Kimono Controversy: Japan Reveals the Truth

Is wearing kimono cultural appropriation or are foreigners allowed to wear kimono? We asked Japanese kimono designers, Japanese kimono craftsmen and kimono specialists and got a surprising answer about tourists wearing kimono and foreigners wearing Japanese kimono
Stores interviewed:
加花- KAHANA
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黒木織物 - KUROKI
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霜旦舎 ​定右衛門商店 - Sotansha Sadaemonshoten
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西陣織　田中伝 - TANAKATEN
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OLN（オルン）
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MITORIT
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[@rebeccaanne9863]

I once heard a Japanese man say that he would love to see Kimono's worn all over the world as every day clothing just as western style suites are worn every day in Japan. I think that would be lovely.

[@mikigirl18]

The one thing that sucks about it is if you recieve the wrong kind of kimono. My aunt gave me a man's kimono, even though I'm a woman. I don't have the proper wrapping to make it stay right. I know she meant well, but I have no clue how to make it wearable and be decent.

[@rebeccaanne9863]

@@mikigirl18 That would be embarrassing. A good tailor could probably alter it just enough so it fits you without it being obvious it has been altered but they can be expensive.

[@CerridwenAwel]

I'd love it too. You don't need to buy another just because you got fatter or thinner. The only downside is that they're pretty long, it's a little bit inconvenient to handle

[@CerridwenAwel]

@@mikigirl18 there's not all that much difference between male and female kimonos. The only one I can think of is the sleeve, and the extra fabric that gets folded around the waist in women's kimono (this is for when they get pregnant). But you can wear it just like a man does. Many people nowadays are coming up with modern ways to wear kimonos too. If the sleeve bothers you too much, just cut it open.

[@rebeccaanne9863]

@@CerridwenAwel that’s why there are haori and yukata :D.

[@tsufen8032]

In the words of my Japanese grandmother. "Wear kimono to the supermarket! Tell your friends to wear kimono". She gave me a vintage haori and instructed me to wear it with jeans and "make it fashionable". It's just clothing, and the only reason it wouldn't be okay to wear is if you're using kimono to make a caricature of Japanese people.

[@lara_spithfire]

Omg they were all so sweet 🥺🫶💜✨ The lady at the end who said “Just ignore the Kimono Police” Made me laugh so hard 😂😂😂

[@FaeQueenXII]

That was my favorite part too! 😂

[@DGMachine013]

it was so adorable seeing them SO passionate about kimono and completely encouraging non-japanese people to wear it, even casually. i love how wholesome this was

[@t.a.4853]

The obi maker: "once you know how to wear it... Feel free to wear it properly" 😂😂 genious!

[@CerridwenAwel]

Considering that obi ties go undone quite easily, it's a wise thing to say.

[@t.a.4853]

@@CerridwenAwel Yeah I guess so.... And I think that everything should be weared the most proper way possible. But how he said it, it's gold

[@elufae]

a good rule of thumb I've found is "is it fashion?" (in the culture it originates from). If it is "just clothes", people generally don't care or even encourage it! But if it's not (ie. religious or ceremonial significance)...that's when things get sticky. There are some who've seen bits of genuine cultural appropriation and have now taken the concept to the extreme, feeling that any sharing of cultures is somehow bad. But at the end of the day it's all a matter of being respectful and doing the bare minimum of research before engaging in it.

[@boodledemic6430]

I agree with that. I see so many sexy nuns or mockery of Christian/Catholic attire and it bugs me

[@teryh.1013]

People forget the context. Context is important whatever the topic. If the clothes are worn respectfully, it's almost never a problem..

[@CristiNeagu]

Do you have any example of "bits of genuine cultural appropriation"?

[@AyaOwenn]

@@CristiNeagu when I was a kid, the "native american indian costume" was everywhere. You can still find a ton of them just by googling it. It is a gross misrepresentation of people who still exist today, it uses their traditions (the war bonnet for example) as a party trick, when in parallel, their culture is endangered. Their pride was stolen by white people, and is now used in a irreverential manner. I wouldn't feel bad about the same thing toward christianity, or germany's ledenhosen, because they've never been murdered for their traditions and upbringings, so mimicking them does not originate from mockery and domination.

[@CristiNeagu]

​@@AyaOwennWhat? You think Christians have never been murdered for their traditions? Right now, Christians are the most persecuted people on the planet, with an active genocide against them happening in Africa. And you talk of cultural insensitivity... How ironic. At the end of the day, the fact is that the majority of the United States stands with you. They're on your side. And what do you do? You alienate them, perpetuating the same cycle of hate. Seems to me that you don't want to fix things and make them better. You just want revenge. An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind.

[@saiyamoru]

3:06 This first lady made me laugh out loud, I love her personality! She's so friendly and wholehearted.

[@SewardWriter]

I want to know what kind of obi tie she was wearing.

