A couple of years ago a young western girl of 9 or 10 wanted to have a tea ceremony for her birthday with her friends. She did a lot of research and was really looking forward to. She got a bunch of negative responses and even hateful comments. She was sad until several actual Japanese told her that it was okay. They said that it made them happy that she was so interested. Her Mother thanked them because her daughter was so upset. Now the little girl was glad and was going to have tea tea ceremony. 🥰
I remember that. iirc her outfit was the start of the issue bc it resembled more of a parody of geisha rather than trying to get visual details in check- but people just wanted to be mean about it. She was a kid doing her best with what she had, and a lot of the negativity was from trolls. I hope she continued to learn about tea ceremony and learned about the geisha customs.
@@singingflowers7456 I find it more sad that random people are so expectant of a young child to be able to afford a traditional Kimono. I have 2 full sets and they're both vintage, extremely cheap on the scale of buying kimono.. and I've spent over a thousand dollars buying just old used kimono. To expect a little girl to pay for a real kimono for singular use is horrible.
I would think it is ok to wear it as part of a character (from a book/movie), not as to wear it as costumed as a “ethnicity”. Kimono in itself is not a costume, it is a garment.
You are correct. As an Asian myself if we celebrated the western Halloween and someone came in wearing one of our traditional outfit, even a native of the country we’ll find it weird because those outfit has their own purpose and being a costume for a party is not it. Like, if someone came in wearing cheongsam we’d be like “um what, this is not the Lunar New Year celebration…”
But doesn’t that mean that wearing a toga to be a Roman or Greek be considered offensive? I’m sure you would agree that the Toga was just common garments worn in ancient southern Europe. But unless you are trying to depict a species figure or mythological character from Rome/Greece it should be seen a offensive even if very few people know any figures from that culture? Sure the women could get away with being Aphrodite/ Venus and men could get away with Julius Caesar or Zeus but it’s even a stretch that people know who those figures are. Look over to Pax Romanas channel where he asks people on Tiktok to just name a Roman emperor. It doesn’t go well. Just let people enjoy a culture, even a garment, even if it’s removed from its original context and used as a costume. Telling people you need X amount of understanding/awareness to participate and use a part of someone’s culture isn’t how people become interested in someone’s culture. We don’t do this for anything else. You don’t need to have X amount of cultural respect for Japan to watch anime or Y amount of awareness to eat sushi or go to a Hibachi restaurant. The Kimono is the same. You don’t need to gatekeep the Kimono from being a costume. If someone wears it as a costume that might be a significant first step into Japanese cultural awareness. It’s not a good idea to gatekeep that first step because you might uncomfortable seeing the kimono as a costume. Same thing for the toga. That could be a step into becoming interested in Roman and Greek history and mythology. Saying “you don’t know enough about these ancient cultures to wear the toga” is just silly.
@@sasshiro Well, I'm mexican and I can tell you that we really don't care. We ourselves use those things just to mess around and have fun. What really seems strange to us is that you think that fifth of May is our Independence day.
My opinion… as a Chinese that is.. is that westerners got offended by it more than us, wearing our culture.. but us asians are wearing modern/ Caucasian clothes for so long now it’s normal and no one has a problem with it.. why won’t you get offended by me wearing jeans huh? Is it not offensive because its normal looking to a Caucasian eyes? I feel weird wearing traditional clothes now a days if it’s not for a event like “Chinese new year” or “natsumatsuri” those are clothes I wear once a year.. So I’m catholic and I cosplay.. so the sexy Japanese outfits is no different than a sexy nun outfit. It exist it’s worn by people but so what. If anything they look stupid and that’s on them :x
My best friend and I wore kimono for Halloween when we were children. We were so excited to wear the beautiful kimono and obi and the flower hair pins with the spangles. We also wore over-the-top makeup that our parents would never let us wear. It was very much a costume. The thing is, these kimono were family heirlooms. My family has pictures of my great aunt and my mother in the same kimono at about the same age. I'm half-Japanese. If I had a little girl with a white man, I would still want to let her wear this kimono for dress up. Other people might not know her heritage. And that is when it gets ridiculous. You shouldn't have to carry a pedigree to defend your clothing. Just wear it.
It’s great that you find Halloween a time to connect to your culture and ancestry. Although I personally wouldn’t wear a family heirloom with lots of personal value to something that is more of a costume party, but maybe your Halloween celebration is more sophisticated than the parties I went to.
@@RadenWA We we're 5 or 6 and trick or treating, not partying. And not running and likely to trip and tear a hole it them. We just weren't that kind of kids!
As a Taiwanese person that has been living in the US for 26 years. This is my observation about Halloween costumes. I noticed that every culture becomes a caricature of that culture during Halloween, because during Halloween everything is over exaggerated and over the top. It is not meant to be viewed or portrayed as realistic. For example in America “white” people have a sub culture called “ red necks” where the stereotype of them is wearing a white wife beater, have a mullet, drink cheap beer, a has a beer belly, and at the Halloween store they sell those costumes. On the same page there are Chinese stereotype costume being sold, same with Black culture costume being sold such as a “Pimp”. I am not here to say it is good or bad, or right or wrong , but Halloween is a time where EVERYONE gets equality made fun of and stereotyped m and turn into caricature. This goes with animal costume too where I have seen “sexy cat” costumes. The only real issue I have for Halloween costumes is the sexy costume they have for kids which to me is way more inappropriate than adult sexy costumes. This is just my observation and 2 sense about Halloween as an Asian person in America for 26 years.
Great observation. Even outside of Halloween I see a lot of redneck stereotypes, especially in movies. I’ll add that anything Hispanic is viewed the same way by non Hispanics. Non Hispanics get offended about hispanic stereotypes and costumes when Hispanics love them. There’s a game on webkinz that has a chihuahua with a poncho and sombrero, shooting beans at candy, and speaking with a Spanish accent. Someone on reddit said it was offensive, but as a hispanic family we LOVE that game because it’s cute. We even had a brown chihuahua we named Beanie and would call Beaner, which is a slur for Hispanic people, but we’ve never had a problem with it. It’s all for fun and even if someone does mean to be rude we just brush them off because all you’ve done is show you’re a POS and made a fool out of yourself.
@@Maaad-maaan I also heard when they try to get rid of Speedy Gonzalaz because if was “offensive “ the Hispanic community got upset because they enjoy the character.
I mean there's nothing weird about wearing traditional or 19th century European dressing so there should be nothing weird in wearing a historical/traditional dressing at Halloween or carnival. An argument can be made if a specific type of style/dressing represent a religion or it still widely in use in a specific culture but that's not the case with Kimono
I am a westerner who loves to wear kimono, hopefully correctly. The only time I wore kimono for Halloween was when I made a lined cotton kimono out of Halloween fabric. I made a special undergarment to match and an Obi. I didn’t wear it as a costume, but as a seasonal outfit.
As a child all i wanted was to dress in a kimono for Halloween. My mother said no. But she was fine with me dressing up in a Victorian dress...lol. When i got older, my love for kimono and Japanese culture grew and i bought my first one in college. I studied how to wear it properly to honor it and to spread the word that this is real kimono and this how it's supposed to be worn. However, if i wear it out (not on Halloween or at a anime convention) white people yell at me, that I'm not allowed to wear that and I'm being racist. I have collected many over the years and still have confidence issues wearing my kimonos in public. Halloween I'm on the fence about. Is it okay for me to wear kimono at all? To a convention to share my love for kimono? I'm sharing this video. Very good!❤
If someone tries to say I’m being racist or appropriating a culture I ask them what are the names of the items I’m wearing. They only know kimono or sometimes obi. I think school them on what type of kimono I’m wearing and the type of obi with their proper names. Then I tell them if I dressing knowing the garb is far more I can say about them.
If you wear kimono on other days of the year and you don't plan on wearing a costume for Halloween and you want to wear kimono just because you like it, who cares that it's October 31?
"Why are you dressed up/in costume?" is the most common comment I get if I choose to wear kimono out in society, but I understand why and if the person is open I try to use the oportunity to educate. Regarding Halloween, I agree with the guests, it's all about context and not making a mockery. I used one of my kimonos for a comicon outfit once, incorporating it into my interpretation on a Genshin Impact character, merging good kitsuke with the cat-theme. It was a huge hit and both locals and far-travelled Japanese guests thought it was super cool.
I wear historically adequate clothes of the Edwardian, pioneer period every day. People who ask me about my costume I generally don’t have much to say but if they compliment me on my, name of historical figure, costume, I compliment them on their insert name of serial killer here costume. I’m wearing clothes, kimono are clothes and should be worn properly, with the correct foundation garments just like my historical dress. If you want to wear your kimono out in society I hope you do wear it. We are grown ups and we can decide what to wear.
I adore kimono, and spent an entirely too short a time in Japan. My husband and I rented kimono for a day out, and the dressers at the shop wanted to dress me as a Maiko. I thought that was utterly ridiculous. I'm 74 years old and told them it would be okay t o dress as a mistress of an okiya or owner of a tea house, but as a maiko it would be absolutely silly! It was actually a bit of a battle that I wanted a modest kimono, appropriate hair, and minimal makeup. Anything else, to me, was disrespectful of a Japanese tradition and in a way of myself too. I plan to wear a full kimono to our local Renaissance Festival, but if asked (which is unlikely given that everyone will be wearing their own ideas of what Europeans wore 400 years ago) I will tell them I'm NOT in costume. I'm western woman wearing authentic, and highly prized Japanese clothing purchased from a Japanese company and shipped around to world to me.
I remember wearing a haori as a winter coat while walking around my college campus one night, and some guys were trying to be funny and shouted, "This isn't Halloween". Another time I was wearing a yukata, and a guy said he liked my outfit, but thought I was dressing as Obi Wan from Star Wars. I would be seen as less out of place in these cases if it was Halloween, but people still wouldn't understand kimono better, they would think I was just wearing another costume.
My youngest daughter have been immersed in Japanese culture since she discovered anime. My sister had a kimono that she didn't fit anymore so she gave it to my daughter. It didn't have any of the accessories so I found a Japanese seller online and got the basics that she would need to wear it. For Halloween as she dressed as the Japanese urban legend Kuchisake Onna. She looked awesome. I was proud she took the kimono and the culture seriously.
