Japanese Fashion

Their westernized styles in Japanese Fashion

2009-04-29T13:32:00.000-07:00

All Japanese homes adhere to strict rules in regard to removing ones shoes before entering a house or room, and this is one custom the Japanese will not make allowance for just because you are a foreigner. Upon entering a private residence guests should take off their shoes at the entrance of the house known as the genkan. Slippers are then provided by the host or hostess, and are to be worn for the duration of your visit. There are two exceptions to this practice. Upon entering a room furnished with a tatami floor, slippers are removed, as tatami mats should only be tread upon in socks or bare feet. The second exclusion to the rule is when you enter the washroom of the home. Slippers are again removed and left outside the door in exchange for a pair designated for the bathroom.

Even though most Japanese homes are now furnished with western style sofas and chairs, there still may be an occasion when you will be required to sit on the floor in the traditional Japanese fashion, especially in large family gatherings where meals are often held sitting on the tatami floor around a low table. The formal way of sitting for both men and women is known as “seiza”, which is basically a kneeling position where the legs are tucked under as you rest on knees, legs, and feet. Foreigners however are not expected to to sit in seiza for long periods of time, and many Japanese because of their westernized life styles are no longer attempting this uncomfortable position as well. Therefore a more casual style has been adopted. Men usually sit cross legged, while women sit on their knees laying both legs to one side. The former position is considered exclusively male, while the latter is to be used by women only.

Although it is not entirely necessary and will not be expected, it is also customary in Japan when visiting someones home to bring a small gift known as “temiyage”. This does not need to be an extravagant present, something as simple as a bag of fruit or a bottle of sake, as more than anything it represents your appreciation for being invited.

I Learned A Little Japanese

2009-04-27T13:51:00.000-07:00

You can learn Japanese for many reasons. An ancient culture, a thriving economy, interesting people, and splendid landscapes are some of the things the Land of the Rising Sun has. A hop to Japan must persuade you if this list doesn't. But first, the list.

There are various reasons why you must visit Japan and learn Japanese. It may be the booming economy, gorgeous landscapes, ancient culture, or lovely people. If you still require persuasion, this list will likely do the trick.

Akira Kurosawa - Director Extraordinaire

You have missed out on the best movies of all time if you have not seen Akira Kurosawa's art works. The sweeping landscapes, exciting scenes, painstaking attention to detail, amazing stories, and timeless appeal make his movies - Seven Samurai, Ran, Throne of Blood, and Dreams, to name some - a requirement for any serious film buff. And since most of his films are in his native language, you should learn Japanese to watch them in all their pure glory.

Japanese Anime

Arguably, Japanese anime isn't for everyone. The common attributes of anime - exaggerated physical attributes, speech bubbles, and onomatopoeic typography - can be strange when you're used to conventional cartoons. However, it does possess unique characteristics such as adorable creatures and gripping storylines. Consider Dragon Ball Z and Naruto, and you will have a very good idea of why you have to study Japanese.

Chindogu, A Japanese Art

Of the various Japanese art forms such as origami, ikebana, and tea ceremony, the chindogu is the most interesting. This art form is all about creating everyday gadgets with noble intentions, but end up being useless anyway. In fact, these items only ever bring on the giggles as an achievement.

Do you want to keep your hair away from your noodles with a hairguard? How about a tissue dispenser atop your head as a hay fever hat? These could actually be profitable, weirdly enough. Learn Japanese to talk to the inventors.

Japanese Cuisine

Japanese food needs plenty of attention to detail and effort, even if it might look very simple on the surface. Study Japanese to prepare Japanese food the right way. This way, you'll be able to easily understand the words used and know the names of the dishes.

Japanese Fashion

Even New York can't top the garish street fashion of Japan. You will love the avant garde costumes like Kogals, Bosozoku, Lolitas, and Ganguros worn by young people in Tokyo.

The world's fastest growing economy is also the Japanese one. The third largest Internet users all over the world are also the Japanese. Consider the business opportunities that the country has to give. This should be reason enough to learn Japanese.

And if these reasons are not sufficient for you to learn Japanese, go for the Japanese being the third largest Internet users, and Japan being the fastest rising economy in the world. You can take advantage of Japan's business opportunities.

A study on the evolution of Japanese fashion 7

2009-04-26T18:26:00.000-07:00

Today, the kimono is worn only on special and very formal occasions, such as weddings, funerals, coming-of-age functions, New Year's Eve, and graduation. Moreover, it is now worn most often by women. Kimonos are now preferred only by older people, with the younger generations going in for Western dresses. Apart from this, professional Sumo wrestlers wear kimonos when they make a public appearance, as is the tradition.

Silk is still considered the preferred fabric for kimonos. On formal occasions, silk kimonos are preferred. However, in today's times, kimono are also available in Japan in easy-to-care-for fabrics like cotton, satin, cotton-satin, polyester, rayon and other fabrics. These kimonos are less expensive as compared to silk ones.

The attitudes of the Japanese towards the hakama have also changed. In today's times, men hardly wear hakama, except on formal occasions like tea ceremonies, weddings or funerals. They are also worn by those who practice martial arts such as kendo, iaido, aikido, and kyūdō. Sumo wrestlers also wear a hakama when they make an appearance in public. Shinto priests also wear the hakama routinely. Some schools also require senior students to wear hakama.

Japanese women today wear hakamas only at graduation ceremonies. Women who assist in carrying out various ceremonies, called 'Miko' in Japanese, sometimes wear hakamas. In this case, the hakama is usually bright red, worn over a plain white kimono, or a long, flowing naga-bakama at the time of the ceremony.

Coming to the yukata, it was originally worn by people of the upper class to bathing houses. However, with the passage of time, it began to be worn by common people too, and became a highly popular form of clothing. The yukata is worn even today by the Japanese on various occasions.

Initially, yukata were made of plain cotton and dyed in indigo blue colour. In today's times, however, yukata are available in a large number of colours and patterns.