[@midnight6994]

@@SewardWriter Yeah she looked so fashionable!

[@xdlr22]

I wore kimono when I went to Japan and it was such a amazing time! I got lots of compliments and went to get photos taken to celebrate it. The ladies who put it on for you are so professional too. I definitely couldn’t have put it on myself it’s so complex. I think everyone should experience it for themselves! It’s like wearing art!

[@accountid9681]

I love how they're completely fine with people wearing kimono, but pissed off if people do it wrong, it's such a Japanese attitude "welcome, here's our culture, feel free to enjoy it, but FOLLOW THE RULES"

[@blackmber]

Yeah, it’s kind of like visiting the temples. Anyone can participate; you just have to follow the procedure.

[@OdinsSage]

Well that's really the difference between cultural appreciation vs cultural appropriation, isn't it. Learning which parts are important to the culture and which parts are free to change up and experiment with. It's taking the time to understand the culture around the clothing you're wearing.

[@stripedpolkadots8692]

@@OdinsSagemost sensible comment talking about the topic here

[@killiansirishbeer]

Well, like they said and explained, wearing the garment right-over-left is how they dress up the dead, that part of their culture is traditional and spiritual and they want people to respect that. But when you wear it left-over-right, you wear it how the living wear kimonos, it's a garment, clothes, fashion. It still is part of everyday life for many people and they enjoy foreigners taking interest in that.

[@yukishiro6350]

外国人観光客用にレンタルショップがあるくらいだし、興味があれば是非着て体験してみてください。 着物着てる外国人を見ても、そもそも文化の盗用なんて発想自体が無いよ。 文化に触れてくれて「ありがとう」って思うことでしょう。

[@geoffreyherrick298]

ありがとうございます！

[@Zeldafan1ify]

ありがとう! :]

[@LupaDomina]

Thank you Japan, for creating such an exquisite piece of clothing. I have always admired the Kimono and wish I had the grace to wear it well. However it would be like forcing an Elephant to become a Hummingbird 🤭.

[@kuronosan]

I know the lady said to wear colorful kimono, but if I were to wear one, I'd love it to be a bit of a stealth pattern, like black on black paisley.

[@OdinsSage]

Colourful and patterned is the typical feminine way to wear kimono casually, but there are definitely goth kimono wearers who do the kinda stuff you're talking about.

[@shinbios]

I did make a yukata out of green/black (jungle?) camo print once

[@Lunaphire]

​@@OdinsSage I've been struggling to find a good goth kimono. Wish I could try stuff on or something.

[@JunkieVirus]

bought one at a kimono market in Okinawa last year. it was so cool, and they took so much time to find the one that suited me best. nothing was a problem, they just wanted me to have the best one.

[@bvnniez]

ive always wanted a kimono

[@Serai3]

After thirty years of hearing about these silly controversies, the one thing I've observed over and over again is that nearly all the objections come from the US. From people here who think they're empowered to speak for folks in other countries, and to get down the throats of anyone who does thing _they_ think are wrong. It's almost never the people in those countries who are doing the bitching, but others (often white people) who get "offended" on their behalf without actually finding out if the people in those countries agree with them. in other words, cultural bullies. That's why I tend to ignore them. I'm not interested in people who makes their living going on the warpath about things that aren't about them.

[@M_SC]

This is what I liked about Japan. This attitude. There were certainly other things they were strict about, or fearful about foreigners about, but it was never about control, more about what’s best for society.

[@M_SC]

The obi squashes your boobs though. They insisted it had to be worn that way. That was a while ago though, maybe boob squishing isn’t important anymore.

[@ms1472]

That's a really good way to put it! I never thought about it that way.

[@andresanguianozuniga6798]

All countries should be like that. I Know that we live in a globalized world...but the universal key to Peace is respect. And if You don't respect natives, then go away.

[@touma-san91]

@@M_SC Lot of the women in the video wear their obis lot lower than their chest.

[@AnnaMorimoto]

The obi sits at slightly different places for different people, depending on things like how long your torso is. I'd say it's above my belly button or waist and partially covering my breasts. Older women tend to wear their obi lower and younger women higher, but that's an aesthetic choice not everyone follows. A recent trend is to make the front side of the obi lower than the back to hide any chubby tummy fat. The flattening of the chest thing is achieved by a kimono bra and date-jime, which keep the clothes from wrinkling, because if you let them loose and jiggly the curves and movement pull the collar area out of shape. If you pay someone to dress you, they will absolutely try to flatten your boobs to avoid Karens complaining to the kimono rental shops or kimono dressing studios that the kimono didn't look perfect in the photos. If you dress yourself, whether or not you flatten your breasts is optional, but many do it anyway for aesthetic purposes. It's a bit like the European stays and bodices that predated corsets. Flat and high chests are in, so everyone aims for that ideal silhouette.

[@gibbons9599]

They say we realize that people who post anything on Twitter are intrinsically wrong is the day we can move forward as a society.