When Shogu said "I'm honored people are interested in Japanese culture," I think that's just it. Many of the people wearing things like a kimono or traditional dress from any other culture aren't necessarily interested in the culture. They're interested in the aesthetic or, sometimes, they're wearing the outfit to slander or make fun of another culture. That's where the issue is. There is a difference between a respectful person learning about the culture, wanting to join in as they learn, appreciating everything around the clothing and wearing it properly, vs the person who is appropriating the other culture. Of course, there are some who might accuse you of cultural appropriation because they don't believe ANYONE but those of that culture should dress traditionally. I don't agree with that, but I have seen some people say that.
I’ve always wanted to wear a kimono since I grew up watching anime. Even as a kid I hated how tacky and poorly made the ‘costumes’ available looked so I just stuck with cosplay, I just found her video making a kimono so I’m wanting to give it a honest try!
If someone decides to wear kimono to slander or make fun of Japanese people, that is a lot of time and money to put into a "joke". As I understand it, finished kimonos are expensive. It is less expensive to buy a kit and sew it yourself but that is still a lot of money and now a lot of time. If they really want to make it recognizable they would at least learn how to tie an obi. That is a lot of time, money, and energy spent on a "joke" compared to buying a "Mexican", Romani, or other ethnic costume.
I do not see why just being interested in the esthetic is bad. Most cultural exchange start there. i love this look. i love this food. ill bring them back to my own country. and from there fashion/food will change. Cultural excahnge may or may not come later. if you say you MUST learn about the culture if you want to wear their clothing... is it it like gate keeping? EX: Oh you like games, then you MUST know this and this and that... otherwise you are just a fake or a poser.
I have a kimono that reminds Halloween because of its colours (purple, black and orange), I usually wear it around Halloween period, as a seasonal kimono. I can't wear it outside October because people will see it as a Halloween costume exactly because of its colours... Other fact, my colleagues know I'm found of kimono, they asked me if I will wear a kimono at the company Halloween party. I first said "yes" (thinking of a wearing that kimono with Halloween colours and vibes). Then I realized most of them will see my outfit as a costume, because a kimono is a costume for most Occidentals..I don't want to spend the evening explaining that this is not a costume but a real clothing with Halloween colours on it, I decided not to wear it. 😔 I prefer wearing a kimono another day, in order to show that this is not a costume but a real clothing. Don't know if my says are clear 😅
This would be similar to if people should wear the Scottish kilt for Halloween, and there are a few videos on TH-cam about this very subject. Different people, different take. But the "kimono collars off-shoulder costume" thing would be similar to how some Halloween kilt costumes have a fake long manhood under the kilt that you can lift up the kilt and expose it to people around you; people not in the culture may take it as a joke, but people of that culture would find it downright offensive.
Agreed, as someone of both Scott-Irish and Scandinavian heritage I don't really care if people wear cultural costumes as long as it's respectful, but I also think people are entitled to do what they want even if that means them being an asshole. I one time went to a local renfair wearing a Bunad, I had someone who came up to me(complete stranger) and was super rude, saying I was disrespecting Norwegian culture(my dad's side of the family comes from Norway), the whole exchange is something i now find silly, but even so if i hadnt had my Norwegian ancestry it still wouldvd been within my right to wear the costum. it's beautiful when people of other nationalities want to experience other dress and culture and I'd be delighted if someone wanted to wear a bunad even if they had no connection to Norway.
I wore a furisode for Halloween before. I was dressing up as a fox spirit and made myself a fox mask that I did extensive research into getting right. I wore the furisode to play up the aesthetic and also did extensive research into wearing it properly. I also taught myself the proper movement when wearing it and gave it a good twist by making my movements come off as “creepy” or “ghostlike” as I could manage. I also learned some magic tricks that I hid in the sleeves to make the ghost lights. I used this outfit when passing out candy in my neighborhood and it was very popular and I was asked to take quite a few pictures with various local kids because of it. My area is not very dense with any of the Asian cultures so, that I could pull off this as something that was “scary” for Halloween made me feel quite good. I also got to educate my neighborhood about such mythical creatures. And yes, I know there is good foxes too, but I was particularly playing up the more evil type which is why the research into fox masks and how to communicate such a thing. Anyway, this is one of the few times I wore any type of kimono as a costume. I wore that furisode only one other time and it was for a Japanese cultural festival at the museum where they were opening a Japanese themed exhibition and it was because I was asked to. I also had lots of people take pictures with me that day because of it and had many discussions on the topic because of it too (side note: there was also a guy who had custom built a samurai outfit that was rather well made and obviously well researched and we were both very popular to have pictures taken with us to the point we ended up being together in photos once people discovered us both. We didn’t know each other but it was fun). Anyway, I always try to do a lot of research into cultures, especially ones that are foreign to me so that when I’m asked, I can pass on correct information and perhaps get another person excited about a culture they aren’t familiar with. I always also ask my various friends, who do come from another culture that I might be wearing clothes or making food from to educate me as best as they can and strictly too. I want to respect the culture by learning about it, especially any nuances they might wish to share. And yes, other cultures, not just Japanese cultures. I have always loved researching foreign cultures and immersing myself in them as much as I can. Food, language, clothes, and stories, I find are some of the best and most accessible ways I can find without dropping my smack into the country of origin. I try to also attend cultural festivals when I can since they often put a strong focus on educating others on unique features of their culture. I don’t know. Maybe this isn’t respectful to some people but I find a lot of people like to talk about their culture and share it with a person who sincerely wants to know more. Also, I’ll be honest, I’ve been mistaken as a person originating from nearly all parts of the world, even by people from those areas, so who knows, maybe I’m being given leeway for that reason. This is my experience at least.
Thanks for this video! I recently bought a Vintage silk Kimono and plan on wearing it for Halloween. I’ve followed your channel because you have the best tutorials for how to wear them properly. I look at Halloween as an opportunity to dress in a way that’s different from how you normally dress. I’m very interested in Kimono and Haori, so any opportunity to dress that way I’m going to take it. I live in a state where if I were to wear Kimono on a daily basis, I would be viewed as weird.
This is a very fascinating conversation and one that only you in your heart can know what the right answer is for you. Personally wearing kimono is more than just the outer most layer, whilst it's the most distinctive layer it's more than the sum of it's parts. Would I be offended if I saw someone combining a Pearly King/Queen outfit with a more Halloween look? Not at all, yes it's a specific look from the poor/working class of London with a deep meaning; but does that mean it can't be incorporated in to a Halloween look? No. Or combining the Green Man/Lady of Spring with say a Kimono style, a Pagan tradition brought to life with a different cultures perspective - that could make for an amazing look. Ultimately so long as people can have sensible conversations and are prepared to listen to both sides that's all we can really ask for. Thank you Billy for bring this topic up and having a range of views for people to listen to.
I clicked on this video (as a person without Japanese roots, living outside Japan) despite being very uncomfortable with the idea of anyone wearing kimono as a costume for Halloween or similar (especially, but not limited to, when it's cheap, inaccurate "costume" versions of the garments). I was hoping you would dig in to the why of it and other circumstances that seem less clear to me and thrilled to find you do so indeed. Thank you so much for making this and giving voice to multiple knowledgeable people.
I wear kimono at least once a week. I just finished up a Halloween-themed photoshoot that was a Hollywood glam-vampire concept in kimono (with proper kitsuke). I do not see kimono as a costume, but as clothing. After the hard work and tears it took to graduate from kimono school, I always make sure that I show respect (even though I tend to be more modern with my taste).
Context matters. It's important to recognize when something is a fantasy versus an insult. To me, the "sexy geisha" costume is along the same context as "sexy nurse / police / soldier / nun / whatever". It's a profession-turned-sexy for a roll-playing fantasy. It takes one google search to clearly see the difference between these costumes and their real life inspirations. That being said, those sexualized costumes are still cheap quality and have tasteless designs most of the time. I'm an artist and an educator who started her kimono journey earlier this year. I'll bash the quality of costumes and individuals' lack of knowledge on Japanese culture, but I will never condemn the concept of "sexy whatever". It's a fantasy. We can indulge in fantasy so long as we can tell fantasy and reality apart. The problem comes when people can't tell the difference, or just ignore it. TL;DL, Idiot-shame, don't kink-shame.
The difference being that Geisha have historically been conflated (and in some cases treated) like prostitutes by Westerners rather than the highly trained hospitality professionals and performers that they are, particularly military and other people that were/are part of the Western occupying forces in Japan but also by tourists even up into modern times, while those others have not. The point where something crosses the line between merely crass and actually harmful or toxic isn't about the surface qualities of it, i.e. how it looks, how many other similar things there are, etc. It all boils down to whether the stereotype is punching down (mocking or making fun of a group for whom such stereotypes historically have caused and/or continue to cause harm by reinforcing the views/beliefs associated with those stereotype) or punching up (mocking or making fun of a group/person who has or historically had enough societal clout that the stereotype does not and never has had the power to generate any real harm apart from ego-deflation).
@@sonipittsnot to mention that Maiko are also underage girls so it gives me the extra ick that people sexualise them so much and customers even sexually harass them, and it’s not just westerners but also many Japanese people unfortunately treat them like prostitutes
This is such an important conversation to have. It gets brought up a lot in the cosplay community even outside of the Halloween season. There's always nuance and sensibilities to consider. I greatly appreciate your effort in bringing so many different points of view into the conversation. Thank you so much for sharing! 💚
This is fascinating. I used to love Halloween, and dressed up as lots of characters from TV and books as a kid. As I grew up and became a cosplayer, I realized at some point that my version of 'costume' didn't line up with how people think of Halloween.... My costumes aimed to be like real clothes that that character would wear. That's how I started studying kimono as well. In my experience, Halloween costumes tend to be a joke or a stereotype, and that's the reason that the idea of wearing just kimono without some additional theme or character wierds me out a bit. I'd worry that any joke costume an American would make with a kimono is likely going to be in very poor taste.
It is interesting to see how people's opinions on the matter differs according to their perspective and familiarity with Halloween. Wearing kimono is not problematic on its own, but the problem comes when wearing something that isn't a caricature in a setting where everyone is wearing costumes that are, and therefore leads others to see kimono as such.
