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Channel: Fashion Inferno – Only In Japan

Six Surprising Reasons Japanese People Wear Masks, Even When There’s No Pandemic

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If you’ve been puzzling over why Japan is such a “mask-wearing society,” it’s not because they’re all super-OCD about germs. Here are six excellent Japanese reasons to wear a mask that have nothing to do with the dread COVID:

1 – You overslept

Because if this is your typical morning routine…

Japanese makeup how-to

…you can cut your makeup time in half

Japanese woman wearing face mask

2 – You woke up with the Godzilla of pimples

Japanese man with pimple wearing face mask
Let’s face it, some blemishes are even too gnarly for coverup

3 – Introverts gotta introvert

Naturally, the country that invented otaku culture is gonna embrace hiding in plain sight

4 – You have to commute in this every day

Morning commute crowd at Shibuya Station

In a country where commuters spend as much as an hour and a half, twice a day, smashed up against five strangers in a subway car, you need all the virtual privacy you can get. Whether you pretend to be asleep, buried in a book, or mesmerized by your phone, wearing a mask adds another layer of distance to the least private part of anyone’s day.

5 – It’s allergy season

Hey, wait, why do you have wear a mask if you have allergies? Allergies aren’t contagious!

Author Jonelle Patrick wearing face mask

But the people around you don’t know that. If you’re sneezing and sniffling, it’s considerate not to worry them. Even when there are no deadly pandemics around, Japanese people tend to consider other peoples’ comfort before their own.

6 – It’s the best fashion accessory ever

Fashionable japanese man wearing cool face mask
Be honest—which looks more badass?

There’s definitely a mask for every outfit…

Fashionable face masks from Gofukuyasan
…be it ghosts, curry rice, woodblock prints, or summertime goldfish
Fashionable face masks from Gofukuyasan
And a look for every spirit animal, be it cat, cephalopod or salamander…
Fashionable face masks from Gofukuyasan
You can never have too many!

These last ones are all from @gofukuyasan and are only available in Japan, but there are super awesome ones on Milanoo (who sell the introvert mask) and Etsy too!

(A special tip o’ the pandemic mask to William Chandler, for reminding me of the otakus!)

And by the way, don’t miss all the amusing stuff that you’ll only see in

It’s my new monthly newsletter, and when you join, you’ll be automatically entered to win the monthly book giveaway, get directions to a fabulous Beyond Tokyo destination, learn to make a Japanese home cooking dish & more! And best of all, it’s free・° ♪・☆ 

Jonelle Patrick writes novels set in Japan, produces the monthly newsletter Japanagram, and blogs at Only In Japan and The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had


Perfect 2020 Halloween costumes from Japan

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If you’re desperate to get out after months of quarantining and can’t resist that invite to a good old-fashioned Halloween party, the ace variety store Don Kihote suggests some costumes that will enforce that social distancing with a vengeance!

Police crime scene Halloween costume
Hard to get any clearer than this!
Inflatable Halloween costume
If you’re worried your fellow revelers might have trouble recalling the protocols after a few shots, this sumo-riffic suit will keep them and their nasties at a safe remove
Inflatable poop emoji Halloween costume
And for a look that’s both a social distancing dream costume AND a commentary on 2020, THIS

“I don’t know when I’ve been more caught up in a story. A masterful achievement.” —Terry Shames, award-winning author of An Unsettling Crime for Samuel Craddock

For three hundred years, a missing tea bowl passes from one fortune-seeker to the next, altering the lives of all who possess it…read more

Jonelle Patrick writes novels set in Japan, produces the monthly newsletter Japanagram, and blogs at Only In Japan and The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had

Uber Dandy Kimono: Wildly modern, breathtakingly bold, insanely stunning

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Tia Oguri of Uber Dandy Kimono
Tia Oguri is so fabulous I can’t even

I’ve been a fan of the divine Tia Oguri since long before she began designing kimono with traditional African fabrics, because her kimono styling has always been out-of-this-world fresh and exciting. Her latest venture, though, is pure WOW. Take a look at her Uber Dandy Kimono designs, and I think you’ll agree that they show off her talent at a whole new level!