[@c-w-h]

They are very happy to share their culture. 😀 I feel the same about kilts. When its hot out. Try a kilt. Feels much better. At one time. It was very warm in scottland. Specifically during the mideival period. The scotts had vineyards! Very far north to have some serious warm years! Now you know why kilts became a standard.

[@M_SC]

Pants all over the world actually were very rare, they are tricky to make when there is no elastic or zippers. Usually pants were worn by women, like in India the pant like part under the sari.

[@andresanguianozuniga6798]

Agree.

[@overthewebb]

@@M_SC The Romans when they first invaded Britain actually thought the English were Barbarians for wearing trousers

[@overthewebb]

I agree, as a Scotsman I'm happy to see any foreigner wearing Kilts, as is just about anyone from any culture seeing their national dress worn. The only people who complain are woke college students in the West who moan about everything

[@user-hb2eq1sk7n]

not really. They only want certain people to wear it. They think their dresses are like gold but they will take your money

[@RevyMorelia]

Honestly, all their messages and spirits are so encouraging! I bought a second hand kimono on my second japan trip recently, and I bought an obi and later found out it has a style I don't know how to tie (yet!). I was worried that I made a bad choice in buying that haha But even in japan when buying and browsing for kimonos, the staff was so encouraging and taught me and my friend how to put them on and dressed us up! It's super uplifting to hear things like "just treat it casually, you can barely go wrong, just have fun!". It's a "because we love it, we want you to love it aswell!" thing. I really like sharing my passions, too, so this kind of attitude resonates with me 😊

[@quintrankid8045]

I learned something because I've always heard that kimono are made from silk. Interesting to know that other fabrics are available.

[@theredheadwiththread1275]

I'm not sure about other seasons, but as a seamstress I can tell you that cotton and linen are going to be the best fabrics for summer because they breathe very nicely.

[@blackmber]

I thought the more casual ones made of cotton are traditionally called yukata. They are worn with fewer layers and accessories. When I visited hotels in Japan, they lent me cotton ones as a courtesy, like a bathrobe. The sleeves of these ones didn’t hang down as much. Perhaps they also make formal style kimono out of other fabrics now. Traditions can change after all.

[@jendubay3782]

​@@blackmberyakata was determined by length, I thought?

[@aikoaiko035]

​@@blackmberhalf Japanese here with a dad that used to help me wear kimono when I was young. We had a fairly recent conversation about the difference between a kimono and yukata, but according to him basically yukata is what you wear after coming out of an onsen, since yu in yukata means hot water (from an onsen). Kimono is just a general term for the outfit itself.

[@VampyrMygg]

It's similar for Norway and our Bunad, we generally love when foreigners take an interest in them really. Though Europeans seen as the ones afraid of appropriation? is this one of those weird situations where everyone points elsewhere? XD As to me as a European, it's the Americans that do that.

[@SuviTuuliAllan]

A bunad? Those things that elves wear?

[@VampyrMygg]

I'm not sure I get the reference, but Elves and Dwarves are from Norse mythology, so it'd not be too unheard of. Tolkien was inspired a lot by Norse myths, so that's where he got those from, and even based one of the Elven languages off of Finnish. ( Another one off of Welsh, he just loved unique languages :P ) But I know Sweden also has something similar, but I'm genuinely unsure if they wear theirs as regularly as we do, I can barely remember ever seeing it. Also Finland has a similar type of traditional wear, and I've seen theirs used before, and honestly, the Finns are basically forest elves. :P

[@SuviTuuliAllan]

@@VampyrMygg How dare you call us forest elves!? First "china swede", then "uralic mongrel", now this? (I'm not being totally serious, as if it wasn't obvious. That said, history be sad.)

[@overthewebb]

@@VampyrMygg Elves and Dwarves are from Germanic/Norse and Celtic Mythology. It's therefore Anglo Saxon folklore also. Tolkien was English, so it's also his mythology

[@GameFuMaster]

American left. They're hypocritically dumb. Like, they'll never criticize Asian people for wearing western suits.

[@AnnaMorimoto]

サムネの木越まりさんを見て来ました！今年の東京キモノショー行かれたんですね。良いなぁ。羨ましい～！ Saw Mis. Mari Kigoshi in the thumbnail! I wish I could have been there at this year's Tokyo Kimono Show! "Tokyo Kimono Show" is amongst the largest lively casual/fashion-forward kimono events in Japan. Other big ones I know are "Dai Osaka Kimono Make an Epoch", "Kimono Salone", "Arimatsu Narumi Shibori (tie-dye) Matsuri(festival)" At all of these events, people in the kimono industry are coming up with innovative new ways to draw more people in to the wonderful fashion of kimono, and they're very welcoming. Please attend if you are in Japan around these times!