As for the jūnihitoe, its origin dates back to the 10^th century, when it was worn only by Japanese court ladies. Japanese ladies have even been known to sleep in the jūnihitoe.

Like the kimono, the jūnihitoe has evolved over time. On account of the heavy weight of the jūnihitoe, movement was rather difficult. For this reason, the layers of the jūnihitoe reduced over time, and the garment became lighter.

In today's times, there is hardly anyone who wears the jūnihitoe. The production of the garment is very less, and it is only seen in movies and museums.

The obi has also become more decorative and fashionable over time.

Japanese traditional footwear has also not been left behind. It has also considerably changed over the years. The waragi was highly popular among common people in Japan, but in today's times, it is worn only by Buddhist monks. The zori has become more fashionable, and is now available in different styles.

Section 5 - Modern Japanese dressing

Modern clothing in Japan is a mixture of Japanese and Western styles. Some people prefer to stick to traditional Japanese clothes, while most have switched to Western garments. Some people prefer to mix both the dressing styles for instance, wearing a kimono with western-style sandals and hairstyles. Some people prefer to wear western garb, but with a Japanese touch incorporated into it.

Western clothing began to be worn in Japan about a century back, and now it is very prominently found among the Japanese. Here, western-styled clothing refers to denims, shirts, suits and skirts, as well as accessories like sandals and sports shoes. The major reason behind this change in dressing style was the awareness that traditional Japanese garments were rather cumbersome for everyday wear. After western-style clothing was introduced in Japan, even the kimono underwent several changes. Another reason that could be cited for the same is the influence of the western culture.

The popularity of western garments in Japan is clear from the statistics available regarding the production of silk and other fabrics in the country. Figures indicate that the production of silk has gone down by a much higher percentage in the last couple of decades, as compared to that of other fabrics like cotton. In spite of the speedily rising popularity of western traditions in Japan, it would be wrong to say that Japanese traditions have completely faded away. The same applies to clothing as well.

A study on the evolution of Japanese fashion 6

2009-04-25T18:22:00.000-07:00

Zori

'Zori' is a pair of open, slip-on sandals, traditionally worn by the Japanese. They are typically worn with the kimono.

Geta

'Geta' refers to a pair of flip-flops, which have traditionally been worn in Japan. They have a high, wooden base, about 5 cm. in height. The Japanese usually wear geta with yukata and with kimono. Geta is worn on highly formal occasions only.

There is another form of the geta, which has a base that is about 7-10 cm. high. This type of geta is called 'Amageta-geta' and is worn during the monsoons.

Geta are very much similar to the thongs, which are popular in the West. Usually, men's geta have plain wood and simple, black-coloured straps, while in case of women's geta, the wood used is lacquered and the straps are made of brightly coloured velvet or silk.

Waragi

'Waragi' is a kind of traditional Japanese footwear. The most interesting part of this footwear is that it is worn in different ways by different people. Typically, when the waragi is worn, the tops of the toes would extend over the base of the sandal.

Chopsticks

Japanese women often wear chopsticks in their hair. Usually, when a kimono is worn, chopsticks are preferred to be an ideal hair accessory.

Fan

A fan is considered to be a very important accessory by Japanese women. Fans, held together with a rope when closed, are used by Japanese women with traditional dresses such as the kimono and the jūnihitoe. These fans were not only used by the ladies to keep themselves cool, but also served another purpose. In the rather conservative society in Japan of long ago, it was considered inappropriate for ladies to talk to men. Hence, women used to shield themselves with open fans held up against their faces while talking to an outsider. Even today, some Japanese women carry fans with them sometimes, but it is more of a fancy accessory now.

Section 4 - Evolution over the years

Traditional Japanese clothing has evolved over the years. Some of the significant changes that have taken place have been outlined in this section.

Talking about kimonos, the national garment of Japan, the styles, patterns, fabrics, etc. have evolved over time. The kimono has evolved over time. The origin of the kimono dates as far back as the 7^th century. However, it was used only as an undergarment at that time. The kimono as we know it today originated in the Heian period i.e. in 1000 AD. During this period, kimonos were long, loose and layered. In the Edo period, i.e. in the 17^th century, kimonos were still very much similar in style to those in the Heian period. In the 18^th century, the kimonos became more form-fitting; however, they continued to be long and flowing, with long, flowing sleeves. Trains were also in vogue during this period of time. In the 19^th century, clothing became even more fitting, lengths were reduced, and the sleeves also became shorter. Trains were no longer in use during this period. In today's times, kimonos have been even more stylish, though the traditional elements have, more or less, been retained.

A study on the evolution of Japanese fashion 5

2009-04-24T18:21:00.000-07:00

The layers that commonly make up a jūnihitoe are:

The undergarment, which, as stated above, is a garment made of white silk or cotton.
The 'kosode' i.e. a robe made of silk that extends to the ankles or the lower calf. It is commonly red or white in colour.
The 'hakama' i.e. a pleated skirt that is usually of red colour
The 'hitoe' i.e. a robe without lining, which is usually red, white or blue in colour
The 'uchigi' i.e. a few light, unlined robes in a bright colour
The 'uchiginu' i.e. a stiff robe made of silk, which is usually scarlet in colour
The 'uwagi' i.e. a silk robe that is made of silk and is beautifully patterned.
The 'karaginu' i.e. a jacket that extends to the waist.

Depending upon the temperature, some of these layers were sometimes reduced.

Being the most exquisite of Japanese dresses, it is also one of the most expensive garments.

The Crown Princess of Japan, Masako, wore a jūnihitoe at her wedding ceremony. In the year 1990, Empress Michiko of Japan also wore a jūnihitoe at the enthronement of Emperor Akihito. During this ceremony, the ladies in waiting were also wearing jūnihitoe; however, the garments donned by them were the lighter versions that evolved later.