I'm from New Zealand but raised in Australia. I'm a self confessed Japanophile. I love every aspect that I've encountered of japanese culture, including kimono. I have a collection of Kimono, Yukata, and obi. I were them around the house and am currently debating if I should begin wearing them out. I love wearing kimono. I had never thought about what japanese people would think about me wearing their national dress until I watched your video. I would hope they would appreciate people like me who love their culture and wish to wear their amazing clothing. Thank you for helping us around d the world to know the intricacies of wearing kimono. I love watching your videos. I've even made a couple of kimono after watching your videos. I dyed an older kimono with turmeric after watching your video. I also dyed and old naga Juban and put a knew erishin on it after watching another one of your videos. Once again Thank You/ Arigato
I remember as a kid buying a “kimono” from Disney World. I loved it because it was so beautiful. As I grew older my interest in kimono grew and so did my understanding. I learned that the “kimono” I had as a kid, was more of a costume. Yet, it sparked my interest and I wanted to know more about kimono, how to wear it properly, why it is worn the way it is, and so on. I think people and kids should have access to kimono costumes. They are cheap, affordable, and a good place to start wearing kimono. If the person chose to wear the costume, it must mean they like it and they might want to know more about it from then on. In short, kimono costumes are a gateway to real kimono. It’s how many non-Japanese first learn about kimono.
I think another important factor is how seriously the wearer considers Halloween as a holiday. For example, cosplayers put in a lot of time and effort into their outfits and cosplays and take it more seriously, versus someone who wears a costume because it's "just what you do" on Halloween.
It does feel like sometimes you're trying to imply to the Japanese people that doesn't have a problem with it that they SHOULD have a problem with it. Maybe that is to create more interesting interviews, but it just seems more directly confrontational when you express these opinions as actually coming from you (if they don't happen to be)
I loved this video! It gives a lot to think about . Halloween is not a local festivity where I live (it’s just a kids sort of thing), but the same observations could be done for carnivals… In my experience it’s challenging to covey outside of Japan the concept that kimono is not a costume, so I personally do not wear kimono as a costume and I try not to wear it at all during the Carnival week 😅 But if I’d wear a kimono I would probably just add some theme inspired elements such as an obidome or a han-eri, still wearing kimono as clothing… The idea of wearing a cosplay based on an anime or traditional fairytales is great though, especially as a mean to learn more about the culture!
I feel like the reason westerners desire to wear a kimono for holloween is because its socially uncomfortable to wear them outside of holloween. Not that it should be, but it is. Holloween is a good outlet to do things we normally can't. I think as long as one shows respect they should be allowed to wear them any time.
The anxiety of people bashing you for wearing clothes is extremely concerning. The fact that we as a people have decided we have to make rules that everyone needs to study along with being scholars on the culture where a costume is coming from so as to follow said rules just doesn't seem possible. We really just need to relax
I think if they’re wearing kimono respectfully, or attempting to wear it properly, for a costume it is fine. It’s the perfect time to not feel too out of place or judged as weird for some who can’t attend events (like anime conventions, or local Japanese events) or groups that would easily accept it. It can be scary if you’re not extremely self confident to wear it any other time for some. Someone making a joke about it as some stereotype no way is it acceptable. I live in Texas and it’s hot here for 3/4 of the year so the only kimono you’re likely to see are yukata. I’ve seen some try to wear full kimono at conventions I’ve attended or help run. It’s either a nice attempt, cringe worthy attempt you want to haul them off to help straighten it up to look nicer put together, or some icky inspired by an anime or stereotype. Thankfully the last is extremely rare.
Same. I’m a Texas girl too! I usually wear kimono when visiting my moms grave (she supported my interest in Kimono and was always excited to see what I learned so I feel when I dress in kimono to visit her, it’s like her being able to see what I learned and I feel better) but! I have worn kimono occasionally because I enjoy it. I wouldn’t wear it as a “costume” but I don’t get unusual looks during Halloween. Now, if someone asks me about it or comments on it being a “costume” I do tell them “it isn’t a costume. It’s a type of clothing and styling choice. I enjoy Kimono and learning how to wear it properly. Unfortunately, there are not many opportunities to wear kimono without being discouraged by other people or situations, and Halloween makes that easier because everyone is dressed differently!”
@@fischersgirl1720 exactly!! The last time I tried to wear full set kimono was on my birthday several years ago. I met up with friends to our local arts museum since my birthday fell on the day of the week it’s open late. Otherwise it’s yukata, it’s just soooo hot. Due to covid I don’t get out much and our local kimono enthusiasts haven’t met since the pandemic began. We use to try to meet a few times a year either at restaurants or go to museums.
@@novamyth9 I wear yukata too, I do have some summer kimono and juban which help but some days it’s just way too hot. Right now, we have perfect weather for Kimono 👘. I’m on the south east end and I’ve been so excited cause it’s actually cool enough to wear certain kimono without melting! I wish there were more opportunities to wear kimono. Maybe one day we can get a kimono exhibit or something
I agree so much!! I tried writing a long comment about this but i think it may not posted or got flagged!! My kimono jurny started in 2009 at a Helloween event because of the same thing, small town, can't ware it outside otherwise. Now i ware kimono a lot, no matter time of year!
This was very interesting to me for I have been studying kimono since 2009 when I purchased my first kimono and have found it difficult to find a space to wear kimono. Kimono has always been fascinating to me since I was very young, but with how culture is now and days, like may others who have commented, it is hard for someone who is not of Japanese decent to wear kimono outside of events such as Halloween and conventions. In the past, I have worn appropriate kimono outside these spaces, but with my current health, it has become difficult to wear kimono without an excuse. I do wear kimono on Halloween, but not as a costume, but as a person celebrating a holiday. For me, it is all Hallows Eve to be followed by All Saints ( All Hallows) and All Souls Days. I use these holidays as well as conventions to bring awareness to kimono and enjoy when people ask me questions about my kimono. If I am cosplaying a character at a convention, I wear true kimono or period appropriate recreations of kimono in order to appreciate the kimono being worn. For instance, I have been scouring the internet and my kimono books in order to recreate a junihitoe to cosplay Luna from Sailor Moon. In the one movie, she becomes Princess Kaguya to save a man's live, but she continues to a wear a modern fashion. Given that the Tale of the Bamboo Cutter was created during the Heian period, I wanted to see what Luna would look like in the period appropriate fashion. Spaces like conventions and Halloween give me that avenue to explore kimono further.
I like doing pre-kimomo wafuku (before the Nara Period), because it's not at all tied to stereotypes and it opens a conversation about how kimono came to Japan and what older Japanese dress actually looks like. It's something most non-Japanese have never seen. (Plus, the men's pants are super cute!)
When I lived in Japan, I wore a yukata to an obon celebration. A kitsuke teacher happened to see me and asked me if I wanted lessons. Of course, I said yes! I usually only wear kimono to cultural events, and knowing how to put it on properly has given me the confidence that I (hopefully...) won't offend anyone.
I personally don't think it is so much different to wearing Kimono as Cosplay in general. There are people that are doing it faithfully and some that don't. In some cases the Charcter the people are cosplaying is already messed up (because the artist also had no clue), so it's hard to keep up.
Billy, I have been binge watching your videos. As a white woman (American/Swiss) I am cautious about how I come across in cultures I was not born into. I wouldn’t want to wear a Kimono for Halloween, because the point of Halloween is to be over-the-top, and I think when exploring and appreciating other cultures, it is critical to be respectful. I own a Berner Sonntagstracht, because I am by heritage, Bernese-Swiss. Don’t get me started on what happens for Halloween with Dirndles! Women always risk being fetishized, but it is worse for women of color. I am a koi keeper, and have been to Japan a lot to buy koi, and attend the All Japan Show-the world pinnacle of that hobby. The Japanese are delighted with the interest of foreigners in such a core cultural interest. I have seen women (Japanese) winning awards dressed in formal Kimono. Fabulous. If I won there, I would go to accept my award in Kimono-AFTER being styled for appropriateness by Billy! Halloween, though, is supposed to be ridiculous, so no naughty Nuns, slutty beer servers in dirndles, or Oiran-kimonos for me.
Would it be okay if you were wearing a kimono on Halloween because you're dressing up as a character from a tv show or game or a play? Cosplay, basically.
Oh dear! I dressed up as the ghost of Oiwa the only time I participated in halloween (a friend's party). I showed no skin, did not disrespect Japanese culture, and explained to everyone who Oiwa was as well as her story. People were very interested. Much more so than if I had just dressed up with no thematic link to halloween or to Japan. I'm more confused than before. Did I do the wrong thing??? 😟 Edit: NOONE thought I was a geisha when I dressed as 'the ghost of Oiwa'. Noone mentioned it, and there were a few people who are very aufait with Japanese culture. I looked scary. I have long dark brown/black hair and with the makeup looking like a ghost, there was no confusion. I hope it was ok
I think depicting something outside your own ethnicity infringes more on Americans' warped sense of morality; people in Japan will typically think it's really cool that you're interested in something from their island country and also that you're teaching others about it. This is a controversy that is much more sensitive to Americans than others. It's kind of a shame, in my opinion. A lot of people here feel that we should be limited to the color of our skin. I think as long as we're respectful, it should be fine to adorn ourselves as other ethnicities, too. And I think most people here in America feel the same way I do, but that it's a loud minority that feels it's taboo. In conclusion, I think you're totally fine and should feel happy with your choice. Sounds like a cool costume to me. :)
@@stormrhode2330 i meant in the sense that it shouldnt be offensive, theyre both religious figures, ik shinto is kinda dead (only 4% of japanese ppl actually believe in it). Jesus should be more taboo, since people actually believe in him, but some people think "But you're being racist! Thats cultural appropriation!" but dont get offended when japanese people dress up as jesus. Idk if this sounded like im saying white ppl are oppressed or if it gave off that vibe so btw white people aren't oppressed 😐
I think a crucial missing piece in all of this discussion is: behaviour. It was so sweet that all the born-in-Japan folks see such an optimistic view of people’s motivations-imagining that they have interest in Japanese culture, and seeing the costume as a gateway to learning more-but many of us born outside of Japan remember the form that racist cruelty took in childhood: mockery by imitation. When someone puts on a kimono as a costume, it is not a singular choice that can be evaluated in a vacuum. Their behaviour in that costume communicates even more than the choice to wear it. I’m sure many of us carry the pain of being bullied by kids pulling up the corners of their eyes, affecting a horrible accent, etc., and when we see someone dressing up in kimono, especially when they do a poor job, our hearts seize in fear that they might be motivated in the same way: trying to depict a racist caricature at us in order to make us feel alienated and freakish. Some people use masks or costumes to express who they really are inside, but others really are just taking pleasure in emphasizing the difference between the ‘normal’ and the ‘monstrous’. I don’t need to explain how horrible it feels to be placed in that othering category. It is very possible to be supremely respectful while wearing kimono as a costume, and those in the know, will know… but a lot of us are carrying a lifetime of pain from people being extremely *dis*respectful, propagating exoticized and fetishized stereotypes, and being motivated by cruelty. It sets off a fear reflex. I’m truly grateful that people born and raised in Japan do not know how that feels. Thank you so much, Billy, for such thorough coverage of this topic. It’s well worth discussion. You provide an incredibly valuable social service for those of us of Japanese heritage outside of Japan
Isnt the issue there the racist caricature and not the garment? If kimono only becomes an issue when someone does racist behavior in a kimono, and the behavior is racist without kimono too, kimono isnt the issue.