[@krystalreverb]

I never knew about the difference between which way you fold the kimono over your body. As someone who’s fascinated with different cultural death rituals around the world, the idea that the kimono folds the opposite way on a dead person is just really cool! I am an American, have never lived in Japan, but I used to own 1 (one) kimono I bought from an anime convention when I was 16. I wonder what happened to it. It was really pretty.

[@Eldiran1]

So if it is pretty, why not having fun with it? I think you should wear it instead of putting this hidden gem in a chest or at the bottom of you wardrobe. I only have a Yukata (so far) but i won't miss a chance to use it during each summer.

[@krystalreverb]

@@Eldiran1 I lost the kimono when I moved house for a while, and now I only have the obi left, and I don’t even know how to tie an obi. the lady at the convention who was selling them dressed me in it and tied it for me, and then again, the kimono was lost when I moved. I hope I can rediscover it someday.

[@Eldiran1]

​ @krystalreverb Oh i understand. It's not that easy to tie the obi, i don't really know myself but i do something based on a youtube video ^^ .We can learn new thing or otherwise we will never try new thing. If you wanna have a kimono so badly, you can still buy another one. They aren't only one kimono for you : )

[@playerx3756]

Kimono is beautiful and elegant. I look forward to the day when I can wear one properly and in the right setting 😊

[@MRorizs2]

I love their enthusiasm. It's like they love kimono so much they want to dress the whole world in kimono, and that's how it should be! Kimono are so beautiful and elegant and can fit in so many occasions. I would love to see kimono being worn at gala events, for example!

[@marioulloa2593]

Context is important. Was long as your respecting the cultural and not making a caricature or making fun of the culture, it's totally fine and good to learn about other cultures

[@PiratePrincessYuki]

Used to live in Japan and have a few Kimono and Yukata. And yes, people in America scream cultural appropriation all the time.

[@touma-san91]

What's more annoying about these people who scream 'cultural appropriation' is that they are the ones who don't even have anything to do with the culture they claim you are appropriating.

[@bishop51807]

​@@touma-san91 agreed it's always the Neanderthals who scream cultural appropriation

[@Old.School.Ronin.01]

@@touma-san91 From what i gather from afar (Australia) it's Filipino Americans?

[@BlackSmokeDMax]

@@Old.School.Ronin.01no, mostly white people screaming about it. Being mad for other people is becoming a major pastime. Lol, they are basically appropriating other cultures anger. Even when that anger doesn't exist.

[@alcor4670]

@@Old.School.Ronin.01 From what I've seen in the Bay Area, it's a mix -- but not predominantly Fil-Am. In fact, they're mostly *_not_* Asian. Mostly college students and young adults eager to join some "cause" -- especially those who're eyeballs deep in that DEI crap.

[@uninvincibleete]

omg the first woman is such a real one for recommending recycle shops. that's where all my friends bought theirs when i lived in japan, great way to avoid the tourist traps.

[@cherie..cherry]

i also heard (read some peoples who live in japan comments) that there is actually an over abundance of kimonos in second hand shops. especially as you said its a great way to avoid tourist traps, it also helps local artisans and keep’s pieces that were so hard worked on in use.

[@wildwombat]

What an interesting video. A question I hadn't thought about, but a well constructed video and subs.. we can't forget the subs. You treat us so well. Thank you

[@UnChannelDuVulpineX]

Yay, more kimono content! I want one even more now!

[@catzhakury]

Thank you Cathy and team for a great interview ❤👍🏼

[@ashleyien1222]

Very interesting. if I ever got to Japan, I'll have to try a kimono. I wonder if Cathy bought anything at the kimono show. Maybe some cute accessories?

[@FaeQueenXII]

I'm really happy to hear all these experts say they like seeing foreigners doing their best and having fun with it. Many years ago I was laughed at for trying so its good to know that was an exception and not the rule. Thanks Cathy Cat! Great coverage ❤

[@gorkipork4112]

When my girls and me went to Japan Day in Düsseldorf last year that cute ladies who sold this beautiful Kimono to us cared a lot to show her how to wear it properly

[@gowadcompany]

I must mention, your outfit is so damn cute, I absolutely love the little details like the lace and ribbon on the sleeves, and the different textures! It suits you amazingly too!

[@noah1502]

あの男の人の紫っぽい暗色着物はかっこいくて素敵でしたね！！

[@ferretyluv]

We call that color “burgundy.”

[@kenthedeviltamer]

I want to get kimono when I get to Japan! Or a yukata

[@NwinDii]

That dark kimono with maroon shimmer is a stunner~

[@Tinkerkel]

When I was in Japan, I did rent a kimono. They put it on me and we walked around a historical Japanese area and took pictures. It was very fun! When I got home all of my American friends told me how racist that was of me. It really made me concerned that what I did was wrong. I didn't want to show the pictures to anyone. It's sad the American attitude That if you're white, everything you do is racist.

