Summertime time in Japan means lots of events and festivals! It also means you have to start picking out what to wear for them, too. The main dress when going to festivals or to see fireworks in Japan is the yukata. But when people wear them they tend to all look the same.
So today, we’re showcasing a list of yukata co-ords put together by popular models in Japan, who are usually stylishly dressed up in clothes other than traditional Japanese garments! There’s many points to be highlighted about their yukata, so you can take them away and wear yours even more beautifully too.
Rina Tanaka looking mature with her obi string
Rina Tanaka put on her yukata and styled her hair by herself. The camellia print yukata she is swaying is from Unsodo. It really gives her that mature, grown-up kind of look. Note the way she has tied the string around her obi too. It finishes the look and makes the entire yukata look that much more chic.
Plus, the pink and white striped obi sash gives her outfit a playfulness. She’s just too much♡
Rinko Murata made even cuter with her heko-obi
Rinko Murata uses a yellow ribbon in this co-ord, something that is sure to catch the eye of passersby. The ribbon itself is attached to a “heko obi” or “soft obi.” By simply changing your usual obi out for a heko obi, you will completely change the way your yukata comes across. What’s more if that you can tie a heko obi in lots of different ways, so this is something you have to look into!
Culumi Nakada and her standout accessory
Here is Culumi Nakada looking fantastic in her yukata with serene colouring. When wearing a yukata, people tend to go for Japanese-style accessories, but Culumi is challenging that by wearing gold earrings, and they go perfectly. Next time you wear a yukata, try wearing your hair up like Culumi, it’ll make you look even more ladylike!
Una looking even flashier with a bi-colour obi
Una is rocking the gold accessories too, it makes her look really cool. By using a two colours, you can create an even classier obi. Even if you have a yukata that you’re tired of wearing, you can change your look entirely by trying this method. That’s part of the fun of co-ordinating yukata.
Natsume Mito’s big hair accessory is goals
Here is Natsume Mito wearing an adorable gingham and apple print yukata! She is serving up gorgeousness with her big hair accessory♡ The obi and geta she is wearing also match, completing the look. Try colour-matching yourself, too.
If you want the full rundown of Natsume Mito’s yukata, then check out our previous article here.
Try using the co-ords put together by all of the models as reference and master the art of wearing yukata stylishly!
text：Aya Matsuda
edit：Tomoko Yabuta
Source：HARAJUKU KAWAii!! STYLE
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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?Information
Levi’s® x Naomi Osaka Collection
Release Date: August 24, 2021
Where to Buy:
Levi’s® Harajuku Store
Levi’s® Osaka Store
Official Levi’s® Online Store: https://www.levi.jp/
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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. Information
African Print Yukata
Men’s/Women’s: From ¥33,000 (Tax Included)
Bags: ¥12,100-¥22,000 (Tax Included)
Uchiwa Fans: From ¥7,700 (Tax Included)
*Prices subject to change*Photos are for illustrative purposes only
Official Website: https://www.takashimaya.co.jp/
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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 Information
Pre-Sales: From June 9, 2020
Product Page: http://shopDisney.jp/yukata/
shopDisney Japan: https://shopdisney.disney.co.jp/ -
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.Information
Subikiawa Shokki Collaboration
Digital Catalogue: https://feli.jp/s/pr200420/1/Felissimo Official Website: https://www.felissimo.co.jp/
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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. Information
Kimono IN LAFORET 2020
Running: January 4, 2020 – January 22, 2020
Location: Laforet Harajuku, 1-11-6 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
Official Website (Japanese): https://www.laforet.ne.jp/
Official Website (English): https://www.laforet.ne.jp/en/