Naomi Osaka is one of the fiercest young athletes in sports today. Now a four-time Grand Slam singles champion, she’s caught the attention of aspiring athletes all over the world with her authenticity and skill. Now, she’s teaming up with Levi’s® to release a new collection, available at select stores in Japan beginning August 24. The pieces will also be sold at the official online store. 

 

Crystal Fringe Short : ¥33,000 (Tax Included)

Lace-Up Short : ¥19,800 (Tax Included)

Trucker Jacket Bustier: ¥24,200 (Tax Included)

Denim Kimono : ¥40,500 (Tax Included)

 

 

The collection utilizes vintage or upcycled denim to capture Osaka’s preferred silhouette, with each piece utilizing her unique designs based in femininity and sportiness. 

 

The Denim Kimono is a respectful homage to traditional Japanese culture. “I loved wearing kimono as a child,” Osaka commented. “I thought if I included one made of denim in the collection, it would be super unexpected and surprising.” 

 

This collection also includes two denim shorts: the Lace-Up Short is sportier, and is a clever reimagining of the classic Levi’s® denim shorts. They feature cutouts above the knees, a feminine lace-up back, and were made from upcycled men’s Levi’s® jeans. For those wanting something more girly, the Crystal Fringe Short features a collection of shimmering fringe gracefully dropping down the sides of the cut-off pants. 

 

Rounding out the collection is the Trucker Jacket Bustier, a denim bustier with a lace-up back. This is a remake of the Levi’s® trucker jacket, cut in the traditional corset style with classic lines, flap pockets, and recognizable buttons. “When I was sketching, the idea of the bustier came to me and I absolutely loved it. Now that it’s been made and is actually real, it’s so much cuter than I imagined. I love it even more!” Osaka commented. 

 

This blend of sporty and feminine makes the collection a perfect shoutout to Naomi Osaka’s rich heritage. Most importantly, the collection is made from vintage and upcycled denim, breathing new life into already existing Levi’s® items and reducing impact on the environment. “Sustainability initiatives are important to me. What I love most about the collection is how responsibly the pieces were made,” the tennis star said. 

 

Which of these four pieces would you like to rock this summer? 

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

Japanese attire brand Relier81 began selling its “OBI Square Sandals” on the official UNITED TOKYO online store on Thursday. The sandals are made using dead stock obi which are the sashes used to tie kimono.

 

Who are Relier81?

Relier81 is a Kyoto-based upcycling brand which aims to maintain Japanese tradition, culture, and the original craftsmanship of its creations.

 

In today’s era, there are less opportunities for people to wear kimono in Japan. Beautiful and breathtaking kimono, obi, and other kimono related items are gathering dust in people’s wardrobes. So Relier81 began to think of a way that would enable them to still make use of kimono and kimono accessories that would fit the modern lady. That’s where their upcycling skills come into play.

OBI Square Sandals – ¥29,700 (Before Tax) | Size 1: 23cm-23.5cm, Size 2: 24cm-24.5cm

Relier81 have collaborated with UNITED TOKYO for these new OBI Square Sandals, a brand which prides themselves on products that are “Made in Japan.” The sandals use Relier81’s “OBI Sandals” as the base which have been wrapped in carefully selected dead stock obi by UNITED TOKYO’s designers. There are 12 sandal designs in total with two different kinds of elastic insoles used. The sandals lighten the burden of the feet and are super comfortable to ensure that your feet don’t get tired easily.

 

The sandals are shipped in a special “kiribako” box with both company’s logos branded on it to keep with the traditional theme.

All of these sandals are manufactured in Japan, but the ageing of artisans and lack of successors is of real concern. UNITED TOKYO’s official online store has posted photos of the manufacturing process of one shoes to show people how it’s done.

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.

Laforet Harajuku has announced that its next “Kimono IN LAFORET” kimono and furisode pop-up shop will run from January 4 to 22 next year.

Iroca Kimono “Leopard Gecko” – ¥63,800 (Tax Included) / Half-Width Obi – ¥26,400 (Tax Included)

Pure Silk Butterfly Black Cloth Furisode – ¥132,000 (Tax Included)

Light Blue Dove Print Polyester Furisode – ¥128,150 (Tax Included)

Eight brands will line the shelves of the annual pop-up shop, with kimono, furisode, accessories and more available for purchase, including new items.

Model and actress Shen Tanaka features as the star of the main visual for Kimono IN LAFORET 2020, mixing colourful kimono with western clothing to create a unique look. Marie Higuchi, who was the stylist for the visual, has also released some dress advice for those who love kimono or those who are beginners and newcomers to the scene.