@@verybarebones that’s a pretty limited way to look at what I was trying to say. I’m talking about why people of Japanese heritage might become on edge when they see people wearing kimono poorly. Obviously if everyone was always kind and thoughtful and perfect at all times, cultural appropriation wouldn’t be an issue. I hope you can try to read my words generously and with empathy instead of trying to find a rationalization to exonerate wearing kimono in any context. Sensitivity is what makes the difference here, both in wearing kimono and reading people’s heartfelt commentary about it.
I, of course, wear kimono regularly. I agree absolutely that I would NOT wear kimono on Halloween for ALL the reasons that Erika lays out. there are so many other things to wear.
I think that many times people will use Halloween as an excuse to wear something they have admired for a long time, but have to real opportunity to wear. Of course that doesn't mean everyone who wears traditional clothes from other cultures on Halloween is doing it because they want a chance to wear it, sometimes people just see something in a costume store and think it looks cute. Those are not the people I am trying to explain the motives of though lol. There aren't many times it would be practical to wear some types of clothing from other cultures, here in many parts of the US, and in some places it would cause people to laugh at you, and when you want to actually wear an item of clothing that you find beautiful, laughter is not the response you want. An example would be that I have personally always wanted to wear a saree but never have had a chance to wear one. I've never worn one for Halloween or even tried on an actual saree even though several decades ago, before she moved away, an Indian friend who had a few of them offered to show me how to wear one of hers and let me borrow one to wear somewhere, but I always felt I would feel out of place. That's just about me personally not feeling comfortable actually wearing things that are even a very different style of western clothes than I normally do, and its probably to do with not feeling like I want to look like I am trying to call attention to myself or something. In the area we lived in back then, it wasn't uncommon to see Indian women wearing sarees, but I never noticed a western woman wearing one. In other words, the reason I declined wasn't about the saree, it was about my own hangups about just me in general. I felt that if I were prettier or something, I would have been "able" to wear it. I feel the same inability to wear quite a few things in my everyday life, even if I try on something in a store and it looks fine in the mirror, I feel that it isn't fine because it's on me. However, on Halloween I have been able to feel fine wearing an article of clothing I have bought at a vintage store or something I have made (Victorian) and instead of wearing it like a costume or wearing it ironically or trying to be a zombie version, I just wore the clothing and accessories etc like I would have chosen to wear if I had the self confidence to wear it out in public every day - not as a caricature or anything. My friend and I had planned on me wearing a saree to a family party at her house, but we never got around to doing that, so I doubt I will ever get a chance to wear one. TLDR ; some (not all) people may use Halloween as an excuse to wear an actual article of clothing they have admired, because they don't feel like they can wear it any other time. Also, I am talking about wearing the actual item of clothing, not a costume knock off type of it.
I have worn yukata on Halloween before, but only as a part of another costume. I was a yokai that made sense to be wearing kimono. I think it would be weird to dress just in a kimono as a costume. Like dressing as a Japanese person? That would be strange. But if you're cosplaying a character or something that would be wearing kimono, that makes sense.
Such an interesting discussion. That's an excellent point that's made at the end, & a stereotype we should all avoid. I would only consider wearing kimono as fancy dress if I was playing a character/cosplay. Like wearing saris, it's fine to wear as clothing, but a racial identity is not fancy dress for a party. An exception might be if it's a party celebrating that culture, eg. I once wore a sari to an Indian party, & other women wore salwaar kameez, but we were just being ourselves, wearing what could be our everyday outfits, not trying to sensationalise them by wearing a mini or latex version. That's in such bad taste.
I think it’s fine as long as there’s no ill intent. I’ll add that other cultural costumes are fine imo. My dad is Mexican and my mom is a white American, 3rd generation raised in the “old west”, but her ancestry is mostly Scottish. We’ve never been offended by people wearing sombreros or other hispanic/Mexican clothing or doing Day of the Dead makeup. Nor have we ever been offended by people dressing up like cowboys or wearing kilts. We like it. It’s fun. Even we make jokes about our ancestry and culture. When someone gets something wrong we politely correct them. A lot of movies get western/cowboy and culture wrong even though it’s American and still alive today. But we’d never say that people shouldn’t make movies with hispanic or western/cowboy characters. I think it was the movie The Giant, 1956, where a bunch of cowboys on a ranch go inside the ranchers house (which who builds a gothic mansion in the west on a ranch?) and stack their hats on a bench in the entry. Not in a million years have I seen hats stacked like that, that’s disrespectful. A man’s hat, horse, boots, and saddle are off limits. No touchy and no placing things on top of them. Also in Urban Cowboy, the scene where they go into a restaurant, lots of people are wearing hats at the table. Hats come off indoors unless it’s a large area and everyone is standing. Before sitting down you should take your hat off. If it’s just a costume I don’t expect or care for people to understand the culture. But if you’re making a movie or something, put a little more effort into it. I’ve laughed at some movies for how ridiculous they are when they don’t mean to be.
This was an interesting question and topic of wearing kimono. Because I was about to make kimono from your video and haori too (demon slayer). I know that japan never hears of Halloween, and other parts of japan do know what Halloween is too. I love your video and can't wait for the next video.
This is an amazing collaboration!!! I'm following in a way or another almost everyone of the guests and I'm really happy to be able to hear all of their opinions in one video, so thank you for this video! Personally I have a very big problem with memoirs of a geisha too, so I was very happy to see that topic touched as well. I would also like to say, by the way, that there is a "counter-book" co authored by Mineko Iwasaki (I think the title was Geisha, a life) that is a very enjoyable reading shedding light on all the misinformation that the book and movie have helped spread.
I'm a white woman who will not wear a national or ethinc costume without knowing the whys and wherefores about the costume, the meaning behind all the different parts of it, etc. It's interesting that just the other week I had asked you if you'd ever been accused of cultural appropriation by any Japanese because you wear kimono every day. Part of the problem surrounding Halloween is that it has been watered down to become a night when children go begging door to door for candy and sweets and adults go to parties and get drunk. Okay, maybe the getting drunk part is mostly college age kids, but there are some adult parties that can get pretty wild. And that Halloween is purely an American phenomenon because it was never about any of that. So it has gone through it's own cultural appropriation and misinterpretation. The original ancient holiday was (and still is) called Samhain, pronounced sow-ween, which is an Irish Gaelic word meaning Summer's End. It's the 3rd and final harvest festival of the year and ushers in the dark half of the year. Samhain comes at the time of the year when the days have become noticeably shorter and the nights have become longer. Those celebrating Samhain believe it to be when the barriers between the physical world and the spirit world are the thinnest allowing easier communication with those in the Spirit world. Unfortunately, this has had a lot of negative connotations leading to accusations of witchcraft and Devil worship. The ghost and ghoul parts were added later.
@@maganw42 Ya know, I did know that, but it's been so long since I accessed that knowledge that I temporarily forgot it. 😜Oops! Thanks for the reminder.
@@maganw42 Ya know, I did know that. Honest. But it's been so long since I accessed that knowledge that I temporarily forgot it. 😜Oops! Thanks for the reminder.
I love this video ! I'm glad you made it because the subject is so interesting and important. Erika's talking about Geisha story and book memoirs of a Geisha was also so interested!
I've worn kimono in the colors of halloween (orange komon with a black and ivory obi) at a Japanese gardens during the fall. But that about the extent I would go. I have too much respect for the garment/fashion to ever consider it a costume.
I like to research how to correctly wear one before I made the decision to choose one to buy for a cosplay/costume. I got a short one for an Espeon cosplay. I would love to wear a kimono on a regular day to day thing too and I would love to support the artisans that make them. So its my goal to go to Japan and buy a traditional kimono and a couple of casual kimonos. Kimonos are so pretty and flowing
I know I'm very late to this, but I only recently found your channel, and I appreciate you taking the time to do this and interview all these people for their opinions! I'm a white guy who was born and raised in the US, but Zen philosophy was (quite literally) a life-saver for me during an unbelievably difficult time in my life, so I'm in a difficult position where my personal practice is very Eastern and not part of my own culture. I am trying to learn Japanese so I can access texts that haven't been translated, but I'm in my 40s now, and learning languages is really hard at my age! I tend to keep my personal Zen practice entirely private because I'm aware of and share the many, very valid concerns about cultural appropriation. I have made traditional Japanese clothing before and did my very best to ensure they were as correct/accurate as I could make them. I definitely prefer to wear Japanese traditional clothes at home and as part of that practice, but I do not wear them out and about nor as part of a costume. Ultimately, and as a lot of your guests implied, it's a matter of respect and honoring the culture vs. making a caricature of it. I found it VERY interesting to hear the variety of opinions on this subject (even though it's specific to Halloween) - some of which made me feel a bit more comfortable about it, and some of which gave me pause. Thank you!
Very often Halloween costumes can be offensive in general. The care put into the costume, it’s accuracy, and even the intention of the wearer can all influence the image it projects. This impacts my personal view regarding wearing kimono and other historical/cultural garments as costumes. Respect changes things greatly.