Uber Dandy Kimono Amazwe kimono ensemble
Her first Amazwe collection used traditional African wax printed cottons, combining breezy yukata comfort with touches of kimono style to boost the look past casual
Uber Dandy Kimono Amazwe kimono ensembles
Who’d imagine that such bold prints could work so well together in infinite combinations of kimono, obi and accessories?
Uber Dandy Kimono Amazwe kimono ensemble with hakama
And she doesn’t stop at yukata—these hakama in African wax prints are the most stylish graduation statement around
Uber Dandy Kimono Amazwe kimono ensemble
When the pandemic began, Uber Dandy didn’t miss a beat, and was one of the first to demonstrate how fabulous a coordinating mask can be.
Tia Oguri in Uber Dandy Kimono Nkechi kimono ensemble with cape
And look at this stunning cape ensemble from her Nkechi collection! What to wear over your kimono if you need a coat is a perennial problem, because the sleeves are too wide to fit inside Western coats and sweaters, and most off-the-rack cape designs tend to be inappropriately witch and wizard-y.
Uber Dandy Kimono Nkechi kimono ensemble
Her Nkechi collection also uses traditional African prints, but these have a less geometric, almost Japanese flavor. See how beautifully they adapt to eclectic kimono hime styling, and work with modern Western accessories?
Uber Dandy Kimono Nyoni kimono ensemble
Her Nyoni collection moves into a cooler palette, but is still an eyepopping lesson in how marvelously modern African prints can be.
Uber Dandy Kimono Nyoni kimono ensemble with samurai hakama
Riffing on traditional samurai wear, this Nyoni hakama ensemble is an exciting new direction in kimono-inspired clothing
Uber Dandy Kimono pattern matching
The skill required to match and cut these bold patterns requires meticulous precision and an eye for what works and what doesn’t. Shown here are some designs from the men’s collections she’s working on right now

Another fantastic thing about Uber Dandy designs is that they’re sized for people who aren’t Japanese. Kimonos are pretty forgiving (and flattering) when it comes to body size and shape, as long as they’re long enough and wide enough to work with. Uber Dandy cuts are generous and made with Western frames in mind.

How to get yours!

You can see all the current collections on the Uber Dandy Kimono website

Uber Dandy Kimono website home page
“Traditional Japanese kimono with a hint of madness.”

Or if you’re lucky enough to be in the UK, you can see all the Uber Dandy kimonos at her shops in two Antiques On High locations:

Antiques On High Oxford
85 High Street
Oxford, England OX1 4BG
+441865251075

Antiques On High Sidmouth
26 Fore Street
Sidmouth, England EX10 8AQ
+441395577133

Uber Dandy Kimono photo styling
Tia Oguri also offers styling services for photo shoots, workshops on wearing and styling kimono, kimono ensemble rentals and a shop that sells traditional vintage kimono. It’s all on the Uber Dandy website.

You can also follow Tia Ogui on the Uber Dandy Kimono Facebook page and Instagram. All photos here are from the Uber Dandy website.

And if you’d like to be in Japan right now…

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Last Tea Bowl Thief was chosen as an Editor’s Pick for Best Mystery, Thriller & Suspense on Amazon!

“Patrick’s keen eye for the telling detail reveals her great love for and knowledge of Japan. A great read!” —Liza Dalby, author of Geisha and The Tale of Murasaki

For three hundred years, a missing tea bowl passes from one fortune-seeker to the next, altering the lives of all who possess itread more

Jonelle Patrick writes novels set in Japan, produces the monthly newsletter Japanagram, and blogs at Only In Japan and The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had

The best winter gift of 2020? A Japanese stomach warmer!

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Don’t laugh! The humble haramaki is making a comeback, because nothing—and I mean nothing—keeps you warmer while sitting at your desk fielding endless zoom calls than this legwarmer for your midriff.