Section 3 - Footwear and other accessories

The Japanese have traditionally used certain accessories along with their garments. Some of them are as under:

Obi

The 'obi' is a sash that is worn with a number of traditional Japanese garments. It is worn by both males and females. In some cases, the obi is the outermost sash, which conceals a number of small sashes worn within.

The obi was traditionally made of silk, which is still the most preferred fabric for the same.

The obi used by men are commonly rectangular in shape, with a length of 2 mt. or more and a width of about 5-6 cm. They are usually found in dark colours, black and blue for instance, and do not have much decoration on them, except for decorative stitches using thread in a contrasting colour. Usually, men wrap the obi once or twice around their waists, and secure it with a knot at the back, slightly off the centre. Usually, men wear their obi rather low on their waists.

Women's obi is usually twice as wide as men's obi, and even longer. They are quite ornamental and colourful; however, the extent of the decoration and the brightness of the colour depends to a large extent on the age of the wearer, the style of the kimono, the season as well as the occasion. Women in Japan tie their obi rather high, with the top of the obi just under the breasts. Like men, women also wrap their obi once or twice around their waists. Women use different kinds of knots to secure their obi, and they prefer tying the knot right at the centre of the back.

Tabi

'Tabi' refers to ankle-length socks that have traditionally been worn by the Japanese. They have a separation between the big toe and the other toes, to make for comfortable wear. They are worn by both males and females.

There is another version of the tabi, made of thicker fabric, known as 'jika-tabi'. Workmen prefer to wear them, as they are more durable.

A study on the evolution of Japanese fashion 4

2009-04-23T18:20:00.000-07:00

It is believed that the samurai wore hakama in order to conceal their steps from their enemies. However, hakamas later began to be used to protect the kimono from dust and wear and tear.

Men's hakamas used on formal occasions are generally made of silk fabric that is stiff. It is commonly striped, either in black and white or black and navy blue. Unstriped hakamas or those with stripes in other colours are preferred on less formal occasions. A hakama can be worn with any kind of kimono, except with the yukata. In case of hakamas meant for females, stripes are rarely found. They are usually found in single colours or specially dyed in different tones of the same colour. A few flowers might also be embroidered on women's hakamas.

Another point of difference between hakamas worn by men and women is the style of tying them. Men usually tie the hakama at the waist, while women tie them at the bust line.

Yukata

A yukata is another traditional Japanese garment, which can be considered as a more casual version of the kimono. The term 'Yukata' means 'bathing clothes', though the garment is worn on other occasions as well. Apart from using yukatas after a bath, the Japanese people are commonly found to wear them on occasions such as firework displays and at other celebrations. Sumo wrestlers wear yukata when they go out in public. Traditional Japanese inns offer yukata to their guests to wear, so that they can feel comfortable.

The yukata is a comfortable, cooling garment, and is usually made of light cotton fabric. It is widely preferred for use during hot and humid weather. On account of the comfort that it affords to the wearer, it is also popularly referred to as the 'happy coat'. The style of the yukata is very much similar to that of the kimono with a straight cut and wide sleeves. However, it is unlined.

Commonly, the colour and the pattern of the yukata varies from wearer to wearer. Young women prefer wearing yukata with floral patterns on them, while children wear yukata with a number of bold colours. On the other hand, an older person would prefer yukata with simple geographical patterns and more sober colours.

The process of wearing a yukata is comparatively simple. The left side of the garment is wrapped over the right, and it is secured with an obi. However, when a dead body is dressed in a yukata for a funeral, this procedure is reversed. In this situation, the right side of the yukata is wrapped over the left. The yukata that is commonly used at home after a bath usually have a belt attached to them, and wearing them is even simpler.

The obi used for tying yukata is similar to that used in case of a kimono. Some people prefer to tie the obi in a decorative fashion such as with a large bow. Sometimes, the obi in case of yukata might be decorated with tassels.

Jūnihitoe

The jūnihitoe isa more complex version of the kimono. In fact, theword 'jūnihitoe' itself means a '12-layer robe' in Japanese. The innermost layer of the garment is made of white silk or cotton, over which several other layers are put on. The final layer is a coat. Considered in toto, the jūnihitoe is quite a heavy garment, and might weigh upto 20 kg.

A study on the evolution of Japanese fashion 3

2009-04-22T18:17:00.000-07:00

'Kurotomesode' is another kind of formal kimono, usually worn by married women. It is made of black fabric, and is patterned from the waist down. Commonly, the mothers of the bride and the groom wear this kimono to the wedding. 'Irotomesode' refers to a kimono that is similar to a kurotomesode in pattern and style, but slightly less formal. This type of kimono is worn by the near and dear ones of the bride and the groom at a wedding. Usually, it is preferred by married women.

'Homongi' refers to kimonos that have patterns over the shoulders and sleeves. They are preferred on formal occasions. It is worn both by married and unmarried women. Usually, the friends of the bride wear a homongi to her wedding.

Silk kimonos of a single colour, having designs in the same colour, are known as 'Iromuji'. They are worn by both married and unmarried women, and are the garment of preference at tea ceremonies.

The 'Uchikake' is a garment similar to a kimono in style, with heavy brocade on it. It is worn by brides on their weddings as well as by women giving stage performances. It is a kind of coat, supposed to be worn over the kimono. It is rather free flowing, and trails on the ground. Usually, the uchikake is white in colour, or have a number of bold colours, with red as the base colour.

The wearing of a kimono is an elaborate process, requiring a lot of time and effort. About 12 different pieces of clothing constitute a kimono, which are secured in different ways. Traditionally, this art was passed on by mothers to their daughters. In today's times, however, a number of schools have come up that teach one how to wear a kimono. There are a number of kimono dressers in Japan, who work in salons or pay house visits to aid women in the wearing of kimonos. Their services are commonly taken on special occasions.

