Takashimaya Shinjuku has revealed a new line of African print yukata made using materials from West and Central Africa. The collection will be released on the second floor of Takashimaya Shinjuku from June 24 to 30.

Hitomi Suzuki (鈴木仁美) is working to preserve traditional West and South African dyeing techniques. Using materials sourced from these countries, she has created yukata, bags, fans, and other items to sell in Japan.

The print feature vivid colours and eye-catching patterns—the kind you want to wear around the house during the lockdown for summer, or for a remote drinking party.

Walt Disney Japan has announced that pre-sales for its new and original Disney themed yukata will open via shopDisney in Japan from June 9, 2020. Designs range from popular picks such as the Mickey Mouse yukata from last year to new designs like Alice in Wonderland.

The Mickey Mouse yukata has a white base which combined traditional Japanese prints of hemp leaves and a checked pattern with plum blossoms and Mickey. Dressing up in this gives off grown-up yet cute vibes.

The new Alice in Wonderland yukata has a navy base and features prints from the popular Disney movie made into a Japanese style design. It also comes with an obi sash featuring characters from the film on it in a casual manner, so it blends in well and isn’t too flashy. shopDisney will also sell a bag, fan and other items with this design too so you can coordinate a style with the yukata.

Several items for kids will also be sold, such as a cute Elsa-inspired yukata, a Toy Story 4 jinbei, a Bunny shoulder bag, and more.

A TSUM TSUM series of summertime yukata will also be sold from June 9, 2020 which will include Mickey & Friends designs.

©Disney
©Disney/Pixar

Felissimo has joined hands with popular Kyoto-based store Subikiawa to launch a new collaborative series of items. They are now available to purchase via Felissimo’s official website.

Who are Subikiawa?

Subikiawa is a tableware store known to all in Kyoto that’s open around three days a month. “Tabletop Circus” is the theme of their hand drawn tableware series which is mainly centred around glassware. Subikiawa first began their collaboration series with Felissimo back in 2016. Since then, they have teamed up to make yukata, jinbei, pyjamas, clothes, and moreーall with Subikiawa’s cute illustrative designs.

The new yukata and jinbei they have developed for this summer features a colourful underwater theme with various fishes, pebbles, and water plants.

Kyoto Subikiawa Shokki to Tsukutta Suichu Dance Yukata – ¥5,500 (Before Tax)

Kyoto Subikiawa Shokki to Tsukutta Suichu Dance Yukata (Women’s) – ¥7,300 (Before Tax)

The collection features yukata and jinbei made with designs so that parents and kids can dress up together. The clothes are made from 100% slub cotton yarn, giving them a nice feeling against the skin. The waist is also fitted with string so that even beginners to yukata can tie them easily.

Kyoto Subikiawa Shokki to Tsukutta Nail Seals (1 Set) – ¥1,400 (Before Tax)

Kyoto Subikiawa Shokki to Tsukutta Suichu Dance Bib Kit (1 Set) – ¥2,800 (Before Tax)

The new collection also includes nail seals to make your fingertips bright and beautiful, as well as an embroidery kit to make your own cute bibーthis is part of Felissimo’s brand Couturier. The bib is soft and made using 100% Banshu-ori cotton fabric. Banshu-ori is a fabric from Hyogo Prefecture. The cotton is also dyed before being woven so the colour won’t fade as quickly when washed.

The three-day Hamarikyu Oedo Cultural Festival will take place at the beautiful Hamarikyu Gardens in Tokyo from August 23 to 25. It will be produced by international fashion designer and stylist Junko Koshino.

The boisterous festival is a coming together of Japan’s traditional Edo period and modern times which will be celebrated with a myriad of exciting experiences.

The centrepieces of this year’s event are the DJ performances and Yukata Fest which will take place around the two 6-meter tall pillars in the garden’s plaza. DJ KOO will appear as a special guest on Friday August 23rd while Japanese models Arina Urahama, Sayaka Shimizu and YORI will take the spotlight on Saturday 24th wearing Edo-style outfits with a contemporary pop spin all made by Junko Koshino.

During the Yukata Fest, there will be taiko drumming along to the DJ performance. Three people from the Eitetsu Fu’un no Kai―a group supervised by famous Japanese musician Eitetsu Hayashi―will be the drummers. The Fest will mash together traditional Japanese music with modern DJing.

Expect to be thrilled with an up-close performance of kendo swordsmanship, iai―the art of drawing one’s sword―and a showcasing of naginata, a type of long pole weapon. There will also be a play area where you can play karuta with the Hyakunin Isshu one-hundred poems which was popular during the Edo period, blow bubbles, and more.

