” (eyes with the whites showing below the iris) are often arrogant and haughty. They look down on others and are selfish, but they are also very talented and have a strong drive to succeed. They are determined to achieve their goals. If they fail, they may resort to any means necessary to accomplish them. Therefore, people with “three-white eyes” must cultivate their character and temperament. Otherwise, they will inevitably suffer huge blows in their marriage or relationships in middle age, falling into a deep abyss of pain. At this point, they may become even more reckless and mired in their own problems.

People with “three-white eyes” (eyes with the whites showing below the iris) are very confident, strong-willed, and bold. However, they are also willful, cold, and often inconsistent in their words and actions. Because such people rarely consider the feelings of others and are very strong-willed, they are more likely to attract murder and criminal trouble. Moreover, because these people rarely understand the feelings of others, they experience more unhappiness than others. Due to their ruthless nature, they are difficult to accept and therefore generally have few close friends.