[@hideotaziri7659]

伝統文化は残しながら、進化する分には何も問題ない。実際着物をアレンジした洋服だってある。 他の伝統工芸品なんかもアレンジしたりしてるからね。出来れば文化を知った上でアレンジして貰えればなお良いという事ですね。

[@tokarukora7272]

I really like how whe points out how to get a cheap kimono first. :)

[@missis_jo]

Is that an actual dress you are wearing 😮? The entire time I thought it was a regular Furisode Kimono. It’s so beautiful! Actually, when you interviewed the Obi-reseller I thought for a second I could combine a really beautiful Obi with my regular dresses (since I would never wear a Kimono in my country) and wondered what Japanese might think about that. But now that I see your dress that would absolutely fit in my opinion 😍.

[@KahwahShutseh]

TLDR forewarning, approx 12 slightly run-on sentences: It's simple, I don't know why everyone complicates this extremely real issue. It is not appropriation if multitudes of people from that culture encourage you to wear their traditional clothing as fine attire at a formal event or even for a quick pic somewhere or just around town. アィヌ(Ainu) could possibly relate to what cultural appropriation actually is. From my perspective as a Native "american", for us it is appropriation, because it was outlawed until the late 1970s for our Nations to practice our own cultures openly. All was done in secret for the vast majority of our Nations. This law and its repercussions is why we don't encourage others to wear traditional clothes from our Nations or much else. Many feel we deserve to try to regain and maintain what is ours without further interference. Whilst non-Native kids and adults were doing their tomahawk chops and mock war-cries wearing fake Native clothes and performing fake Native everything it was illegal and forbidden for Native Nations to participate in their own cultures, ceremonies, languages and spiritual ways. Children stripped of their traditional clothes, languages, beliefs, traditions and rites of passage, denied parental contact and family and forced into assimilation re-education camps, called boarding schools until childhood was over and let out at the cusp of adulthood with no ties to culture or family having lived through oftentimes physical, mental and s3xu@l abuse at the hands of those non-Natives in charge of their re-education. This assimilation was being forced on Native kids who watched from the sidelines as non-indigenous settlers wore fake indigenous clothings for their silly little clubs and performed fake Native rituals all while they were forbidden from and punished for trying to take part in their very real cultures. It is illegal for you to practice your culture but the settlers can play at it and mock your ways while you are forbidden to practice the real thing openly. It was only the late 1990s when Natives gained the right to teach their languages formally to their children in school settings. So this is why most of us are fairly quick to ask a non-Native to please stop. Not that many listen though lol we get told all the time we are being "honoured".

[@CerridwenAwel]

That's what cultural appropriation actually is. People should learn it, to not minimize what peoples such as the native americans had to endure.

[@Torazuki]

This. Thank you! Ironically it was insensitive for people to claim that foreigners wearing kimono is appropriation because they never bothered to learn about it or ask Japanese folks if it was alright. Thank you for sharing your perspective 😄

[@J11_boohoo]

Question, is this prohibition of sharing your culture meant to last forever essentially? Even when the non-native people who have mocked or discriminated against you are all gone? Will there forever be a feeling of pain of anyone non-native to wear your clothing??? As an indigenous isnag person from the Philippines, I wouldn’t mind Spanish or Americans (our past colonizers) to wear or participate in our cultures despite them trying to erase it (especially the Spanish), and most of the indigenous cultures of the Philippines have been erased, only a few strongholds are left, such as where I am from I don’t carry that pain in my heart and it could possibly be because it feels like a distant time, a bygone era where no one alive is to blame, it won’t bring progress to our culture if we blame people’s ancestors

[@CerridwenAwel]

@@J11_boohoo I believe you answered your own question. The core of the issue is resentment. Humans are naturally inclined to share. These restrictions happen when there's resentment, then everything it's understood as mockery and humiliation. Healing that is not always easy, unfortunately.

[@mjlim6610]

In a similar way, Asian Americans feel that other people wearing their culture's clothing - especially to fetishize/exotify them(selves) - is appropriation. That's why I don't get asking Japanese people, since most people who are able to get to Japan tend to be actively interested in learning about Japanese culture - which in turns means it's not appropriation. In essence, it's all about respect.

[@RaginKavu]

Only people with a serious problem of "too much time in their hands" would be monitoring what others wear and complaining about it. That said, that first lady in black kimono has such a good voice! She would make a nice VA if she wanted!

[@carolinavillalba5127]

I love this video! Thanks! I always feel nervous about puttung the wrong side up, I don't want to look dead! But everyone here is so kind and encouraging! I'm so going kimono shopping in Japan.

[@maciv33]

I moved to Japan a year ago, so I'm looking forward to wearing a mens kimono with tabi. I'm still working on learning Japanese though.

[@likethecheeze321]

I love that lady. Her energy is a MOOD!