I actually its perfectly ok for anyone to wear kimonos… except in Halloween, bc then it really does feel a little disrespectful. Its better to wear it every other way
Definitely an interesting topic. When asked does an eastern cultural clothing attire be apt when used as a costume at a western holiday/occasion? By apt, I mean, I mean in terms of it being offensive or is it disrespectful etc.? Short answer is yes, it can be. I can't speak for the Japanese as I am Korean, but as an East Asian what I can say is that we have traditional clothing for special circumstances - wedding, funerals, festivals (per season), even segrated by social classes. Also having celebrated Halloween in North America as well, both the secular and the Catholic way, I got the understanding that Halloween is 1. a celebration for atumn harvest and 2. warding off evil spirits. In some countries, all saints' day is about praying for the loved ones that passed away. With these reasons, I'd say a kimono variants used in funerals and obon:ohakamairi (grave visits) would be the most apt. Though the eastern brothers (China and Korea) often tease that Japan has been too westernized and flourished in pop culture such as *cough* anime cosplaying - we'd assume that Japan would the country that's least offended compared to its counterparts when it comes to this topic.
I live in Germany, Aachen and we do her also karneval. I kinda hate to buy stupid cheap costumes. Know I just wear my kimono on games com Halloween and karneval. For karneval I just need to wear something and I think I could wear kimono. I love them they are cozy and I can attach more people to it. And in that time I don't get weard looks😌
watching this made me think of the western clothing I have worn for Halloween growing up as my costume. I think as a kid, it was a "costume" if I could wear it and pretend I was someone else, or at a different point in time (older/ younger/different time of year). Sometimes I was a specific character. But often times, I would just dress up as a style I don't usual wear. I was a tomboy growing up. so just wearing pink, a skirt and makeup was putting on a "girly girl" costume for Halloween. Prom dresses/evening gowns were a frequent pick for my costume. fedora, glasses, plaid holding coffee = costume of a hipster. Multiple belts, dark clothing, heavy make up = costume of a punk rocker. sundress over swimsuit with a straw hat = costume of someone at the beach. This year I put on my ugly Christmas sweater, the same one I used two months later for Christmas. My costume could be normal clothing but it felt special because I was wearing it "for" Halloween and could make up a story about who I was that day.
I believe it's okay to wear a kimono for Halloween as long as it's done with respect and an appreciation for the art and culture behind it. I wore a light pink silk kimono, paired with a beautifully arranged obi and accessories, and received so many kind compliments. My friends and I were all captivated by the elegance and artistic beauty of the kimono, making it a delightful part of our Halloween celebration. I love sharing this beautiful aspect of culture with others in a respectful way.
I've noticed that the USA and Middle/South America have different concepts on what "Halloween" is. For Mexico; and most of Latam, it's a day to remember your death ones, and it's called "Día de muertos" (Death one's day?) for the same reasons. If I don't remember bad, it was originally from Mexico, and you dressed up as a "monster/daemon" to visit the grave of your loved ones without the real demons know you are there, so they can't affect you with bad luck and that stuff. And at the same time you make a party-like(??) with other members and friends nearly to the grave, to tell your loved one that all of you still keep him/her in your mind and heart... And Halloween seems more like a capitalized/sexualized version of the same day :/ This year I was thinking on using a kimono or yukata (trying my best to do it properly) for a Kitsune costume; not for a party, just to attendant our family market. But finally decided that I don't gonna wear any costumes, like in the past years... I would really like to use properly a kimono in the future for other type of events, but probably my family just start to mocking at me for no reasons, and that's why I decided to tried the Kitsune costume for Halloween, but I feel like I still have to learn a few more things about, so I prefer not do it this year. If I've messed up the explanation of the "Día de muertos" or say something wrong/inaccurate, please tell me so I can fix it, since it's been I while from the last time I heard about it.
I absolutely LOVE that you collabed with Shogo on this topic! I've been subscribed to his channel for a minute, but I just randomly discovered your channel today and I'm not disappointed. 💖🤗
Glow in the dark fabric Kimono would look awesome! Let''s put Halloween into perspective. it is a dusk to midnight event. Depending on how long the if you are going to a party or going out with the kids for trick or treating. If you are using spooky novelty fabric for the event. Sure why not. But be careful of the guys that dress up as Gaysha. And lastly, there is no Kimono God going to strike us dead for wearing a Kimono for this event.
I did not know that Noh mask Shogo mentioned was supposed to represent a beautiful woman but I knew exactly which one he was talking about. Maybe it got used in Japanese ghost media ironically (the horrible monster wearing a beautiful mask is a pretty common theme) and we Westerners just assumed it was a scary mask haha...
I think that’s such an important distinction. Unfortunately I don’t think there’s a solid line. And ones personal interest level is not something that can always be immediately recognized at a glance. And there’s a lot of history behind it. Even harder is that many Japanese people just think it’s fine to wear kimono anytime because they haven’t grown up around the ways kimono have been used outside of Japan.
As a Westerner that has no tie to Japanese culture only a respectful passion for kimono and wearing kimonos, I believe that as long as it is respectful and culturally appropriate. It would really hurt my feelings that someone would stop me if I felt like wearing my kimono. I have spend a lot of money and time in my kimono. I have watched many of your videos Billy to be able to wear it properly as well as have done a lot of research on the origin of kimonos. If I could I would find a place to become properly trained, I love kimonos so much. I would love to see the tradition used over here. On a personal level, I think it wouldn't be truly appropriate unless it's your usual clothing. I would love to bring mine out more and use it as a teaching tool to bring kimono culture and history to more people's attention. The main point is to please just educate yourself and know what you're doing.
@@BillyMatsunaga I would love to be in a class of yours! Huge fan! You are the one who instilled in me my love for kimonos and my passion for more knowledge of the culture and tradition! 😍 It would be an honor to be your student.
Personally I feel as the clothing itself shouldn't be treated as a costume but a living breathing entity that represents a culture, just like with any culture. However if you are dressing up as a character or a kimonozed version of a character, that's totally fine, same with any other ethnic clothing.
Erika's content is particularly well worded, concise and on point. [applauds] Halloween has become in essence an equivalent of Mardi Gras or The Feast of Fools - where the ridiculous is celebrated, the low elevated and the high pulled down. In the latter most festival norms are challenged and extremes explored. But when a costume choice skirts the edge or steps (mindfully or ignorantly) into the minefield of inferred black/yellow face, or racial/ethnic stereotyping, then people do need to have a quiet word with *that* friend about what they are setting out to represent/celebrate and why. PS: Erika PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE *do* create your Amaterasu Ōmikami cosplay and Billie please have her on for another video to talk about inspiration sources, fabric choice, construction and some elegant twirling to show off the ensemble.
As a woman living in America of non-Japanese heritage, I also agree that it's not appropriate for Halloween. If it is a Japanese festival, or cultural exhibition, it could be acceptable, if the kimono is worn respectfully. i.e. not showing more skin and left over right. For example, I was recently in NYC and the MET has an beautiful kimono exhibit currently on display. A little girl in attendance with her parents was dressed in tiny yukata and it was so cute to see her so excited to be wearing something like what was on display, while also learning about the historical and cultural context of the garments.
I started learning about kimono because i wanted to cosplay as a character from an anime (Botan, yu yu hakusho) who wears kimono but also wear it properly. After learning more about it I fell in love with all the pretty fabrics and patterns and own kimono for daily wear. I've always thought that it would be okay to wear kimono when dressing up as a character, but not dressing up as an ethnicity.
I have a friend who keeps saying that she's going to come to my funeral cosplaying Botan if she outlives me, and I'm not 100% sure if she's joking. Sorry about the randomness of my comment, it just made me think about that...
The hour went so fast! When I clicked on it, I just didn't notice haha~ That said, the costume topic si soo key. I will remember and share the TPO advice, it is very helpful to remember that while having fun is part of the journey, they are so much at stake when it comes to representation. Some people find it very convenient to dress in whatever they want, while others just sew their heritage being a source of fun. The more I learn about kimono, the more I feel like non-japanese see the garment as part of the past, while I see a vivid market with creators, active brands, and even trends as in 2022. I do get the "do whatever you want during Halloween", but at the same time, I wish people wouldn't jump on the occasion to "play" with such a significant piece of history, identity, and meaningful cloth that kimono is. As you wisely stated, there are so many opportunities to wear a kimono, so why would one choose this particular time of the year to do so? I am leaning towards a clothing style that includes wafuku. I know that I will wear my kimono freely when I do casual activities (aka love my Vans and Dr. Martens combos) but I shall NEVER wear a kimono inappropriately, should I be attending a ceremony or visiting a person I respect (TPO again haha). Anyway, love the work and time you put into the video! The topic is definitely not a yes/no debate. Education. Education. Education. yay
when I was younger, My grandmother and mom dressed me in my grandmothers Kimono for Halloween. I got so many comments about how pretty I was. One of my best memories from when I was younger. R.I.P. grandma Asako
Thank you for this very interesting and important video! It was great to hear from so many kimono experts. Personally, I wear kimono for tea lessons but I would be very careful to wear it as a “costume”. I have noticed that the Finnish people have a lot of misconceptions about kimono and tend to think anyone dressed in kimono as a “geisha”. 😢
As a Finn I agree. The everyday person doesn't quite understand what a Geisha is or that kimonos are regular clothes rather than a costume. Unless you are part of the anime community, Japanese culture enthusiast community or the history re-enactment community, you probably don't have a clue about these things... Yes there are still some misconceptions within these communities, but waaaay less!
Very interesting video :) I am now a very old cosplayer, but my love for costuming started when I was 7, after reading at school a book for children called « Noriko the little japanese girl ». Noriko was doing ikebana, playing koto, and was, of course, wearing kimono all day long. I wanted so much to be like Noriko that I bothered my mother to make a Noriko costume for school Carnival. I ended with a blue Tunisian dress with a yellow scarf as a belt, with a cushion in the back 😂 and knitting needles in the hair😂😂😂😂. But I was so happy looking « like Noriko ». I think it is the same for most people wearing kimono disguise at carnivals. They just have …no idea of what they are really doing, and even think their costume is close to the real thing. Anyway. Now. 40 years later exactly, I started watching tour videos, bought 3 kimonos, then started taking kimono lessons with you, with the initial idea to make an accurate cosplay character (Tomoe Mami from Puella Magi Madoka Magica in maiko version) featuring a kimono. I am just like I am discovering a whole new world and I really love it. I hope that when I finnally finish my cosplay, no one will be offended because it will be as close as possible as what it shoud be like ❤. But now I understand a lot of things about the garnment, that I could not have figured out without learning how to wear kimono and wearing a real one. I have to book my next lesson, anyway!
