Anyone who is casually aware of Japanese culture knows that “cute” or kawaii is one of its main asthetics. Kawaii finds its way into almost every part of Japanese life, from city mascots to toilet bowl cleaners. Kawaii fashion is a style popular with younger girls, stemming from their childhood when mothers practically compete to…
Tag: Fashion
Tokyo Design Week
Today (Oct 26, 2016) is the Opening Day for the annual Tokyo Design Week, held in Meiji Jingu Gaien (not to be confused with Meiji Jingu shrine, which is in Yoyogi Park). Hundreds of designers from university students to celebrated professionals display their work, host discussions and party like only design folks can. Pecha Kucha…
Lunco
There are new kimono shops and there are used kimono shops, and then there is Lunco, off the beaten path in Mejiro, a stop seldom used by tourists along the Tokyo JR Yamanote Line. The kimono at Lunco are most definitely used, but they have been curated by the owner like an art dealer selects…
Kimono Reinvented
Though it is not uncommon to see a person wearing kimono in modern Japan, there is a definite downward trend in kimono as fashion. The price of this trend is steep, with many artisans and companies involved in the kimono making process shuttering businesses which have been in their families for centuries. The only way to…
染の小道 Fabric Dyeing Festival
At the annual Nakai Fabric Dyeing Festival, there are many events showcasing the skills of the areas artisans. In a few locations around the neighborhood, there are temporary galleries of the work of some of the areas best dyers and designers. The Bunka Fashion University holds a kimono fashion show where many of the garments…
School Uniforms
Almost every country has schools that require uniforms, but no country takes school uniforms to the level of cuteness that Japan does. Most foreigners are aware of the sailor suit style that the majority of junior high schools girls wear, but the array of styles used by different schools in Japan is mind boggling. Boys styles…
365 JAPAN 