Hakama

'Hakama' refers to another garment that has traditionally worn by the Japanese. As stated above, a hakama is a kind of pleated skirt. It is usually worn on top of a kimono. Tied at the waist, it usually extends to the ankles of the wearer. It commonly has 7 pleats 2 in the front and 5 at the back. These pleats signify the 7 virtues of the Bushido, the code of conduct of the Samurai. Initially, hakama were worn only by Samurai warriors and later only by men, but are now worn both by men and ladies.

The hakama is secured at the waist using 4 straps 2 long ones attached to the front portion and 2 short ones attached to the back. It has a stiff, board-like object at the back with a spoon-shaped object attached to it, which is tucked into the obi when worn. The straps of a hakama are known as 'himo' in Japanese, while the board-like object is known as 'koshi-ate'. The spoon-shaped component is referred to as 'hakama dome'.

There are 2 distinct types of hakama: Divided and Undivided. The divided hakama is referred to as 'Umanori', and it is divided in the middle, in a fashion similar to trousers. As opposed to this, the undivided hakama does not have any division. It is referred to as 'Andon Bakama'. As the Umanori kind of hakama was traditionally used for the purpose of horse riding, it became popular as 'Horse-riding hakama'. There is also a third type of hakama, commonly used by people working in the fields and and forests. It became popularly known as 'mountain hakama' or 'field hakama'. This type of hakama was comparatively narrower at the bottom and loose at the waist. High-ranking officials in the court of law wore another kind of hakama, called 'Naga Bakama' (meaning 'long hakama'). It was rather long as compared to the normal hakama, and would trail to the floor. This type of hakama is now only used at the time of carrying out certain rituals specific to the Shinto group, or for theatre performances.

A study on the evolution of Japanese fashion 2

2009-04-20T16:17:00.000-07:00

Section 2 - Traditional dresses in Japan

Fashion in Japan has evolved over the years. Clothing used in Japan today is very much similar to that in other parts of the world. This section studies the dresses that have traditionally been used in Japan.

Japanese traditional dresses include kimonos, hakama, yukata and jūnihitoe.

Kimonos

The kimono, meaning 'clothing' in Japanese, is the national dress of Japan. It is perhaps the most well-known symbol of Japan.

A kimono refers to a robe that is T-shaped, free flowing, and has a straight line to it. Both men and women wear kimonos. Typically, it is full-sleeved and reaches up to the ankles. A kimono is generally wrapped around the body of the wearer, from left to right. It is secured with a wide sash, commonly known as 'obi'. The sash is tied at the back.

There are different types of kimonos, worn by different classes of people and on different occasions. Kimonos are available in different kinds of materials as well. Kimonos range from highly formal to casual. The extent of formality of a kimono is determined by its fabric, pattern, and colour, as well as the number of crests in it. Having about five crests (known as 'Kamon' in Japanese) on one's kimonos signifies the highest level of formality. A kimono made of silk similarly signifies a high degree of formality, whereas those of cotton and polyester signify casualness.

Kimonos for men are commonly available in the basic shape only, in muted colours. Conversely, women's kimonos are available in a variety of styles, patterns and colours. Men's kimonos are usually found in a single, standard size, while women's kimonos can be found in varied sizes.

Traditionally, kimonos for unmarried girls are more elaborately patterned and have flowing sleeves, sometimes floor-length. This is an indicator of their single status. These kimonos have bold colours, and the sash or 'obi' is also of a bright colour. This type of kimono is called 'Furisode'. The word 'Furisode' means 'swinging sleeves' in Japanese.

Kimonos which have simple patterns on them, typically a geometrical pattern or a dotted one, usually made of cotton and similar fabrics, are called 'Edo Kamon'. Such kimonos are considered to be more casual. When small patterns are repeatedly used on the kimono, it is referred to as 'Komon'.

The kind of kimono worn by performing artistes (geisha) in Japan is known as 'Susohiki' or 'Hikizuri'. It is longer and more free-flowing as compared to an ordinary kimono, and trails on the floor.

In Japanese weddings, the bride usually wears a heavily embroidered white kimono that is quite heavy. This type of kimono is known as 'Shiromuku' and is usually worn with an elaborate hair accessory. The groom wears a black-coloured kimono made of Habutae silk, along with a pleated skirt known as 'Hakama' and a black coat known as 'Haori'. The groom carries the crest of the family to his wedding, as a tradition.

While attending funerals, both Japanese men and women wear simple, black kimonos. In case of a wedding, the black kimono worn by men is accessorized by a white-coloured tie, while a black-coloured tie is preferred in case of funerals.

A study on the evolution of Japanese fashion

2009-04-20T15:21:00.000-07:00

Preamble

'Japan' the word brings to mind leadership in technology and machinery. The country has emerged over time to become a brand name in quality engineering. The wondrous archipelago, popularly known as 'The land of the rising sun', is called 'Nippon' by the local people. In spite of Japan being home to a number of minority groups, there is a considerable homogeneity found here in culture. This report aims to study the evolution of the garments worn in this beautiful country over time. Beginning with an introduction of this beautiful country, the report goes on to describe traditional Japanese dresses, as well as footwear and other accessories. It then explains the process of evolution of the same, coming to the dresses preferred by the Japanese in today's times. This extensive report has been compiled using a number of sources of secondary data. An attempt has been made to provide as comprehensive an account as possible.

Table of Contents

* Section 1 - Gateway to Japan
* Section 2 - Traditional dresses in Japan
* Section 3 - Footwear and other accessories
* Section 4 - Evolution over the years
* Section 5 - Modern Japanese dressing
* Section 6 - References

Section 1 - Gateway to Japan

Japan is situated to the north of Asia's eastern coast. It is an archipelago, made up of thousands of islands, the major ones among them being Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu. The country has a population of about 130 million, consisting of people from different ethnic groups. This makes it the 10th highest populated country in the world. The major groups that Japan is home to are Koreans, Chinese, Ryukyuan, Burakumin, and Ainu. In spite of this, it is one of the most culturally homogenous country in the world. The major languages spoken here are Japanese, Ryukyuan, and Ainu, with Shinto and Buddhism being the major religions that are followed here.