Hello Billy!! thank you very much for your video which is excellent as usual and for your personal opinion on this delicate subject...I must admit that after seeing the video, I am quite divided on this subject...I own two kimonos, one with a skull and bones pattern that I posted recently on my Instagram page and the other with an illustration of Kuniyoshi Utagawa.. I think you can dress up with a kimono for Halloween as long as it's is horror patterns (cobweb, skull or skeleton) but not with any type of kimono (furisode, houmongi, tomesode etc) Again thank you for the video👏🙏😊
I wore a kimono once as part of a costume of kuchi-sake onna. I loved this video. I was engaged with the conversation all the way through. I was watching this with bated breath at every new guest to see if I should be ashamed and repent. But, I seem to pass most of the guests' litmus test.
I am curious. What would you or your panelist think of someone who had no interest in Japanese culture, but thought that kimono was a beautiful mode of dress? What about someone who wore a sexy, short silk robe off the shoulders but did not associate it with kimono/Japanese culture? What if they wore that robe and someone else made the association, despite no reference being made? These are entirely rhetorical questions. I would love to be able to devote time to studying Japanese culture and traditional dress.
Thank you for making this video! For Halloween this year, I'm considering wearing an outfit that includes a kimono (I don't really want to call it a "costume" because I intend to do my research and wear it as properly as I can and with respect as an outfit), and wanted to see what opinions people had on the subject.
I’ve never been to Japan however I do see programs and I find it to be beautiful. Unfortunately and fortunately, we and the earth are one. We all need an outlet and so does the earth, we need cleansing and so does earth etc. Everyday is a cycle and a rebirth ~ mind, body and soul. Be at peace and don’t be afraid, there’s always an outlet for everything.
I think it's more of a question of whether you're wearing it out of respect or as a costume entirely for yourself. If you're wearing it with respect in mind, you've failed your goal. If you're wearing it because you wanted to, you can't really fail at that goal if you enjoyed doing it.
I think Erica articulated the underlying issues with the costuming during Halloween THE BEST! There is a tension there that had to be laid out in clear terms and Erica did just that! And she’s right, the book Memoirs of a Geisha tells the story of a young girl being sexualizad by potential suitors in this totally underground but culturally accepted way. The sex scene is probably pedophilia (I don’t know Sayuri’s age in that scene) that NOBODY is talking about but her sister was trafficked IMMEDIATELY. SMH. When you don’t talk about stuff like that, the harm it does in the minds of people is young Japanese girls become sexualized. What I never thought about though, was how it puts young Japanese girls at risk to be commodities in sex trafficking IN REAL LIFE 😢This just brings it full circle for me. Thank you so much for this video.
I am a cosplayer and I want to craft a traditional kimono for my character Yennefer of Vengerberg from The Witcher. My resources are limited, but I am trying my best to learn as much as possible. Respect for the culture and its people is essential to me. That is why the clothes' cut, hairstyle, jewellery and even footwear must be as authentic as possible. The make-up stays basic since I think this aspect of most depictions is too dominant. I trust that by doing so, I am not exhibiting disrespect.
I liked this video. I think it puts "cultural appropriation into check. It IS ok for foreigners to wear kimono. It's not an all or none thing. It's about showing respect. You can wear kimono and be respectful. I love Japanese culture and would love to wear kimono. I don't think it's right when people flat out say no.
I'm new here and to kimono in general, so sorry if the wording is wrong. Shogos green kimono is so beautiful!!! Green is my favorite color. He just looks so elegant and put together. I want to get into kimono because i've been sewing since I was 9 and my countries modern and traditional clothing has started to bore me. This past year I've been exclusively making bathing suits and for some reason this has made me realise I want to cover up more.
I havent watched the video yet, but as a German I have to say it must be OK given how japaneses people dress when visiting Germany. same rights fir everyone.
I am a bit torn on this one. I will admit, I did dress as a geisha one Halloween. Other than my hair, I did my best to dress appropriately. The kimono was borrowed from a friend of my mother's. I went to our city's International Institute and a woman there allowed me to borrow a pair of geta. My mother made an obi for me. I also bought a fan, and a parasol from an import store. The makeup was whitened face, red lips, and black eyeliner. Did I make mistakes? I am sure I did (my short hair being one of them), but I did do as much as I could to be accurate. Accuracy aside, was I respectful to the culture? I know I tried to be. However, the movie that originally sparked my interest in dressing as a geisha was not. The movie was "My Geisha" in which Shirley MacLaine played an American actress who disguised herself as a Japanese woman to try and win the part of Madam Butterfly in a movie her husband was directing. In essence, it is a movie about yellowface, because a white actress is after a part that rightfully should have been played by a Japanese one. Nineteen year old me really didn't know much about cultural appropriation or I may have reconsidered my choice of costume. I did know about stereotypes though, so I did not try to alter my speech or change mannerisms to sound or look stereotypically ethnic. It's been about 40 years since that Halloween. I might still have dressed in kimono, but I don't know if I would have dressed as a geisha, not without additional research.
As a person that's interested in Japanese culture, I wear kimonos from time to time, but I wanna make sure I'm wearing the right kind on the right seasons. Is there a website that sells kimonos and a video that teaches how to properly wear one for men?
I wear kimono in Texas since I enjoy educating people on it. I've been treated badly for it by a lot of people, especially those who don't realize that my kimonos are authentic.. and I do try my best to style it traditionally and properly for the sake of education. I am Ryukyu and my brother made sure to beat it into my head how important certain cultural expectations are when wearing it. Our traditions are a little different for wearing it-- including patterns, the names, the way of wearing it, but to many it's just.. asian. If you're not wearing it as a person who is dressing up as an "asian," it isn't bad. Just learn a bit about it and try to see what might be a bit more acceptable. While purchasing my kimono I noticed a lot of people who were selling pieces as "Costume" and showing too much skin to be Kimono... also "Geisha Costume" was seen a lot. That kind of thing does make me incredibly uncomfortable since Geisha are not the sole wearer of kimono... but it doesn't seem appropriate to wear it as a dress-up to act "asian." Any other time.. I see no offense.
A couple of years ago a young western girl of 9 or 10 wanted to have a tea ceremony for her birthday with her friends. She did a lot of research and was really looking forward to. She got a bunch of negative responses and even hateful comments. She was sad until several actual Japanese told her that it was okay. They said that it made them happy that she was so interested. Her Mother thanked them because her daughter was so upset. Now the little girl was glad and was going to have tea tea ceremony. 🥰
I remember that. iirc her outfit was the start of the issue bc it resembled more of a parody of geisha rather than trying to get visual details in check- but people just wanted to be mean about it. She was a kid doing her best with what she had, and a lot of the negativity was from trolls. I hope she continued to learn about tea ceremony and learned about the geisha customs.
@@singingflowers7456 I find it more sad that random people are so expectant of a young child to be able to afford a traditional Kimono. I have 2 full sets and they're both vintage, extremely cheap on the scale of buying kimono.. and I've spent over a thousand dollars buying just old used kimono. To expect a little girl to pay for a real kimono for singular use is horrible.
@@singingflowers7456 Yea I saw that post on tumblr, honestly the only problem was the geisha makeup but other than that, it's honestly okay.
I would think it is ok to wear it as part of a character (from a book/movie), not as to wear it as costumed as a “ethnicity”. Kimono in itself is not a costume, it is a garment.
Well said.
You are correct. As an Asian myself if we celebrated the western Halloween and someone came in wearing one of our traditional outfit, even a native of the country we’ll find it weird because those outfit has their own purpose and being a costume for a party is not it.
Like, if someone came in wearing cheongsam we’d be like “um what, this is not the Lunar New Year celebration…”
Can we tell people that wearing sombreros and fake mustaches is not Ok for Cinco de Mayo under any circumstances either?
But doesn’t that mean that wearing a toga to be a Roman or Greek be considered offensive? I’m sure you would agree that the Toga was just common garments worn in ancient southern Europe. But unless you are trying to depict a species figure or mythological character from Rome/Greece it should be seen a offensive even if very few people know any figures from that culture?
Sure the women could get away with being Aphrodite/ Venus and men could get away with Julius Caesar or Zeus but it’s even a stretch that people know who those figures are. Look over to Pax Romanas channel where he asks people on Tiktok to just name a Roman emperor. It doesn’t go well.
Just let people enjoy a culture, even a garment, even if it’s removed from its original context and used as a costume. Telling people you need X amount of understanding/awareness to participate and use a part of someone’s culture isn’t how people become interested in someone’s culture. We don’t do this for anything else. You don’t need to have X amount of cultural respect for Japan to watch anime or Y amount of awareness to eat sushi or go to a Hibachi restaurant. The Kimono is the same. You don’t need to gatekeep the Kimono from being a costume. If someone wears it as a costume that might be a significant first step into Japanese cultural awareness. It’s not a good idea to gatekeep that first step because you might uncomfortable seeing the kimono as a costume.
Same thing for the toga. That could be a step into becoming interested in Roman and Greek history and mythology. Saying “you don’t know enough about these ancient cultures to wear the toga” is just silly.
@@sasshiro Well, I'm mexican and I can tell you that we really don't care. We ourselves use those things just to mess around and have fun. What really seems strange to us is that you think that fifth of May is our Independence day.
My opinion… as a Chinese that is.. is that westerners got offended by it more than us, wearing our culture.. but us asians are wearing modern/ Caucasian clothes for so long now it’s normal and no one has a problem with it.. why won’t you get offended by me wearing jeans huh? Is it not offensive because its normal looking to a Caucasian eyes?
I feel weird wearing traditional clothes now a days if it’s not for a event like “Chinese new year” or “natsumatsuri” those are clothes I wear once a year..