[@shmerples2960]

When me and my friends visited Japan, we rented yukata (as it was super hot outside) and the experience was so lovely! We went to a place called Okamoto Rentals in Kyoto and were able to choose from a bunch of different patterns and designs. I was a smidge more limited as a 5'8 plus-size woman but my friends had the whole store to choose from. There were also hair accessories and bags to borrow on our walk through Gion. We're headed back to Japan in February and planning to do the full kimono experience in the cooler weather

[@stutam]

Back in 2018, we rented kimonos and got our hair done in Kyoto. A bus full of tourists/foreigners (caucasian) who just got down from the bus, saw us and kept taking photos of us. Like A LOT. One of my friends with me was half Japanese and she overheard a fellow Japanese say: “They’re not even Japanese”. Idk the tone he used when he said it but it could’ve been said lightly/jokingly😅

[@ammmm_4803]

@3:57 THIS GUY!!! He is so well-informed about the situation! 💕I'm so proud of him!! This is the exact thing happening, and I wish people would learn context, and other people's point-of-view, cultural background, and upbringing before doxing people online, and accusing them with the 'Cultural appropriation' card!

[@geoffreyherrick298]

That kimono looks so cute on you Cathy!❤

[@SobrietyandSolace]

It looks like she is wearing a yukata I’ve seen on Bodyline costume shop and a lolita dress by Metamorphose

[@rachelblenkin437]

My sisters and I went to Tokyo 2 years ago, and we asked our tour guide about this. She also said it was fine, and helped us find some more affordable yukatas (lighter garment like a summer kimono). We love them and still wear them!

[@jenniferkopf7879]

OMG I love the hedgehog patter fabric at 7:50 mark!

[@vinsblack2]

I know the first time that えり(collar) is Japanese,elders of my country used that word sometimes,btw Japanese ability of Cathy are so amazing

[@Book-bz8ns]

Thank you. I have two kimono now, and I will get a few more soon. I find it easy to wear and comfortable.

[@oburii.92]

The explanations in this video are EVERYTHING 👏👏👏 Like the people in this video said, it's vital to learn the way to wear kimono by those who have plenty of experience with it. Also: pointing out the importance of the collar layout is something that people need to watch out for! I feel like it's not pointed out as much as it should be haha

[@AtaGunZ]

The "get some help" part is because it is really hard to put it on, especially by yourself.

[@aidenharris4343]

This is such a relief and so Wonderful to see! I’m such a fan of Kimono and Japanese Culture; the Enthusiasm I’ve seen here makes me so happy.

[@theredheadwiththread1275]

I don't know when or if I'll ever get to go to Japan but I definitely want to try to find a kimono show like this! I loved the sandals behind the lady in the black kimono.

[@rranft]

As for places to look for used kimono, I was directed to a shop near Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto where they sell the rentals once they are deemed too old to rent out. They were very reasonably priced and in very good condition. I don't recall the name, but it was to the right of the plaza entrance when coming up the hill. I also don't know if it's still there as this was back in fall of 2019.

[@moon_wolfk7456]

This made me all warm and happy! If I ever get my hands on a Kimono I'll wear it with pride, and remember to fold it correctly haha

[@djredhareaus38]

I went to Japan last and I meet you in Harajuku last year everyone is dressed so cool i wish i knew how to dress like that

[@AnnaMorimoto]

Cathy is wearing wa-loli, 和ロリ a subset of lolita fashion (not to be confused with the book). Lolita fashion is a hyper-feminine fashion inspired by rococo styles, characterized with a puffed out cupcake shaped skirt, cute decorative prints, bows, ruffles, and lace. Wa-loli is the kimono inspired branch of lolita fashion.

[@originalnilson]

I've always wanted one, this makes me so happy.

[@lucy9698]

I got a kimono from my trip to Japan. I never wore it out, even in Japan, because of this stupid little thing some people came up with called "cultural appropriation". Videos like this are exactly what the world needs to come back to sanity. I really want to visit Japan again in the future, and I really want to wear my kimono someday!

[@T.Florenz]

Just wear it now. Cultural appropriation is real, this is just not an example of it.

[@Wynnflaet]

What about happi coats? My grandmother housed a japanese transfer student for a few years, who left a lot of japanese things to her, including the happi coat I have now inherited. There isn't much of flashy festivals around, would any event be okay?

[@Mokiefraggle]

I would imagine that it all depends on your personal comfort. If you're comfortable wearing it somewhere, then it's your choice. There's not really going to be anything that's quite like a matsuri outside of Japan, so it's up to you if you feel like wearing it.

[@TsukiNohime16]

I have a few kimono and yukata that I ordered online (and got as gifts) and I absolutely love wearing them around (I am in Canada)! I, unfortunately, can’t wear them much at work only because my kimono are all silk and I work in childcare. I do wear my yukata when I get the chance though because of how much more comfortable I am in them than in jeans and a tshirt.