And of course, there’ll be plenty of Japanese food to tuck into as well served at one of the many booths. This includes namie yakisoba, a local speciality soba noodle dish adored by the people of Fukuoka which will be served as part of maintaining the culture, a Fukushima no Sake standing bar which has won the top award in the Shinshu Kanpyokai 7 years in a row, and so on.

Specially prepared traditional Japanese wagashi confections produced by Junko Koshino will also be sold as part of a collaboration project with Ito En who are sponsoring the event and holding a special tea party. They are limited in availability, and those lucky few who do get a spot will be able to enjoy tea and sweets while enjoying a view of the spectacular Japanese-style gardens at the Nakajima No Ochaya cafe.

Visitors will also be able to pick from a wardrobe of bright and colourful yukata, including some designed by Junko Koshino, at one of the booths at the festival and have them fitted on from them. Those who arrive already dressed in a yukata will receive free entry to the festival!

You’ll completely forget you’re in the boisterous city of Tokyo while at this traditional x modern fusion of a festival. If you’re in Japan this summer, then don’t miss out. More details of the festival and its content can be found on the official website below.

Hi everyone, this is Midori from MMN’s Editorial Department!

Do you know what a Yukata is? It’s a long, casual garment that resembles a kimono. As they are made of light and breathable material, this traditional Japanese clothing is usually worn in the summer. A beautiful yet refreshing garment is the perfect clothing for a summer festival and other summer events. How would you like to try one on? Today, I’ll be introducing you to this year’s latest Yukatas.

KIMONOMACHI: Polyester Yukata Perfect for a Hot Summer’s Day

These yukata are made from polyester which is breathable and ventilating. From subtle and mature patterns for adults to large, modern and vivid patterns, there is a wide range of fabric designs to choose from.  

Cream Water-Colour Camellia Flower Yukata: ￥11,880 (after tax) 

You also do not have to worry about coordinating your outfit as you can putchase a set that includes a Sash (obi) and Japanese wooden clogs (geta). This is recommended for those of you who are completely new to yukata-wearing.  

▼ KIMONOMACHI main shop

Official Website: https://www.kimonomachi.co.jp/

Cayhane Yukata: Easy to Wear By Yourself 

Cayhane sells yukata that are made from materials sourced from all over Japan. 

Reiría Minana Yukata: ￥7,128

The Yukata sold here consist of a top and bottom half, which makes it easy for anyone to put on.

You can also get yukata with a separate skirt too, meaning that you can wear the skirt with your other normal clothes on a regular day too.

▼ Cayhane

Official Website: http://www.cayhane.jp/shop/c/c01

kyomadoka: Wear a Yukata Designed By an AKB48 Graduate　

Haruna Kojima, who graduated from Japan’s world famous idol group AKB48, created the designs for a collection of kyomadoka Yukata.

￥45,360 (after tax)

Not only are the designs made with lots of care and attention, but the materials used have been carefully sourced. The patterns are mature yet cute. 

▼kyomadoka: Haruna Kojima Original Design Yukata

Purchase here: https://isetan.mistore.jp/onlinestore/brand/006180/list?categoryId=01_061604&rid=24098c5b16c840e39ea3dddf42efd3ad

Sales Start: June 5, 2019

Felissimo Neko-Bu™: Fill Yourself With Feline Fabulousness

Cat-Themed Retro Modern Yukata ￥8,400 (before tax)

Notice the cute, round eyes of a cat amongst beautiful camellia flowers. Felissimo Neko-Bu™ sells cat-themed goods that are also perfect for adults. This retro-modern design is both cute and mature.

Look closely and you will also notice a striped pattern. Felissimo are selling many other cat-themed Yukata besides this so please check them out.

This is a design of a tiger playing with green foxtail grass.

▼Felissimo Neko-Bu™

Official Website: https://www.nekobu.com/

RiLi.tokyo Sells Yukata That Look Like Japanese Sweets

RiLi.tokyo sells Yukata that are perfect for walking the streets of Asakusa, Kyoto and other traditional-style streets that are full of dark and mature colours.

RiLi Yukata: ￥11,990 each (before tax)

The sash is a waist band with wrinkles so that it does not hurt when you put it on. You will notice that it is incredibly easy to wear these. All Yukata in this series use similar colours, so it is easy to coordinate your outfit with other friends and family members. ♡

Official Website: https://rili.tokyo/#new

Furifu and Touken Ranbu-ONLINE- Collaborative Yukata

Furifu is dedicated to creating new styles of traditional Japanese fashion. They have released a retro-modern style kimono brand through a collaborative effort with the game Touken Ranbu-ONLINE- . This includes three Yukata themed around the characters Kashuu Kiyomitsu, Tsurumaru Kuninaga and Kasen Kanesada.