So I’m catholic and I cosplay.. so the sexy Japanese outfits is no different than a sexy nun outfit. It exist it’s worn by people but so what. If anything they look stupid and that’s on them :x
My best friend and I wore kimono for Halloween when we were children. We were so excited to wear the beautiful kimono and obi and the flower hair pins with the spangles. We also wore over-the-top makeup that our parents would never let us wear. It was very much a costume. The thing is, these kimono were family heirlooms. My family has pictures of my great aunt and my mother in the same kimono at about the same age. I'm half-Japanese. If I had a little girl with a white man, I would still want to let her wear this kimono for dress up. Other people might not know her heritage. And that is when it gets ridiculous. You shouldn't have to carry a pedigree to defend your clothing. Just wear it.
It’s great that you find Halloween a time to connect to your culture and ancestry. Although I personally wouldn’t wear a family heirloom with lots of personal value to something that is more of a costume party, but maybe your Halloween celebration is more sophisticated than the parties I went to.
@@RadenWA We we're 5 or 6 and trick or treating, not partying. And not running and likely to trip and tear a hole it them. We just weren't that kind of kids!
im assuming your japanese
@@lapissalem9478 Half
@@jenniferpearce1052 thats cool
As a Taiwanese person that has been living in the US for 26 years. This is my observation about Halloween costumes. I noticed that every culture becomes a caricature of that culture during Halloween, because during Halloween everything is over exaggerated and over the top. It is not meant to be viewed or portrayed as realistic. For example in America “white” people have a sub culture called “ red necks” where the stereotype of them is wearing a white wife beater, have a mullet, drink cheap beer, a has a beer belly, and at the Halloween store they sell those costumes. On the same page there are Chinese stereotype costume being sold, same with Black culture costume being sold such as a “Pimp”. I am not here to say it is good or bad, or right or wrong , but Halloween is a time where EVERYONE gets equality made fun of and stereotyped m and turn into caricature. This goes with animal costume too where I have seen “sexy cat” costumes.
The only real issue I have for Halloween costumes is the sexy costume they have for kids which to me is way more inappropriate than adult sexy costumes.
This is just my observation and 2 sense about Halloween as an Asian person in America for 26 years.
Great observation. Even outside of Halloween I see a lot of redneck stereotypes, especially in movies.
I’ll add that anything Hispanic is viewed the same way by non Hispanics. Non Hispanics get offended about hispanic stereotypes and costumes when Hispanics love them.
There’s a game on webkinz that has a chihuahua with a poncho and sombrero, shooting beans at candy, and speaking with a Spanish accent. Someone on reddit said it was offensive, but as a hispanic family we LOVE that game because it’s cute. We even had a brown chihuahua we named Beanie and would call Beaner, which is a slur for Hispanic people, but we’ve never had a problem with it.
It’s all for fun and even if someone does mean to be rude we just brush them off because all you’ve done is show you’re a POS and made a fool out of yourself.
@@Maaad-maaan I also heard when they try to get rid of Speedy Gonzalaz because if was “offensive “ the Hispanic community got upset because they enjoy the character.
I mean there's nothing weird about wearing traditional or 19th century European dressing so there should be nothing weird in wearing a historical/traditional dressing at Halloween or carnival.
An argument can be made if a specific type of style/dressing represent a religion or it still widely in use in a specific culture but that's not the case with Kimono
I am a westerner who loves to wear kimono, hopefully correctly. The only time I wore kimono for Halloween was when I made a lined cotton kimono out of Halloween fabric. I made a special undergarment to match and an Obi. I didn’t wear it as a costume, but as a seasonal outfit.
As a child all i wanted was to dress in a kimono for Halloween. My mother said no. But she was fine with me dressing up in a Victorian dress...lol. When i got older, my love for kimono and Japanese culture grew and i bought my first one in college. I studied how to wear it properly to honor it and to spread the word that this is real kimono and this how it's supposed to be worn. However, if i wear it out (not on Halloween or at a anime convention) white people yell at me, that I'm not allowed to wear that and I'm being racist. I have collected many over the years and still have confidence issues wearing my kimonos in public. Halloween I'm on the fence about. Is it okay for me to wear kimono at all? To a convention to share my love for kimono? I'm sharing this video. Very good!❤
Personally I don’t think people who are not of a culture can gate-keep a culture, especially when you’re not disrespecting it.
If someone tries to say I’m being racist or appropriating a culture I ask them what are the names of the items I’m wearing. They only know kimono or sometimes obi. I think school them on what type of kimono I’m wearing and the type of obi with their proper names. Then I tell them if I dressing knowing the garb is far more I can say about them.
You’re essentially doing the same thing as Billy just outside of japan! It would be hypocritical for them to deny you this…
If you wear kimono on other days of the year and you don't plan on wearing a costume for Halloween and you want to wear kimono just because you like it, who cares that it's October 31?
"Why are you dressed up/in costume?" is the most common comment I get if I choose to wear kimono out in society, but I understand why and if the person is open I try to use the oportunity to educate. Regarding Halloween, I agree with the guests, it's all about context and not making a mockery. I used one of my kimonos for a comicon outfit once, incorporating it into my interpretation on a Genshin Impact character, merging good kitsuke with the cat-theme. It was a huge hit and both locals and far-travelled Japanese guests thought it was super cool.
I wear historically adequate clothes of the Edwardian, pioneer period every day. People who ask me about my costume I generally don’t have much to say but if they compliment me on my, name of historical figure, costume, I compliment them on their insert name of serial killer here costume.
I’m wearing clothes, kimono are clothes and should be worn properly, with the correct foundation garments just like my historical dress.
If you want to wear your kimono out in society I hope you do wear it.
We are grown ups and we can decide what to wear.
I adore kimono, and spent an entirely too short a time in Japan. My husband and I rented kimono for a day out, and the dressers at the shop wanted to dress me as a Maiko. I thought that was utterly ridiculous. I'm 74 years old and told them it would be okay t o dress as a mistress of an okiya or owner of a tea house, but as a maiko it would be absolutely silly! It was actually a bit of a battle that I wanted a modest kimono, appropriate hair, and minimal makeup. Anything else, to me, was disrespectful of a Japanese tradition and in a way of myself too.
I plan to wear a full kimono to our local Renaissance Festival, but if asked (which is unlikely given that everyone will be wearing their own ideas of what Europeans wore 400 years ago) I will tell them I'm NOT in costume. I'm western woman wearing authentic, and highly prized Japanese clothing purchased from a Japanese company and shipped around to world to me.
I remember wearing a haori as a winter coat while walking around my college campus one night, and some guys were trying to be funny and shouted, "This isn't Halloween". Another time I was wearing a yukata, and a guy said he liked my outfit, but thought I was dressing as Obi Wan from Star Wars. I would be seen as less out of place in these cases if it was Halloween, but people still wouldn't understand kimono better, they would think I was just wearing another costume.
My youngest daughter have been immersed in Japanese culture since she discovered anime. My sister had a kimono that she didn't fit anymore so she gave it to my daughter. It didn't have any of the accessories so I found a Japanese seller online and got the basics that she would need to wear it. For Halloween as she dressed as the Japanese urban legend Kuchisake Onna. She looked awesome. I was proud she took the kimono and the culture seriously.
When Shogu said "I'm honored people are interested in Japanese culture," I think that's just it. Many of the people wearing things like a kimono or traditional dress from any other culture aren't necessarily interested in the culture. They're interested in the aesthetic or, sometimes, they're wearing the outfit to slander or make fun of another culture. That's where the issue is. There is a difference between a respectful person learning about the culture, wanting to join in as they learn, appreciating everything around the clothing and wearing it properly, vs the person who is appropriating the other culture. Of course, there are some who might accuse you of cultural appropriation because they don't believe ANYONE but those of that culture should dress traditionally. I don't agree with that, but I have seen some people say that.
I’ve always wanted to wear a kimono since I grew up watching anime. Even as a kid I hated how tacky and poorly made the ‘costumes’ available looked so I just stuck with cosplay, I just found her video making a kimono so I’m wanting to give it a honest try!
If someone decides to wear kimono to slander or make fun of Japanese people, that is a lot of time and money to put into a "joke". As I understand it, finished kimonos are expensive. It is less expensive to buy a kit and sew it yourself but that is still a lot of money and now a lot of time. If they really want to make it recognizable they would at least learn how to tie an obi. That is a lot of time, money, and energy spent on a "joke" compared to buying a "Mexican", Romani, or other ethnic costume.
I do not see why just being interested in the esthetic is bad. Most cultural exchange start there. i love this look. i love this food. ill bring them back to my own country. and from there fashion/food will change. Cultural excahnge may or may not come later. if you say you MUST learn about the culture if you want to wear their clothing... is it it like gate keeping? EX: Oh you like games, then you MUST know this and this and that... otherwise you are just a fake or a poser.
I have a kimono that reminds Halloween because of its colours (purple, black and orange), I usually wear it around Halloween period, as a seasonal kimono. I can't wear it outside October because people will see it as a Halloween costume exactly because of its colours...
Other fact, my colleagues know I'm found of kimono, they asked me if I will wear a kimono at the company Halloween party. I first said "yes" (thinking of a wearing that kimono with Halloween colours and vibes). Then I realized most of them will see my outfit as a costume, because a kimono is a costume for most Occidentals..I don't want to spend the evening explaining that this is not a costume but a real clothing with Halloween colours on it, I decided not to wear it. 😔 I prefer wearing a kimono another day, in order to show that this is not a costume but a real clothing.
Don't know if my says are clear 😅
It was very clear ❤️ and I think you’ve made the right decision about your office’s Halloween party 😊
So happy to see Shogo in your channel, he made great points and I'd love to see further collabs from you guys
This would be similar to if people should wear the Scottish kilt for Halloween, and there are a few videos on TH-cam about this very subject. Different people, different take. But the "kimono collars off-shoulder costume" thing would be similar to how some Halloween kilt costumes have a fake long manhood under the kilt that you can lift up the kilt and expose it to people around you; people not in the culture may take it as a joke, but people of that culture would find it downright offensive.
Agreed, as someone of both Scott-Irish and Scandinavian heritage I don't really care if people wear cultural costumes as long as it's respectful, but I also think people are entitled to do what they want even if that means them being an asshole. I one time went to a local renfair wearing a Bunad, I had someone who came up to me(complete stranger) and was super rude, saying I was disrespecting Norwegian culture(my dad's side of the family comes from Norway), the whole exchange is something i now find silly, but even so if i hadnt had my Norwegian ancestry it still wouldvd been within my right to wear the costum. it's beautiful when people of other nationalities want to experience other dress and culture and I'd be delighted if someone wanted to wear a bunad even if they had no connection to Norway.