[@Kytachan]

This makes me feel better about wearing my favorite yukata for fun events! I sometimes forget the collar direction rule but now I can remember thanks to the lovely lady that said "you should be able to easily put your right hand inside"

[@SobrietyandSolace]

I love this wa lolita dress by Metamorphose so much

[@Eldiran1]

i'm french and i dare to use kilt more than pant. But i wouldn't use kimono as my everyday wear, i'm too shy for that. Having said that, i would like to have more than one yukata in my wardrobe. The problem was that when i was in japan (i went here twice), i mostly saw woman kimono and only a few men kimono. I'm not talking about yukata, but the more formal one, specificaly the spring/autumn kimono (that the one i want). I've tried to go to a big market in kyoto but it was raining so i didn't dare to try the kimono here because i was really wet. I wish i could find one, preferably a black one (with a colorfull obi )

[@duncanbradshaw8993]

Yes we can, it's part of the fun tourist can experience when visiting a Great country like Japan.🙂

[@Stevepaul1968]

when I come to Japan this year, I certainly like to try to wear kimono. It does look fun, to get involved, and experience Japanese culture.

[@dawlesstech8904]

Glad you asked a variety of people. So many young people today think that one person is always some sort of "elected representative" of all people who look like them.

[@kiwisocks]

Kimono fans are great in how enthusiastic they are about getting others to join them. One told me, "Kimono are so pretty, it would be nice if everyone in the world had one to wear". One fan misread my thoughtful face for disinterest and said, "You would look nice in Taisho Romantic style! Trust me!"

[@FastestPodcastClips]

So Cathy is a foreigner going around in her kimono and asking if foreigner can wave a kimono 😂😂😂

[@DianaWanMa]

Yeah also the sellers won’t say don’t wear them haha

[@lilaculots]

i'm not 100% sure, but i think this is actually a kimono dress/'wa' lolita dress, possibly an OP or a JSK (with a kimono-style top layered under it). it looks to be just below knee length so i wouldn't think it would be a regular kimono. doesn't take away so much from the 'is this cultural appropriation?' question, but i think it being a dress rather than the actual traditional formalwear still leaves the 'is foreigners wearing (real) kimono okay' and 'what advice would you give to foreigners wearing kimono' advice on the table

[@bvnniez]

@@lilaculots i could tell it was some form of lolita style, loved her kimono so much. it definitely isn't a regular kimono but if you look up harajuku kimono or gyaru kimono there are kimonos and yukatas in that style that a lot of japanese people wear that also wouldn't be considered traditional.

[@fancydeer]

I would love to learn how to properly wear a Kimono and Yukata. They're both really pretty. The guy that said he wishes kimonos were just as popular as western style suits is on to something, why is western style common clothing the prominent day wear? We should be encouraging folks from other cultures to bring their own culture into mainstream fashion. Everyone deserves to be represented in the world, not just western/European people.

[@moriko07]

I Love You, Japan. All of you. ❤ Thank you... Thank you so much. Doumo Arigatou Gozaimasu ❤

[@JoskMclaren]

Plus you can get books/mooks that show you how to wear it. Even if you don't read Japanese the pictures are very clear.

[@flamingohurricane7602]

Ok so this makes me want to get a summer kimono and wear it proudly with my colorful Crocs!

[@kleinWinWin]

When I rented a Kimono in 2022 I felt so beautiful!!!*^* There were so many beautiful ones!!!💖 I will always remember that grandma, who complimented and took a photo of me bc I was alone.💖

[@stephaniepaints]

I have a couple yukata, that I haven't worn yet( I live within distance to the DC Cherry blossom festival and go every year, rain or shine), and I am determined that next year I'll finally wear it once I can figure out how to put it on myself properly. This year we dressed up my niece, who is almost 5 years old and she looked so adorable, and next year we will dress up our new baby in the family as well. I researched how to made a kanzashi hairpiece and made her one to go with her outfit, and so many people stopped to tell us she looked beautiful. I could tell she FELT beautiful with the way she was gracefully gliding through the grass, instead of romping around as a usual (lol!). 😂😂🤣 It makes me incredibly happy to hear that it is ok. As an artist who loves Japanese art and culture, I would really like to support the kimono industry, as I know they have had to adapt to the changing times and I want to see the kimono industry thrive into the future. It is very reassuring to watch this video and see them so enthusiastic about it. Hopefully one day I will make it to a kimono show to see these amazing vendors and get to support them in person!

[@paulready8897]

Very nice video. The lady that was being interviewed at the beginning seemed very outgoing and is extremely passionate. Personally I would not wear a kimono as I’m not Japanese and would not want the kimono police lol.

[@Tkizuka]

Thank you for this video, I am Japanese American and dream of the day of Visiting Japan and weearing a Kimono. Even thought I am only part Japanese I did not want to offend anyone.

[@soyosugawara2658]

This is awesome advice my man.

[@crimsondragon1794]

this was very encouraging. I've always wanted to wear a kimono but didn't want too appear insensitive to japanese culture. knowing so many thinks it's fine for me too wear one I may end up purchasing one and trying it out!