Haramaki Japanese stomach warmer at big red underwear store Akapantsu in Sugamo
I didn’t believe it until I tried it, but it turns out that once I started keeping my midsection warm, I didn’t need the little space heater under my desk anymore!
Big red underwear store Akapantsu selling haramaki Japanese stomach warmer
Once found only in shops like this big red underwear store that cater to the kind of over-60s who are quickly sliding into cranky unclehood…
Haramaki Japanese stomach warmers on sale at Tokyu Hands
…the humble stomach warmer now comes in designs for both men AND women that you don’t have to hide under your zoomwear! They come in all-over patterns like cute winter snowmen and those adorable rice balls
Haramaki Japanese stomach warmer traditional swirl design
Or more traditional designs…
Haramaki Japanese stomach warmer bonsai tree design
Or a stomach bonsai (which can stretch into into a full-sized tree as you enjoy your holiday feasting)
Haramaki Japanese stomach warmer Hokusai wave and Mt. Fuji design
There are manly wave & Mt. Fuji designs…
Haramaki Japanese stomach warmer kabuki design
fearsome kabuki makeup…
Haramaki Japanese stomach warmer Daruma design
daruma bellies…
Haramaki Japanese stomach warmer lucky cat design
and lucky cats…
Haramaki Japanese stomach warmer fishing bear and cat face designs
or appealing fishing bear and meowface tummy toasters
Haramaki Japanese stomach warmer plum blossom design
Some are obviously made (and sized) for women
Haramaki Japanese stomach warmer o-iwai wedding envelope design
But anybody can wrap themselves up like a Japanese wedding present!
Haramaki Japanese stomach warmers on sale at Tokyu Hands in Shibuya
I found this amazing selection at Tokyu Hands in Shibuya…
Haramaki Japanese stomach warmer available on Amazon
…but you can buy them online outside of Japan as well. (Here are just a couple of the results if you search for “haramaki” on Amazon) They’re pretty stretchy and forgiving, but just be warned that if you buy ones that actually come from Japan (like those pictured here) they’ll be Japanese size S, M & L. If you’re bigger than the average Japanese person, order a larger size than you would in Western stuff
Author Jonelle Patrick wearing haramaki Japanese stomach warmer
And in case you thought I was kidding about being a happy user myownself, here are MY winter deskweapons of choice!

Major tip o’ the blog beanie to my journalist friend Helen Foster from Down Unda, who reminded me that it’s haramaki season again! Her recent post on Not Your Normal Health Blog is all about the health benefits of wearing a stomach warmer and why they work so well.

And if you need a good book to cozy up with in your new stomach warmer…

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Last Tea Bowl Thief was chosen as an Editor’s Pick for Best Mystery, Thriller & Suspense on Amazon!

“A fascinating mix of history and mystery.” —Booklist

For three hundred years, a missing tea bowl passes from one fortune-seeker to the next, changing the lives of all who possess it…read more

Jonelle Patrick writes novels set in Japan, produces the monthly newsletter Japanagram, and blogs at Only In Japan and The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had

Speed Tribes come of age, Yanki style

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Outlandish costumes on Kitakyushu's Seijinshiki no hi coming of age day from SoraNews24

Every year in the city of Kitakyushu, Coming-of-Age Day is celebrated in over-the top style by 20-year-olds kitted out in outlandish versions of Japanese formalwear.

The second Monday in January (the holiday on which all Japanese twenty-year-olds become legal adults) is well known by kimono-spotters all over Japan as the best day all year to see young women dressed in the most lavish kimonos they’ll ever wear.

Outlandish costumes on Kitakyushu's Seijinshiki no hi coming of age day from SoraNews24
It’s not at all surprising to see the ladies doing it up in grand style

But in Kitakyushu, it’s the young men who steal the show.

Outlandish costumes on Kitakyushu's Seijinshiki no hi coming of age day from SoraNews24
Gold brocade hakama? Check. Fake fur trimmed robes? Check. Not your grandfather’s hairstyle? Check, check, check!