 Kasen Kanesada　￥62,640 (after tax )

Tsurumaru Kuninaga: ￥62,640 (after tax)

Kashuu Kiyomitsu: ￥62,640 (after tax )

▼Furifu Touken Ranbu Collaborative Yukata

Official Website: https://mgos.jp/furifu/index.html

All these Yukata are available online. This would be the perfect way to stay cool and beautiful during the summer. Wearing one to a summer event would be a wonderful experience. ♡

Keio Plaza Hotel is expanding their yukata experience service plan “Easy Kimono”. The plan, which allows guests to wear Japanese traditional clothing called yukata, was originally a weekday-limited plan. Now, the plan will be expanded to include the weekends and national holidays. The plan was launched in June 2017 through a collaboration with Keio Department Store’s dressing rooms. Keio Plaza Hotel’s objective is to spread Japanese culture and offer guests the opportunity to fully experience Japan. The hotel also offers tea ceremony and Ikebana flower arranging classes.

There are two yukata plans on offer: a standard plan available for men and women and a women-limited premium plan which includes top quality cotton yukata that have a mature feel to them. Both plans come with wooden clogs, an ornate kanzashi hairpin, a drawstring purse and a map of wonderful locations to take a stroll in Shinjuku. Head to the third floor lobby in the South Building of the hotel to arrive at the Keio Department Store Dressing Rooms. Here, you can choose your favourite yukata. Once you put it on, the staff will take a commemorative photo with a camera or your smartphone.

You can rent these yukata for a maximum of six hours, during which time you can take as many selfies as you want, enjoy a meal in Tokyo, and have a relaxing stroll around the streets of Shinjuku. This luxurious plan is a chance to experience the great feeling of wearing a yukata.

Laforet Harajuku is holding a yukata event on its second floor CONTAINER area from June 25 to July 24 where you’ll be able to pick from a wide range of different yukata designs.

This marks the 5th run of the event, and this year, it is being split into three separate periods. A total of 9 shops are participating including the popular kimono brand Roccoya Summer Shop which fuses the traditional with the modern as well as MICOPARADE which is managed by designer and Japanese clothing model Maria Kawahara.

The event’s main visual was conceived by art director Tomoko Katayama, a designer at airlinesinc. and president of kimono teaching company Airport Lounge. There will be a photo spot as well as displays created by Katayama.

Period 1: June 25, 2019 – July 4, 2019

Roccoya Summer Shop

Roccoya is a brand popular for fusing together traditional and modern designs. The company is returning to Yukata IN LAFORET once again to sell a variety of new yukata, kimono and accessories. Pick anything from cute to contemporary to sophisticated couture. They also sell head accessories and customers can order specific sizes.

MICOPARADE

MICOPARADE is a kimono brand led by designer and Japanese clothing model Maria Kawahara which offers contemporary twists of traditional ideas. Expect kimono like you have never seen as modern fashion. This event will be MICOPARADE’s first unveiling of their new products.

Period 2: July 5, 2019 – July 14, 2019

MIKI SAKURA & Sakura Maison

Sakura Maison focuses on “Japanese kawaii” kimono, accessories and obi sashes while MIKI SAKURA’s concept, conceived by designers at Sakura Maison, is “dignified women wrapped in beautiful fragrances.”

These two brands will come together to showcase an array of feminine yukata including yukata made from lase. They will also sell headdresses, ornate hairpins and other accessories. Expect to get your fill of kawaii♡

Asobiya Meets yuminique

Asobiya is a brand that adds a bit of fun to traditional Japanese motifs. They will collaborate with the “nostalgic and cinematic” brand yuminique for the very first time. Asobiya will have their popular paper crane series of items while yuminique will showcase their “SECRET” themed line-up this summer with an assortment of handmade head accessories with rose and lily of the valley designs. You’re sure to find the right decorative accessories for your yukata look here♡

Period 3: July 15, 2019 – July 24, 2019

AYAKONAGAHASHI

Ayako Nagahashi’s select shop is associated with many different kimono and yukata brands. The new yukata and accessory collection by KIIRO, which Nagahashi is the director of, and Furifu will be on show. New Yukata and obi sashes the likes of which the industry has never seen before from Nagahashi’s private brand Fruttarossa will also make an appearance. There will also be plenty of other pieces like geta shoes and obi clips.

Shigemune Tamao

Unique and innovative kimono creator and artist Shigemune Tamao is opening her first ever store where she will sell original kimono, obi sashes, and a selection of items made in collaboration with guest brands that transcend traditional and contemporary clothing.