[@YukiTheOkami]

Good guess but we germans are wiedly obsessed with japanese culture its a big szene here 😅

[@danika9411]

Yep. We even celebrate Hanami in my hometown 😅

[@Puppy52]

Wonderful video🥰

[@markmuller7962]

The glasses are perfect for you!

[@ZaiDIzzen]

Just w translation question. Why was Yakuta used sometimes but also translated as Kimono?

[@keisakura9014]

Watching this as I iron the kimono I recently made to wear to work. I miss Japan. I went there for work when I was in a previous career. My co-worker/host was always having me try different kimonos, and encouraging me to wear them even stateside. I’ve always loved Japan and Japanese culture & entertainment, even when I was very young and watched an old Japanese samurai movie with my grandfather. Here in the US, though, they really do scream “appropriation” even when shown proof that people are actively encouraged to wear kimonos.

[@kittencatnyanya]

I love this and hope more people learn that this is how Japanese people view kimono. I lived in Japan for a while and have a few yukata that I love from that time and wish I could wear them more. However many American people still think the Japanese disapprove of foreigners wearing Japanese clothing, and can be quite harsh to those who do. I really hope one day people can share fashion all over the world with respect for all types of beauty.

[@IOSARBX]

Ask Japanese, I love this! Can we be friends?

[@sgnibble1]

I own many kimono, yukata, and some hakama. I tend to wear the yukata more due to it being easier and during Japanese festivals and wore hakama a couple of times. I do get concerned however to be told I’m appropriating as I am not Japanese and live in the US. Every time I’ve encountered a Japanese person they get happy to see someone outside of Japan wearing kimono which makes me feel more at ease and I can see the same sentiment from the people being interviewed. So long as you do your research and try to do things as correctly and respectfully as possible I think it should be fine. It’s when things are done in a way to poke fun at another culture that there are issues

[@dboutic617]

Although I've never worn one, I love the look of kimonos and the variety of them is stunning. I'm always up for CathyCat kimono content!!

[@annacarlsson1280]

Ive tried sewing some kimono/yukata from old fabrics bough second hand and I also made a cosplay in an old style courtmen wore (Hikaru no go, Sai :D Undergarment and out, even the high hat xD) and my mum tried helping (old seamstress) but she got soo confused xD Its wery different from the western way of sewing!! Im probably gona try again soon to have something light to wear this summer :)

[@georgebenta3435]

Is cultural appropriation a western (including Europe) concept or mostly just a US concept? I'm from SEA so I don't know.

[@handel1111]

Just an American thing. They seem to always have toxic opinions of the things that doesn't involve or having no relation to them

[@partiallyhydrogen8ed]

I don't know if you're asking this in good faith, but the concept of cultural appropriation comes from diasporic groups. The experiences that people in their native country face while practicing their culture will most of the time be different from what the diaspora has. The diaspora a lot of times will face discrimination or bigotry from practicing aspects of their culture because of their minority status in the country that they're living in. It's not specifically an "American" or "western" thing.

[@danika9411]

To that extend it mostly is an american thing, because of their long history with oppression, segregation ect. They project it heavily onto other countries. In Europe it's not that much of a thing yet thankfully. I can understand it in their historical context, but I don't like it when they try to police other countries on different continents around.

[@Mokiefraggle]

@@partiallyhydrogen8ed And then, a whole lot of folks often unattached to the diaspora they're attempting to "champion" got hold of the idea, and we got the toxic American version...

[@Nothing-vl3ip]

Great video

[@gerriebell2128]

Nobody in Scotland bats an eye when non-Scottish people wear kilts. Even today it is still worn for formal or dressy occasions, like weddings, graduation, etc. We (Americans) lived in Scotland and renewed our wedding vows in church there, and my husband wore a kilt.

[@MaheerKibria]

I love kimono. But finding one in my size is hard. And it's not like I am particularly tall by Western standards. Very Few of them are as long as I would like.

[@aynDRAWS]

I hope to get a kimono or yukata before I leave Japan. This question has definitely been something that's been stopping me, as well as my poor Japanese

[@kieran8266]

great video

[@CrazyToddler]

we had a lovely japanese woman named ayako stay with us a few times years ago, and one of the times she gifted me an obi and yukata because her daughter didnt like wearing them. i still have them 'u'

[@nameinvalid69]

6:00 I like how convenient it is she just slip a smart phone there ... wait, is that a wallet, I might be mistaken it. But neat eitherway.

[@touma-san91]

It's a smart phone, if you look closely, you can see the camera on it near her arm.

[@AnnaMorimoto]

Kimonos don't have sewn in pockets, but there are all sorts of useful places to put things! In your sleeves, in the obi-belt, and in your collar. People still carry around bags for water bottles and other larger items though.

[@bethtrumm9784]

The woman in green, her obi tie is so cute