The capital of Japan is Tokyo. In spite of being highly prone to volcanoes and earthquakes, Japan has emerged as the 2nd largest economy in the world in terms of nominal GDP (recorded at $4.886 trillion in the year 2007). It is the world leader in the spheres of technology and machinery. Japan has a number of world-famous companies, namely Toyota Motor, Canon, Honda, Nippon Steel, Sony and Mitsubishi Estate, among others. It is the 4th largest exporter and the 6th largest importer in the world. The present Emperor of Japan is Mr. Akihito and the Prime Minister is Mr. Yasuo Fukuda.

Japanese Women

2009-04-07T01:26:00.000-07:00

TOKYO – All over Japan, retailers are scrambling to keep up with a new look known as "bon-kyu-bon." It means "big-small-big" and it signals a change in the way Japanese women look: they're getting curvier.

Japanese stores that used to keep just two or three sizes of clothing on hand are rushing to stock larger sizes. Juicy Couture, known for its figure-hugging terrycloth tracksuits, opened one of its biggest stores in Tokyo last year. And Tokyo's high-end Isetan department store, which used to relegate its bigger sizes to one corner, now prominently features larger items from designers such as Ralph Lauren, Diane von Furstenberg and DKNY.

Wacoal Corp., Japan's largest lingerie company, was once known for its super-padded brassieres. Now the company has a new best-seller: the "Love Bra," a cleavage-boosting creation with less padding, aimed at curvier women in their 20s.

Today, the average Japanese woman's hips, at 35 inches, are around an inch wider than those of women a generation older. Women in their 20s wear a bra at least two sizes larger than that of their mothers, according to Wacoal. Waist size, meanwhile, has gotten slightly smaller, accentuating many young women's curves.

The average 20-year-old is also nearly three inches taller than she was in 1950, according to government statistics, and the average foot has grown by nearly a quarter of an inch.

The physical changes are largely the result of an increasingly Westernized diet, say nutritionists. Meals that used to consist of mostly fish, vegetables and tofu now lean heavily toward an American-style menu of red meat, dairy and indulgences such as Krispy Kreme doughnuts and Cold Stone Creamery ice cream.

All this extra protein and calcium has led to longer, stronger and fuller bodies. Shinichi Tashiro, an endocrinology professor at Showa Pharmaceutical University, says the intake of extra fat tends to go to either breasts or hips in adolescent girls.

Marketers say they first started noticing more women with hourglass figures a few years ago. One of the first people to act on the change was apparel wholesaler Kazuya Kito.

In 2001, Kito founded Egoist, a trendy purveyor of slinky clothing designed to highlight the busty look, figuring that the curvier bodies would make women want to wear less-modest outfits. His fashion industry friends scoffed at the idea. Back then, micro-mini skirts were in style but women, for the most part, kept their chests covered. Yet Egoist, whose wares include see-through sweaters made to show off decorative bras or skinny tube tops, became a huge hit and a catalyst for other skimpy-clothing brands.

Nami Sakamoto, an advertising-agency employee, embodies the new look. The 26-year-old is tall – by Japanese standards – at 5 feet 5 inches. She's also voluptuous, with a 35-inch bust and 35-inch hips.

"I had a hard time finding button-down shirts that would close," says Sakamoto, especially when she was in high school and there were fewer foreign retailers in Japan that actually sold bigger sizes.

"Sometimes the buttons would burst off." Now she buys clothes at Western retailers that carry larger sizes.

Other young women are buying special items to flaunt their new physique. "It's just more fun to show some skin," says Ayami Arii, a 19-year-old vocational school student, who recently sported a tiny denim mini skirt and an iridescent push-up bra that peeks out from below her low-cut blouse. Her bra, a big seller at boutiques in Tokyo's Shibuya 109 department store, is called a "Showy Bra." Similar to a string bikini top, the $60 bras, made to be peeking out of a low-cut blouse, started appearing last year and come in a variety of colours, from red patent leather to leopard print and orange sequins.

The cleavage craze took off in 2003, when a young pop star named Kumi Koda appeared in ads around Tokyo wearing a barely-there metallic bra and not much else. In one image, she wore coconut shells over her chest. Then, two years later, she performed at the televised Japan Record Awards wearing thin tape-like gold satin straps over her breasts that revealed nearly everything when she danced. The 24-year-old star has become the champion of a new "If you've got it, flaunt it" attitude among young Japanese women.

Explore Japanese Fashion

2009-03-19T14:33:00.000-07:00

It is a fact that today, one has everything but not time. The life has become so complicated these days that a person has even no time to sleep or eat properly. With such complex situation, it is sure for a person to develop a feeling of doing something different or to get attached with various people to share his/her views and outlook.

Earlier there were not many options available to get in touch with people from other part of the world or to make friends, but now thanks to internet things have changed. With the advent of internet the whole world is now just a small place and it's really very easy to contact any person from any part of the world in no time. Not only that, there are several websites available that offer best way to get connected to end number of people from all around the world.

If you are a fashion lover and if you want to get connected with the fashion lovers from various parts of the world then My Asian Fashion is a community that is specifically meant for you. My Asian Fashion is an online community that enables fashion lovers from different countries come together and know about different fashion trends taking place in different parts of the world. Thus if your desire is to explore Japanese fashion or Asian fashion, then all you have to do is to become a member of this community. Isn't really very easy and great!!

The main purpose of forming My Asian Fashion was to enable fashion lovers from various parts of the world find a place where they can get connected to the fashion lovers from different countries with ease and where they are free to express their opinion on different fashion trends. It is because of this unique and rather revolutionary idea only that is enabling not only the Asian fashion lovers or Japanese fashion lovers come together socially but fashion lovers from various other parts of the country are also benefitting with this community.