It’s pretty obvious why photos of Kitakyshu’s Seijinshiki-no-hi festivities never fail to make the national news and dominate the socials—who could resist feasting their eyes on kids taking traditional outfits to the next level?

But look closer, and you’ll notice that they choose some very particular ways to bend the rules. I’ve always wondered why, so let’s dig deeper and find out why so many of them have hilariously big hair and beyond-glam outfits…

Outlandish costumes on Kitakyushu's Seijinshiki no hi coming of age day from SoraNews24
First: the head fur

A lot of them have the kind of extravagant pompadours only sported by…

Members of Japanese motorcycle gang from Japan Bullet
Bōsōzoku, Japan’s motorcycle speed tribes.

The Japanese version of motorcycle gangs started in the 1950s and displayed their commitment to their club by their unique fashion sense: Elvis-like pompadours and personalized jackets (usually emblazoned with nationalist slogans, their club’s insignia, and right-wing images like the pre-war rising sun flag)

Members of Japanese motorcycle gang from Japanese Fashion Wiki
As you can see, subtlety isn’t really the point — between the bōsuzōku and the professional gangsters, I’d be surprised if they didn’t account for about 95% of the gold embroidery business in Japan
Outlandish costumes on Kitakyushu's Seijinshiki no hi coming of age day from SoraNews24
Once you know that (literally) over-the-top hair is a badge of belonging to the kind of club that usually decks themselves out in gold-embroidered satin jackets, the glittery hakama, the matching personalized fans and the serious rally banners make a lot more sense

But are these guys really members of local speed tribes, or are they just dressing up in wigs and gold embroidery for fun?

Outlandish costumes on Kitakyushu's Seijinshiki no hi coming of age day from SoraNews24
Let’s zoom in on this guy—I think you’ll agree that beneath the special occasion “rising sun” dye job, that looks like his real hair. Which had to be grown out and cut in that shape, and takes hella skill (plus industrial-strength hair products) to mold it into that righteous gravity-defying wave

It is, of course, possible that they all decided to grow their hair and take Elvis lessons for this big milestone, but…

Outlandish costumes on Kitakyushu's Seijinshiki no hi coming of age day from SoraNews24
This photo might suggest otherwise. The members of this club all have hair that is pompadour-ready, but their parents prevailed upon them to look “normal” for the once-in-a-lifetime coming-of-age day photo to send to the grandparents
Outlandish costumes on Kitakyushu's Seijinshiki no hi coming of age day from SoraNews24
And when I searched online for the name of this group (it’s on both their banners)…
…I found a Twitter account under the club’s name, and spotted a few familiar-looking faces
Outlandish costumes on Kitakyushu's Seijinshiki no hi coming of age day from SoraNews24
Some of the young women belong to these clubs too, with their own banners, personalized fans, and extravagant bleached hair

The speed tribes of Japan have been in decline for a couple of decades now, but like most fashion cults, there are still pockets of them throughout Japan where the culture lives on. Every year when I see the latest batch of coming-of-age-day photos, I’m strangely happy to discover that Kitakyushu is still one of them!

There are lots more photos (and killer VIDEO) in the SoraNews24 piece where I got most of these photos. More photo thanks to the Japanese Fashion Wiki and Japan Bullet for the others.

And if you’re looking for a little more entertainment set in Japan…

For three hundred years, a missing tea bowl passes from one fortune-seeker to the next, changing the lives of all who possess it…read more

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 
The Last Tea Bowl Thief was chosen as an Editor’s Pick for Best Mystery, Thriller & Suspense on Amazon

“A fascinating mix of history and mystery.” —Booklist

Jonelle Patrick writes novels set in Japan, produces the monthly newsletter Japanagram, and blogs at Only In Japan and The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had

When you think of red lace undies…

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I bet you didn’t think of THESE. Because in Japan, they’re not just for the ladies anymore. #cantunsee • If you could use a little more amusement in your life… •

Required gear for Japanese snowboard school

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Yes, you get a butt pillow. And because it’s Japan, it’s a cute one! (As you can see, one future shredder has already put it to good use…) • If you could use a little more amusement in your life… •