Find the yukata for you at this year’s Yukata IN LAFORET.

Japanese museum and hotel Hotel Gajoen Tokyo is currently offering its new “Yukata Plan” until September 30. The plan includes a yukata service, lunch or dinner, and a chance to witness the Hyakudan Kaidan, or ‘100 Step Staircase,’ which was registered by Tokyo Prefecture as a Tangible Cultural Property in 2009 for its exceptional architecture and artistic beauty.

The plan lets guests wear a beautiful and colourful yukata allows them to get a feel for the Japanese spirit. After enjoying a special food course specially prepared by the hotel’s chef, you will head on over to observe the Hyakudan Kaidan, something offered in the hotel’s popular summer plan. Yukata are available for men, women and children, making it perfect for groups, couples and families. What’s more is that you can take home the yukata, obi sash and geta shoes you choose.

Once you chance into your yukata you can stroll to some of Meguro’s famous spots such as Meguro River as well as Ryūsenji temple and Ōtori-jinja Shrine, both of which are just a 10-minute walk from the hotel.

Enjoy a real Japanese time this summer at Hotel Gajoen Tokyo.

Disney Store Japan has announced that it will begin selling a range of original yukata and miscellaneous items for summer. Sales in-store begin on June 18 with pre-sales hitting the online store a week earlier on June 11.

Ariel/Rapunzel

The line-up sees the return of the Ariel and Rapunzel Disney princess yukata which were a hit in Japan last year as well as the new Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse versions. This year’s assortment of accessories and miscellaneous items to co-ordinate with the yukata is also even bigger than last year.

Mickey Mouse/Minnie Mouse

The designs are chic and subtle while still celebrating the characters of the Disney world. The Mickey and Minnie yukata in particular feature retro patterns which can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The obi sash that come with the outfits also play into the story of each character.

The other items in the mix include fans, bags, and a range of cute accessories to make your yukata even more glamorous.

It would be super fun to co-ordinate the yukata together with friends. So if you’re heading to Japan this summer then why not pay a visit to the Disney Store and ready yourself for the fireworks and festivals?

©Disney

Yukata are a traditional type of Japanese clothing originally used before and after entering a steam bath. Today, they are used as summer dress when going to events such as summer festivals and firework festivals.

They come in many different colours and designs. Here’s a list of ones we recommend for summer 2018.

Sailor Moon Yukata

These Sailor Moon themed yukata have been made in collaboration with Kyoto Marubeni. Choose from five yukata sets inspired by each sailor as well a range of other chic and modern yukata. They have all the accessories you need to including obi and folding fans so you can enjoy the full dress-up experience. How about becoming a sailor this summer?

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/88541

Yukata Fukubukuro

Kyoto based traditional Japanese clothing brand KIMONOMACHI are selling yukata fukubukuro, or ‘lucky bags.’ There are several lucky bags to choose from, including one containing a single yukata, a 2-set which includes a yukata and obi, and 4, 5 and 6-sets which include that plus accessories. Part of the reason for the popularity of these bags is that you can pick from four sizes: Small (S), Free, (F), Tall (TL), and 2L. Choose from a variety of kawaii infused yukata!

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/108656

Disney Princess Yukata

Disney have released a range of yukata and accessories at five of their stores and online. The Ariel and Rapunzel are original designs that were specially illustrated for these yukata. No matter which you choose, all of them embrace the characters’ stories down to the tiniest of details. Pick one of these yukata and become a Disney princess this summer!

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/113122

Tokyo 2020 Emblem Yukata

Summer 2018 marks two years until the Tokyo Olympics. Gear yourself up for the excitement this summer with these official Tokyo 2020 yukata, jinbei and accessories. Cloisonne design yukata with the Tokyo 2020 emblem on them were released on July 3, and the above indigo design will be available from early August. Both are stylish and come in a gentleman’s version and a lady’s version.

SCANDINAVIAN PATTERN COLLECTION

This collection is a Northern Europe design project developed by Andfika for children. There are yukata for girls and jinbei for both boys and girls. The collection incorporates designs from three designers in Sweden and Finland. The clothes are a unique mix of Northern Europe designs and traditional Japan clothing.

Did you like this list? There’s a lot of variation when it comes to yukata, so be sure to pick the right one for yourself this summer in Japan.

Put on your favourite yukata and enjoy the night time scenery of Yokohama at the Yukata Beer Garden coming to Yokohama Marine Tower. It will run from July 6 to September 7.