It is worth to note that My Asian Fashion is the favorite online community for Asian fashion lovers or Japanese fashion lovers not just because of the reason that it is the best medium to explore various fashion trends prevailing in various countries but there are several other important reasons as well. Some of the most important reasons are given as under:

1. Opportunity to publish blog: The first and the most important feature of My Asian Fashion that makes it an extraordinary online community is that it is one of a kind community that offers fashion lovers the unique opportunity to publish their own fashion blogs in the way they desire. Thus by this way you are free to start your own blog in the way you want without any restriction from anyone.
2. Provides opportunity to make friends from all around the world: The second most important feature of My Asian Fashion is that it offers its members the opportunity to build lasting relationship with members from all around the world. Thus now there is no boundary that prevents you to get in touch with the other people from other parts of the world. Etc.

Japanese Beauty

2009-01-10T16:03:00.000-08:00

When it comes to innovation, nothing beats the Japanese. Our Asian friends often leave no stone unturned in their quest for beauty and perfection. That’s probably the reason why they’ve come up with lots of unusual – and sometimes silly – inventions.

To give you an idea of what I mean, here’s a brief overview of bizarre beauty products from the Land of the Rising Sun courtesy of UniqueDaily.com and 3yen.com. The products featured here are not guaranteed to work but I promise they’ll give you plenty of laughs.

Are you bothered by the size of your nose? Many Japanese women are and want to do something about their small, flat noses. The Hana Hana Nose Stretcher will change all that.

This beauty accessory is nothing more than an industrial-strength clothespin. Wear it for just a few minutes for a couple of days and it will supposedly make your nose bigger and longer. The manufacturer claims it stretches the nose cartilage to give the user a beautiful and balanced face - whatever the heck that means! At less than $7, this natural nose lift is a real bargain. Perfect for those who are afraid of plastic surgery!

Fans of the ax-wielding maniac Jason Vorhees in the Friday the 13th film series can now look like their favorite horror icon with the Face Slimmer. In Japan, a slim face is a mark of beauty. Put on this rubber mask and it supposedly massages and melts away fat from your face. No batteries required.

The Head Bath Cap looks like it was made especially for Marquis de Sade, the French aristocrat and writer of violent pornography. Put the cap over your head and fill it with water. The trapped water is said to be good for the scalp and will help you grow thicker and fuller hair. Since the cap covers the entire face and only has one opening on top, don’t wear it tightly or you could drown in the damned thing!

Want to look taller? Then the Neck Stretcher is for you! Just place this accordion-like device around your neck and fill it with air with the included hand pump. In minutes, it will stretch your neck and hopefully increase your height. Warning: overuse of this product can make you look like a giraffe!

The Slim Mouth Piece supposedly exercises the muscles around the mouth to help you lose fat. The manufacturer said it tones your face by expanding and contracting flaccid facial muscles. Use it for only 2-3 minutes a day to "sharpen your features.”

“Despite its misleading name, this gadget is supposed to make your mouth bigger, not smaller. Bigger? Yes, bigger. Who on earth would want this? Well, the theory is that if you widen your mouth, you will have the appearance of a small face, so prized by the Japanese,” said an unnamed English teacher in “Fungus Mungus’ Weird Stuff in Japan.”

Exercising the mouth sounds like a good idea. But if you ask me, that area gets all the exercise it needs from smiling, talking and eating. Still, the Slim Mouth Piece would make a good conversation piece. Get yours for $9.50.

If you’re looking for a natural way to eliminate fine lines and wrinkles without having to go through the pains of costly plastic surgery or cosmetic injections, don’t waste time going to Japan. The solution is right here with the Rejuvinol AM/PM Botox Alternative Age-Defying System. This powerful anti-aging formula consists of the Rejuvinol morning moisturizer that nourishes and strengthens the skin; and the Rejuvox night cream that relaxes tense, tired facial muscles.

japanese stylish

2008-12-25T14:42:00.000-08:00

Japanese Weekend is known for their sleek and easy to wear yet sophisticated clothing line for the expecting mom. This brand, designed by a former dance company owner, has made maternity clothing that moves comfortably with a woman’s ever changing body during pregnancy. Their signature minimalist clothing designs inspire a certain freedom and confidence for the wearer.

To allow pregnant women more comfort in their pants, Japanese Weekend pioneered the Ok Support Waistband which fits under the belly and provides back support. This allows the expecting mom to breathe easier and be more comfortable as her belly expands. Japanese Weekend offers this style waistband from casual maternity pants and jeans to office and maternity dress pants. Additionally this under the belly style doubles as a great transition wear pant for after the baby as you transition back to your pre-pregnancy size.

If you are looking for a stylish and versatile maternity top which can also double as a nursing top, Japanese Weekend offers a special line of During & After (also known as D&A) Nursing tops that can be worn during and after pregnancy. The During & After Nursing tops are designed for easy access and discretion when nursing while not looking like a maternity or nursing top. Their D&A cross front top, sometimes called the Cross Over top, is a bestseller for both maternity and nursing tops.

If you are in need of a stylish staple maternity dress that you can wear to the office or out to dinner, Japanese Weekend’s Lux Jersey Wrap Dress is a favorite. This basic yet sophisticated wrap style works perfectly for the expecting mom. The adjustable sash wrap is easy to wear and provides a flattering and comfortable fit. Also, the lux jersey fabric gives a wonderful sleek look with no wrinkles and no ironing!

Japanese Weekend is also known for their clever Convertibles – meaning a piece of clothing that can be worn multiple ways. They offer several styles of strapless maternity dresses that can also be worn as a maternity skirt and sometimes even reversed for another color or pattern! Some styles can be worn as a maternity dress and nursing dress and then separated to be worn as a maternity and nursing top and skirt. The Convertibles allow you to get a lot of mileage out of a piece of clothing while giving you many ways to alter your style.