Tokyo Kimono Show: Feast your eyes on THESE beauties

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The Tokyo Kimono Show returned last weekend, and the fabulous new kimono coordinations have never been more inspiring. Rows upon rows of mannequins displayed the stylish offerings of designers from all over Japan… …and they were skillfully set up so they could be appreciated from front and back Some designers took the opportunity to styleContinue reading "Tokyo Kimono Show: Feast your eyes on THESE beauties"

The crazy hair art show

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What does a fashion house do when they want to make an upworthy statement that doesn’t stop at the edges of the garment? They hire a hair artist like Katsuya Kamo. Kamo’s creations went so far beyond haircuts… they’re sometimes closer to taxidermy… or sculpture… or masks… or crowns. The “Kamo Head: Katsuya Kamo WorksContinue reading "The crazy hair art show"

Jazz Age kimonos to die for

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If you’re in Tokyo right now, drop what you’re doing and hightail it to this kimono exhibit at the Yayoi-Yumiji Museum! There are two floors of fabulous 1920s-1950s kimono ensembles on display, each more swoon-worthy than the last. If this museum were a shop, I’d want to buy them ALL! The unifying theme of thisContinue reading "Jazz Age kimonos to die for"

Princess Kimono, Animal Style

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The bunnies will be all over you at the rabbit café when you swan in wearing this bun-centric obi. Obscure seasonal references to geese and crows? So tenth century! Leaf viewing and strolling beneath the cherry blossoms? Been there, called it a cab. Let's strap on our princess kimonos and hit the animal cafés instead! Coming or going, let's show thoseContinueContinue reading "Princess Kimono, Animal Style"

Battle Dress Kimonos

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Okay, you've gotta help me out here: what sort of manly occasion could possibly call for donning a kimono fashioned from American mil-spec camo? Defcon 3 tea ceremony behind enemy lines? Tactical assault on the afternoon kabuki performance? Undercover date to the summer fireworks, knowing your recently-jilted ex will be there and gunning for you? Whatever occasion calls for strategicContinueContinue reading "Battle Dress Kimonos"

Essential Gear For The Corporate Warrior

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For those times when you need to make a stealth dash to an important meeting through a forest of trees with blood...red...leaves.... And no one will dare question your commitment to the mission when you appear at the obligatory company ballgame outing wearing this samurai baseball cap Saw the red camo shoes at a shoeContinueContinue reading "Essential Gear For The Corporate Warrior"

Scary Underwear Of Japan

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Even under your baggiest gym shirts, these say, "I'll give up the pec deck when I'm good and ready, buddy." Why yes, I would like to use the free weights now. Sneak home in your undies without being captured by the enemy Nyan, nyan Okay, I admit I want this one DON'T JUDGE wat SawContinueContinue reading "Scary Underwear Of Japan"

Tamao Shigemune: Modern Kimonos That’ll Knock Your Socks Off

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Paris model photos all by the ultra-talented Tsubomi Photo Studio So you think you can't rock a kimono because you're not Japanese? Think again! Tamao Shigemune designs modern versions of traditional Japanese women's wear with a distinctly Parisian twist, and guess what? You can see them (and try her new summer collection on!) right now in Tokyo, through Sunday MarchContinueContinue reading "Tamao Shigemune: Modern Kimonos That’ll Knock Your Socks Off"

Jazz Age Paintings Of Beautiful Women And The Real Kimonos They Were Wearing

The Most Only-In-Japan Halloween Costumes Ever

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Tired of being the same old sexy skunk or slightly NSFW goose in a tutu for Halloween? Keep your fellow costume partiers guessing with these only-in-Japan puzzlers! However much mini-skirted shrine maidens might figure in cosplay fantasies, you can be sure this will be the first time everyone actually sees one IRL And if you'reContinueContinue reading "The Most Only-In-Japan Halloween Costumes Ever"

Modern Kimonos To Die For: These Designers Are Giving An Old Artform New Edge





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