Beer gardens are a staple of Japanese summer, as are yukata. You can rent out yukata while in Japan, or you may have one already but require assistance putting it on properly. The Yukata Beer Garden aims to eliminate these problems. There, you can choose from over 100 different items of clothing including yukata, obi and geta which will be fitted for you by professionals.

The best part about it is that you get the full set. Once you’ve picked out your yukata you can enjoy a beer garden course at one of four shops. There are also courses that come with a ticket for the Yokohama Marine Tower observatory deck.

All of the yukata items available accommodate for males and females. They stock everything from simple and stylish to colourful and retro.

Once you’ve had your yukata fitted, you’re free to enjoy yourself until your dinner reservation time arrives. You can take a stroll in Yamashita Park, feel cool breeze at Oka Koen while gazing at the harbour, walk around China Town or Motomachi Shopping Street and more while wearing your yukata.

Choose a dinner plan you like from either 3 restaurants at Yokohama Marine Tower or one of the 4 beer garden plans at Yamate Jubankan.

THE BUND (Marine Tower 1F): Garden BBQ Course (+2-hr 30 min Unlimited Drinks)

A tempura BBQ beer garden course with all-you-can-eat beef, pork and chicken including beef harami garlic steak. Enjoy a cold beer in an open terrace while feeling that Yokohama breeze!

The Tower Restaurant Yokohama (Marine Tower 4F): Beer Terrace Course (+2-hr 30 min Unlimited Drinks)

Takes place in an open terrace area that has a sweeping view of the Port of Yokohama. Relax and enjoy Mediterranean cuisine such as the main dish, roast chicken.

Mizumachi Bar (Marine Tower 1F): Black Iberian Pig & Spare Rib Set (+2-hr 30 min Unlimited Drinks)

A traditional bar with a relaxed atmosphere next to Mizumachi-dori Street. Their hearty portions of spare ribs (250g) and cocktails made in collaboration with Crazy Ken Band are hugely popular.

Bonus: Comes with ticket to Marine Tower observatory deck.

Yamate Jubankan: BBQ Course (+2-hr 30 min Unlimited Drinks)

This place is perfect if you want a special evening date that’s a little different or if you want to go for a bit of drinking with the girls. Enjoy a BBQ in a garden enveloped in greenery.

Restaurant: Yamate Jubankan (10-mins on foot from Marine Tower)

Make some summertime memories in Japan dressed in a yukata at a beer garden!

The summer season is almost here, which in Japan means summer festivals and fireworks. Wearing yukata is tradition during summer here and really gives you that summertime vibe.

But to enjoy yukata fashion even more, you’ve got to get the hair and make-up right too. Here’s some tips!

How To Style Hair & Make-Up for Yukata: 2018 Edition
Showing us the tricks of the trade is top hair and make-up artist Yumiko Kamada of cosmetics company Shiseido who has incorporated 2018 trends and made it so that anybody can challenge themselves to it.

・Hair

1. Start off by curling your hair. Depending on how you like it done, it’s good to slightly curl the tips with the curling iron too.

2. Tie your hair from behind your ears to the top of your head to separate the front and back like in picture ②.

3a. Tie each part of the hair you separated close to the top of your head.
3b. For the front, divide the inner part of your hair from the knot into two, and pass the tips of your hair through. Add some nuance to the side with a Gibson tuck.

4. Twist the front and back bundles and bring together.

5. To give the top balance, fix tightly with a hairpin. Add nuance by styling your hair around your face and finish with hairspray. Leave a refreshing impression with checkered hair decorations and transparent glass hairpins.

・Make-Up

1. For the base make-up, lightly apply liquid foundation to your skin.

2. Lightly fix with face powder and use highlighter to give your skin shine and luster.

3. Powder your eyebrows to a natural thickness and make soft.

4. Add coral cream eye colour to the outer part of the double eyelid. Apply lavender cream eye colour to the entire bottom eyelid. For single eyelids, close your eye and add the eye colour to the eyelid.

5. Carefully add mascara starting from your lash roots to brighten your eyes.

7. Add pink cream blusher to the upper parts of your cheeks. This brings out the depth of your face and makes your side profile look beautiful.

7. Use a glossy pink lipstick to give a bright look. Lightly shade off the outline to give a lighter look.

Recommended Make-Up Items: PLAYLIST Multi Painter (With New Colours)
These multi coloured creams come in paint tubes and can be used just about anywhere from your eyelids to eyebrows, cheeks, lips and so on. There are 14 colours in total (13 coloured and 1 clear). There’s the lavender and coral which was used in this tutorial as well as two new summer colours. Pick them up and get on Japan’s 2018 summer trends!

Dress up in a colourful and beautiful yukata and have yourself an unforgettable summer!