 

Mixing kimono with the kind of regular clothing that screams you

Marie Higuchi is a stylist who also writes columns in Nylon Japan and Sozen. Her advice can be used by both beginners and experts alike: by mixing kimono with some of your own clothing, you can simply and easily create a stylish look that’s you. This makes for a perfect outfit for a special occasion.

 

Styling Point

This outfit combines fishnet tights with sandals that have thick metallic soles to create an edgy kimono style. Using thick sandals makes them really stand out when wearing kimono, so you can easily incorporate them with any kimono you wear.

 

Items Used

Kimono/Obi/Other: iroca

Haneri: C.H.O.K.O

Obi Clip: conoco

 

Styling Point

The gorgeous flower head dress brings a strikingly elegant touch to the overall look of this outfit. Whether used with kimono or in your regular day-to-day outfits, it’s sure to bloom beauty with whatever style you go with.

 

Items Used

Kimono: MIKI SAKURA

Head Dress: Atelier Senka

One Piece Shirt: Ank Rouge (Laforet Harajuku Floor 4F)

 

Styling Point

Coloured turtlenecks are in right now for the current season in Japan, and this kimono look incorporates one underneath the kimono. The mix of loose socks and thick-sole sneakers really adds to the flavour of this style, even more so with the addition of personal items like the vinyl record headband and lip clutch bag which make it unique.

 

Items Used

Kimono/Obi: Tamao Shigemune

Headband/Clutch Bag: SINZ (Laforet Harajuku Floor B0.5F)

Other: Personal items

 

If you’re looking for kimono and furisode when visiting Japan in January, be sure to hit up Kimono IN LAFORET at Laforet Harajuku, located in Tokyo’s fashion central: Harajuku.

Hi, MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON readers! Banako here again from the MOSHI MOSHI Friends group.

 

I have a question to ask you all. If you’ve been to Japan, did you ever dress up in a kimono or yukata to go sightseeing? It’s become common to see not only Japanese people, but foreign travellers and tourists clad in traditional Japanese ware snapping photos in the country’s historical locations. Dressing up in a kimono and walking the streets really immerses you in that Japanese spirit and transforms your experience entirely.

 

I visited kesatokyo in Asakusa which rents out kimono that are somewhat different from the norm, got myself a kimono, and took a trip to Denkiya Hall, a long-standing cafe in Asakusa.

Denkiya Hall is located along Senzoku-dori Shopping Street which is a 10-minute walk from the Tsukuba Express side of Asakusa Station. The street is quiet and peaceful since it’s away from the hustle and bustle of the station front.

The kimono at kesatokyo are renowned through the town as they give off cute retro-antique vibes with their combination of things like lace necks, head dresses and berets.

 

You can get some romantic co-ords which you won’t find with other kimono by matching with your friend in terms of design and accessories. I headed into the cafe excited with my kimono choice which matches the old-fashioned design of the cafe exterior.

A standout feature of this cafe is that some of the tables have arcade games attached to them. If there’s a free seat at one of them, pick your favourite-looking, slot in a coin and start playing! Be sure to ask the staff to switch it on for you beforehand.

While gazing through the nostalgic games, I ordered the cafe’s popular omumaki (¥700) and cream soda (¥650) while my friend got hot cakes.

Stuffed and wrapped inside the omelette is a hearty serving of fried noodles. The noodles themselves are on the thicker side and have a rich seasoning like that from the Showa period. You can also pick between different noodles.

The cream soda had deliciously sweet syrup and vanilla ice cream inside it.

Your kimono will match the atmosphere of the cafe really well, so you can take some really great pictures at any time.

Denkiya Hall opened over 100 years ago and incorporates styles from three different historical periods: Meiji, Taisho and Showa, giving it a nostalgic feeling.

Another one of Denkiya Hall’s specialities is their boiled adzuki, the perfect treat to warm yourself up as the weather gets colder.

 

It was fun strolling around Asakusa after our cafe visit, as well as searching for more modern towns like Ginza and Omotesando.

 

We returned our kimono to kesatokyo at 18:40, right before the final return time. The basic rental plan for one person is ¥6,050 and it even includes hair styling! You can make reservations either via DMs on the store’s official Instagram or by telephone. You’re certain to get a reply on Instagram so it’s recommended going that route. The shop has more details on their plans on their website.

 

Wearing a beautiful kimono and warming up inside a cafe during wintertime. How does that sound?

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.