Most people probably know that Japan is a country where shoes are removed at the door. While modern Japanese people usually step out with a typical assortment of contemporary footwear, in centuries past the shoes-on, shoes off problem was solved by zori and geta, traditional Japanese sandals for all occasions and seasons. Today these sandals are most popular at fireworks festivals and other traditional events, but one thing hasn’t changed: With a shape a bit like casual beachwear, they are still comfortable! And unlike their thin rubber Western counterparts, zori and geta can be very beautiful > Read More
02/03/2016
Japanese Furoshiki: One Cloth… Endless Possibilities
One cloth… endless possibilities. There is no other country quite as innovative as Japan, and this can best be illustrated with just one word—furoshiki. While Western countries might look at this wrapping cloth as merely an oversized napkin or handkerchief, Japan has found a way to utilize furoshiki by matching functionality with style. Keep reading to find out all of the ways you can bring furoshiki into your life! > Read More
07/02/2016
What is Lolita Fashion? A Guide for Beginners
Lolita Fashion is a popular subculture as well as a type of street fashion in Japan. For the past 10 years, it has gradually gained popularity across the globe. This look is based around a youthful doll-like appearance. There is a high emphasis on being ‘cute’ while maintaining an elegant aura. The look takes inspiration from Victorian and Rococo styles but as incorporated into today’s street fashion. Some girls like to go a step farther than mere fashion, participating in a whole range of Lolita Activities such as “high tea” with other Lolita friends. They look like princesses in the modern > Read More
04/02/2016
Popular Japanese Fashion Magazines for Men & Women
Japan, which is nothing if not innovative when it comes to fashion, has a huge number of different fashion magazines that cater to a wide range of discerning fashionistas. There are many different subcultures each with their own unique style, all of which also have magazines that are specifically tailored to them. A lot of magazines are printed on quality paper, and some will even include a special item inside just for their readers along with each issue. Here is a list of some magazines to get you started on your own Japanese fashion journey. > Read More
05/10/2015
Shibuya 109 Shop Showcase: Top 10 Popular Fashion Brands
Shibuya 109 (called “Ichi Maru Kyu in Japanese) is one of the most iconic fashion destinations for young women in Japan. The high-rise building and large 109 sign have become a familiar part of the Tokyo landscape along with the famous Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko statue. > Read More
14/09/2015
Japanese School Uniform Obsessed? What to Wear, Where to Buy
Along with the kimono, one of the most recognized outfits from Japan is the standard Japanese school uniform. Thanks to anime and manga, the traditional sailor styled uniform is synonymous with Japan and something that even people outside Japan want to wear themselves, either for cosplay or as a fashion-forward statement. Whether cosplayer or not, options are flourishing especially for women who want to buy a Japanese school girl outfit. The Internet has made it possible for anybody to indulge in their cute Japanese fashion obsession. > Read More
27/07/2015
Japanese Clothing and Shoe Sizing Guide: Important for Online shopping
If coming from Western countries, Japanese clothing sizes can be perplexing. While a girl may usually wear a size small in the U.S. (a size 4/UK size 8), in Japan they wear a large! And “one-size” (as in one-size-fits-all) almost never fits a Western girl, unless it’s a hat of course! While this can be a blow to the ego, at the end of the day it’s not the number on the tag that matters, but how you look and feel while wearing the clothes. > Read More
02/07/2015
Japanese Fans and Umbrellas: A Lovely Tradition
Japan is well renowned for beautiful traditional buildings and shrines. Part of that old aesthetic is traditional Japanese fans and umbrellas. These fans and umbrellas are still seen and used to this day, especially in the cultural capital of Kyoto. However, the questions many have are what are they, where did they come from and when did people use them? > Read More
01/07/2015
The Most Popular New and Used Japanese Cosplay Costumes Shops
Cosplay (or “costume play”) costumes is one of Japan’s biggest trends, where fanboys and fangirls wear costumes based on their favorite anime and video game characters. As an art form and hobby, cosplay costumes has spread around the world, and, today, cosplayers regularly attend conventions called “Cons,” where they meet others in costume, gather for photoshoots, participate in contests, and make unforgettable memories. While some cosplayers like to sew their own costumes and build their own props, many do not have the time, knowledge, or resources to do so. For those who want to purchase > Read More
17/06/2015
All about Kimono and Yukata: The Differences, How To Wear & Buy
Kimono and yukata are traditional Japanese garments that have charmed people around the world with their beauty, style, and traditional aesthetic. They are full-length T-shaped robes that have long sleeves and are secured in place with a decorative belt. There are many specific rules for when and how to wear kimono and yukata, known as kitsuke. The rules for kimono are much stricter as they are considered formalwear, while rules for wearing yukata are more relaxed. > Read More