In terms of maternity sleepwear and maternity pajamas, Japanese Weekend makes both a wrap nursing top set with cap sleeves and crop under the belly pants as well as ¾ sleeve nursing pajama with an under the belly ankle length pant. Their nursing nightgown is designed with the same cross over nursing style for easy nursing access. All of their sleepwear styles are made for both pregnancy and nursing.

So whether you are looking for a great maternity office dress, a stylish nursing top, or a comfortable pajamas set, Japanese Weekend has some great varieties to choose from to get you started!

Japanese weddings

2008-12-25T14:25:00.000-08:00

Japanese weddings, although very expensive are very elegant and serene. If you are choosing a Japanese theme for your wedding, think about ways to achieve the authentic look at a fraction of the price.

For a Japanese wedding theme begin with the bride’s attire. Traditionally, a bride in Japan wears a white silk kimono, which can cost up to twenty five thousand dollars to purchase. With a good seamstress, a kimono can be made from white silk. A groom wears a haori on the top and a hakama on the bottom, all in black. The bride will usually change into different kimonos up to five times during the wedding day. Although not required, some Japanese brides wear wigs as part of the tradition of the kimono wedding dress. The wig is heavily decorated in artificial flowers, gold combs and pearls. The wedding party will also dress in kimono’s, usually in a color chosen by the bride.

At the ceremony of a Japanese themed wedding, the bride and groom traditionally enter the ceremony from different sides of the room while drum and flute music are being played. A sacred tree, made from paper streamers is then waved over the couple in belief that it will keep evil spirits away and unite purification. After vows are said, the couple then drinks wine, or sake, and exchanges their glasses nine times to symbolize their bonding.

Some accessories to look for when uniting in a Japanese themed wedding include white fans for the bride and bridesmaids to hold during the ceremony, bonsai trees to display as centerpieces on the reception tables, a decorated parasol for the flower girl to carry, and bowls of bamboo to set around the reception to give a more authentic look of Japanese culture.

When deciding on lighting for a Japanese themed wedding, look for paper lantern lights, which can also be made. Hang them at the reception location and use for lighting rather than candles. You may also think about buying miniature fans to use as place settings for guests to take home as souvenirs. Chop sticks are another great item to add to the theme of the wedding. Whether your guests know how to use them or not, they will have fun trying and taking them home.

In a new modern era, couples are beginning to incorporate the traditional Japanese wedding with more of a modern Western culture, which makes the wedding more understood by those who are not familiar with Japan’s culture.

When planning your Japanese wedding theme, read up on the cultures and traditions of Japan and include all or a few of them in your wedding, using your own style. If you pay attention to the detail of your attire, reception decorations, music and flowers, you will have a beautiful wedding with the feel of Japanese culture.

Different colours in fashion street

2008-12-15T06:28:00.000-08:00

Colour is the first thing other people notice about us, and its impact is immediate and long-lasting. Our fashion colour choices say a lot about the image we are trying to portray and how we feel about ourselves. So what does colour tell people?

Within seconds of meeting you, others will respond to the 'colour messages' flashed by your clothes. Different colours can make people feel a certain way. In fact, it has been determined by medical science that colour can influence the viewer's hormones, blood pressure and body temperature. Colour also has an impact on:

* Your apparent shape;
* Your apparent weight;
* Your apparent personality;
* Your emotions
* Others emotions

Other important considerations are how appropriate the colour is for the location, occasion, time of year, your age and of course, your natural colouring.

We are all influenced by colour every day, whether we realise it or not. If we're having a bad day and not feeling good about ourselves, we tend to automatically choose clothes in dull neutral colours like black, grey or brown because they match how we're feeling. Just as when we're happy and feeling great we will go for something a bit brighter.

Have a look in your wardrobe and see how many different colours you own. Do you have a veritable rainbow of outfits? Or are there just 1 or 2 colours that you wear a variation of all the time? You may find you are stuck in a colour rut. Knowing this, why not experiment with the colours you wear and surround yourself with.

Sometimes it is not just the colour itself, but a combination of colours that create the affect. Colours produce different reactions when used in different fabrics and when put together in different colour combinations. For example, a red jacket worn with a white shirt to a business meeting exhibits confidence and power, but a red jacket worn with a lacy red top may be interpreted as saying, "I'm sexy and exciting and I have other things on my mind besides this business meeting".

Red is actually not the best colour to wear to a job interview as it can set the scene for an uneasy interaction between females. So what colours are appropriate for what situation?

Here is a list of the colours that men respond well to, both socially and professionally.

* Yellow: Holds their attention and keeps them alert; indicates the start of something new

* Yellow-based reds: Energetic colour that keeps conversations going

* True reds: Exhibits confidence

* Burgundy: Reflects class and sophistication and attracts the same type of men

* Mid-range blues: Puts others at ease and allows interactions to go smoothly

* Sky blue: A calming colour

* Navy blue: Signals that you want to be taken seriously; it inspires others to listen to what you have to say and displays that you are trustworthy

* Blue-based reds: Suggests intelligence and femininity

* Red violet: Suggests strength and creativity

It is most important though, to choose colours that are a good fit for your natural colouring. There is no point choosing a colour that suggests creativity and confidence if it also makes you look washed out or sick.

Wearing your best range of colours can have a huge impact on your wardrobe and your confidence. The right colours can make your skin tone appear more even, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and dark circles and make you look brighter and healthier. While on the other hand wearing a colour which isn't so good for you, can make you look tired, dull and even ill. A colour analysis with a professional image consultant will show you exactly which range of colours are best for your clothing, makeup and accessories.

In short, our fashion colour choices tell the world a lot about us. Knowing how to use colour to your advantage can change the way you dress and boost your self-confidence.

THE AMAZING TRENDS OF JAPAN 2008

2008-12-15T06:15:00.000-08:00

You probably can't recall who said it, but whoever first uttered that fashion comes full circle every 30 years or so was not too far off. This season on the runway is reminiscent of the flowing 70s in both fabric and style. We are seeing much more of the long skirt and much less of the micro mini. Materials like silk and chiffon, which tend to flow and gather, are much more popular for Spring 2008 than fabrics like cotton or denim which tend to hold shape and stay stiffer in appearance. The word for the season is feminine, feminine, feminine! The exception to this seems to be in outerwear, where rubber is oddly back in style. Indoors, though, thin little belts, hats, and scarves are also popular and a throwback to the 70s as well as being womanly. Don't despair, though - some things from last season are still popular and can be recycled for this season. Accessories like metallic bags and clutches, as well as sequins and some of the longer pencil skirts can still be worn with confidence. Dresses with color blocks are still around as well, left over from last season and still cute. Headbands are still a popular accessory as well.

Sheers are in this year as a fabric style, which works well with the flow-y nature of the season. Pairing a sheer shirt over a camisole with denim jeans is a great casual look. In fact, a sheer scarf works with almost anything this season. Especially cute is the above-mentioned shirt and jeans with a little scarf and dressy sneakers. "Dressy sneakers" are another big hit this year, which will keep your feet happy as you get to be comfortable and stylish at the same time. Low-lying, patterned variety sneakers with ties that sport the best of brand names are the most popular for the young trendsetter.

Speaking of patterns, big bold prints such as tropical themes and jungle prints are back. For whatever reason, and it seems to happen every several years, tribal and jungle themes like leopard prints and zebra stripes make their way back to the runway. This year is no exception. Color is back, and black is out, at least for now. Last year, brown was the new black, and this year it is muted silver and grey that's all the rage when you want to opt for a non-color.

What about shoes, you ask? Pointy-toe pumps are back! Not that they ever really went out of style, but they certainly came second to the flip flop, the ballet slipper, and other such cutesy flat footwear, along with the rounded toe pump. Also noteworthy is what's in store for later on in the season. Fall 2008 promises to be chock full of the "bigger is better" theory. Bigger, chunkier heels, bigger, longer boots, and bigger and heavier accessories on the shoes themselves such as thick buckles and chains should be on your radar for footwear.

Of course, if we are going to talk shoes we must talk shades. Still popular, especially with the Divas, are the ever-present round and dark sunglasses that cover most of your face. The celebrities, of course, brought this trend to the forefront of fashion and it doesn't look like it's going anywhere anytime soon. Also popular though, is the blue lens which seemed to disappear for a while. This lens is more appropriate with a smaller frame than with the oversized shades discussed. The RayBan Wayfarers, so popular in the 80s, also seem to be making a comeback this year.

Last but by no means least, there could not be a fashion article written about what's hot for 2008 without mentioning jeans. Designer denim continues to be the hottest thing around. We all know that True Religion, Citizens of Humanity, Buffalo, Seven for all Mankind and Lucky have become standard, almost run-of-the mill designer jeans. Even though they cost upward of $200.00, they are still the 'norm'. Slightly more pricey is Diesel, and this brand continues to be popular as well. Relative newcomers, though, are some of the names that were actually around long before these newbies even existed. Yves St. Laurent, Donna Karan, and some of the more elite designer's names are being plastered on the derrieres of the most discriminating fashionistas this season. As for jean style and cut, the zipper-ankle and straight-leg varieties that were popular in the 80s are making a comeback. Expect to see them on the legs of the trendsetters this fall.

This season proves to be an interesting and eclectic mix of 70s and 80s styles. This may seem contradictory, but the feminine nature of the season's styles pulls from flowing 70s fabrics and cuts and seems to just use a hint of 80s metal and accessory - and it's a hit.

The Eternal Fashion - japanese style

2008-12-15T05:44:00.000-08:00

Many would say that fashion is an expression of the culture and soul, hence every nation has a unique reflection of its own history as well as traditions in one way or another.

Japanese fashion is no exception to this sentiment. This article will go into a few details of how it has changed throughout the years while always remaining intact in its traditions.

The Past and the Present

One of the most traditional and common Japanese fashion outfits is the Kimono; it is still worn today in more modern designs, it was also embraced by the Western nations because of its sensuality as well as elegance.

Throughout the years Japanese fashion saw very few changes but throughout the years the Kimono was a dominant part of the classic collection and consistently a part of their lives in one form or another. Another kind of Kimono is the Furisode which is worn by young women in their twenties; in Japan the age to legally drink and smoke is twenty and in order to celebrate the parent frequently offer their daughters a Furisode.

Then the Houmongi takes the stage. This is another kind of Kimono that is worn by married women and similar to the Furisode the parents will give their daughter one when she is married.

The formal Kimono is known as Tomesode and is typically worn by married women to social functions such as marriages. Additional variations include the Mofuku which is the funeral Kimono for Japanese fashion and the Uchikake is the wedding Kimono.

Last but certainly not least the Obi is the oldest form of the Japanese fashion as they are no longer in production today and rarely will you find someone wearing this type even in Japan.

Modern Japanese fashion generally has several categories in addition to some that are not related to clothes. The Japanese fashion known as the Kogal is translated in Japan to people who enjoy displaying their higher income by wearing expensive jewelry or clothes.

The Gangoro Japanese fashion is designed for those people who began changing their hair color and then you have the Lolita as the Gothic Lolita Japanese fashion, which is being represented by the innocent and sweet dressed (Lolita) all the way to the other extreme type referred to as punk fashion, which is known as Gothic Lolitas.

The Eternal Fashion

The world of classic fashion is eternal throughout the world and Japanese fashion has their Kimonos to prove it. The use of colors also plays a large part in the world of Japanese fashion as well as their culture as it is directly correlated to the event. Fashion not only reflects and defines an era and a place in time but also the character and personality of the person who is wearing it.