Akino made an interesting point with the argument of dressing like a character in kimono. Wonderful food for thought.
I wore a furisode for Halloween before. I was dressing up as a fox spirit and made myself a fox mask that I did extensive research into getting right. I wore the furisode to play up the aesthetic and also did extensive research into wearing it properly. I also taught myself the proper movement when wearing it and gave it a good twist by making my movements come off as “creepy” or “ghostlike” as I could manage. I also learned some magic tricks that I hid in the sleeves to make the ghost lights. I used this outfit when passing out candy in my neighborhood and it was very popular and I was asked to take quite a few pictures with various local kids because of it. My area is not very dense with any of the Asian cultures so, that I could pull off this as something that was “scary” for Halloween made me feel quite good. I also got to educate my neighborhood about such mythical creatures. And yes, I know there is good foxes too, but I was particularly playing up the more evil type which is why the research into fox masks and how to communicate such a thing. Anyway, this is one of the few times I wore any type of kimono as a costume. I wore that furisode only one other time and it was for a Japanese cultural festival at the museum where they were opening a Japanese themed exhibition and it was because I was asked to. I also had lots of people take pictures with me that day because of it and had many discussions on the topic because of it too (side note: there was also a guy who had custom built a samurai outfit that was rather well made and obviously well researched and we were both very popular to have pictures taken with us to the point we ended up being together in photos once people discovered us both. We didn’t know each other but it was fun). Anyway, I always try to do a lot of research into cultures, especially ones that are foreign to me so that when I’m asked, I can pass on correct information and perhaps get another person excited about a culture they aren’t familiar with. I always also ask my various friends, who do come from another culture that I might be wearing clothes or making food from to educate me as best as they can and strictly too. I want to respect the culture by learning about it, especially any nuances they might wish to share. And yes, other cultures, not just Japanese cultures. I have always loved researching foreign cultures and immersing myself in them as much as I can. Food, language, clothes, and stories, I find are some of the best and most accessible ways I can find without dropping my smack into the country of origin. I try to also attend cultural festivals when I can since they often put a strong focus on educating others on unique features of their culture. I don’t know. Maybe this isn’t respectful to some people but I find a lot of people like to talk about their culture and share it with a person who sincerely wants to know more. Also, I’ll be honest, I’ve been mistaken as a person originating from nearly all parts of the world, even by people from those areas, so who knows, maybe I’m being given leeway for that reason. This is my experience at least.
Thanks for this video! I recently bought a Vintage silk Kimono and plan on wearing it for Halloween. I’ve followed your channel because you have the best tutorials for how to wear them properly. I look at Halloween as an opportunity to dress in a way that’s different from how you normally dress. I’m very interested in Kimono and Haori, so any opportunity to dress that way I’m going to take it. I live in a state where if I were to wear Kimono on a daily basis, I would be viewed as weird.
This is a very fascinating conversation and one that only you in your heart can know what the right answer is for you. Personally wearing kimono is more than just the outer most layer, whilst it's the most distinctive layer it's more than the sum of it's parts. Would I be offended if I saw someone combining a Pearly King/Queen outfit with a more Halloween look? Not at all, yes it's a specific look from the poor/working class of London with a deep meaning; but does that mean it can't be incorporated in to a Halloween look? No. Or combining the Green Man/Lady of Spring with say a Kimono style, a Pagan tradition brought to life with a different cultures perspective - that could make for an amazing look. Ultimately so long as people can have sensible conversations and are prepared to listen to both sides that's all we can really ask for. Thank you Billy for bring this topic up and having a range of views for people to listen to.
Wearing a kimono is a celebration of a culture I love we need to celebrate and embrace other cultures!!
I clicked on this video (as a person without Japanese roots, living outside Japan) despite being very uncomfortable with the idea of anyone wearing kimono as a costume for Halloween or similar (especially, but not limited to, when it's cheap, inaccurate "costume" versions of the garments). I was hoping you would dig in to the why of it and other circumstances that seem less clear to me and thrilled to find you do so indeed. Thank you so much for making this and giving voice to multiple knowledgeable people.
I wear kimono at least once a week. I just finished up a Halloween-themed photoshoot that was a Hollywood glam-vampire concept in kimono (with proper kitsuke). I do not see kimono as a costume, but as clothing. After the hard work and tears it took to graduate from kimono school, I always make sure that I show respect (even though I tend to be more modern with my taste).
Shogo with the good opinions with "race does not change whether your kimono dress is disrespectful or not"
Context matters. It's important to recognize when something is a fantasy versus an insult. To me, the "sexy geisha" costume is along the same context as "sexy nurse / police / soldier / nun / whatever". It's a profession-turned-sexy for a roll-playing fantasy. It takes one google search to clearly see the difference between these costumes and their real life inspirations. That being said, those sexualized costumes are still cheap quality and have tasteless designs most of the time.
I'm an artist and an educator who started her kimono journey earlier this year. I'll bash the quality of costumes and individuals' lack of knowledge on Japanese culture, but I will never condemn the concept of "sexy whatever". It's a fantasy. We can indulge in fantasy so long as we can tell fantasy and reality apart. The problem comes when people can't tell the difference, or just ignore it.
TL;DL, Idiot-shame, don't kink-shame.
The difference being that Geisha have historically been conflated (and in some cases treated) like prostitutes by Westerners rather than the highly trained hospitality professionals and performers that they are, particularly military and other people that were/are part of the Western occupying forces in Japan but also by tourists even up into modern times, while those others have not.
The point where something crosses the line between merely crass and actually harmful or toxic isn't about the surface qualities of it, i.e. how it looks, how many other similar things there are, etc. It all boils down to whether the stereotype is punching down (mocking or making fun of a group for whom such stereotypes historically have caused and/or continue to cause harm by reinforcing the views/beliefs associated with those stereotype) or punching up (mocking or making fun of a group/person who has or historically had enough societal clout that the stereotype does not and never has had the power to generate any real harm apart from ego-deflation).
Eh, maybe people shouldn’t be so proud of their kinks as to be trying to spread them everywhere? Because they’re actually (socially) contagious… lol…
@@sonipittsnot to mention that Maiko are also underage girls so it gives me the extra ick that people sexualise them so much and customers even sexually harass them, and it’s not just westerners but also many Japanese people unfortunately treat them like prostitutes
This is such an important conversation to have. It gets brought up a lot in the cosplay community even outside of the Halloween season. There's always nuance and sensibilities to consider. I greatly appreciate your effort in bringing so many different points of view into the conversation. Thank you so much for sharing! 💚
This is fascinating. I used to love Halloween, and dressed up as lots of characters from TV and books as a kid.
As I grew up and became a cosplayer, I realized at some point that my version of 'costume' didn't line up with how people think of Halloween.... My costumes aimed to be like real clothes that that character would wear. That's how I started studying kimono as well.
In my experience, Halloween costumes tend to be a joke or a stereotype, and that's the reason that the idea of wearing just kimono without some additional theme or character wierds me out a bit. I'd worry that any joke costume an American would make with a kimono is likely going to be in very poor taste.
It is interesting to see how people's opinions on the matter differs according to their perspective and familiarity with Halloween. Wearing kimono is not problematic on its own, but the problem comes when wearing something that isn't a caricature in a setting where everyone is wearing costumes that are, and therefore leads others to see kimono as such.
I'm from New Zealand but raised in Australia. I'm a self confessed Japanophile. I love every aspect that I've encountered of japanese culture, including kimono. I have a collection of Kimono, Yukata, and obi. I were them around the house and am currently debating if I should begin wearing them out. I love wearing kimono. I had never thought about what japanese people would think about me wearing their national dress until I watched your video. I would hope they would appreciate people like me who love their culture and wish to wear their amazing clothing. Thank you for helping us around d the world to know the intricacies of wearing kimono. I love watching your videos. I've even made a couple of kimono after watching your videos. I dyed an older kimono with turmeric after watching your video. I also dyed and old naga Juban and put a knew erishin on it after watching another one of your videos. Once again Thank You/ Arigato
I remember as a kid buying a “kimono” from Disney World. I loved it because it was so beautiful. As I grew older my interest in kimono grew and so did my understanding. I learned that the “kimono” I had as a kid, was more of a costume. Yet, it sparked my interest and I wanted to know more about kimono, how to wear it properly, why it is worn the way it is, and so on. I think people and kids should have access to kimono costumes. They are cheap, affordable, and a good place to start wearing kimono. If the person chose to wear the costume, it must mean they like it and they might want to know more about it from then on. In short, kimono costumes are a gateway to real kimono. It’s how many non-Japanese first learn about kimono.
Totally agree, everyone has the right to wear whatever clothing they want and that includes kimono
I think another important factor is how seriously the wearer considers Halloween as a holiday. For example, cosplayers put in a lot of time and effort into their outfits and cosplays and take it more seriously, versus someone who wears a costume because it's "just what you do" on Halloween.
It does feel like sometimes you're trying to imply to the Japanese people that doesn't have a problem with it that they SHOULD have a problem with it. Maybe that is to create more interesting interviews, but it just seems more directly confrontational when you express these opinions as actually coming from you (if they don't happen to be)
I loved this video! It gives a lot to think about .
Halloween is not a local festivity where I live (it’s just a kids sort of thing), but the same observations could be done for carnivals… In my experience it’s challenging to covey outside of Japan the concept that kimono is not a costume, so I personally do not wear kimono as a costume and I try not to wear it at all during the Carnival week 😅
But if I’d wear a kimono I would probably just add some theme inspired elements such as an obidome or a han-eri, still wearing kimono as clothing…
The idea of wearing a cosplay based on an anime or traditional fairytales is great though, especially as a mean to learn more about the culture!
I feel like the reason westerners desire to wear a kimono for holloween is because its socially uncomfortable to wear them outside of holloween. Not that it should be, but it is. Holloween is a good outlet to do things we normally can't. I think as long as one shows respect they should be allowed to wear them any time.
The anxiety of people bashing you for wearing clothes is extremely concerning. The fact that we as a people have decided we have to make rules that everyone needs to study along with being scholars on the culture where a costume is coming from so as to follow said rules just doesn't seem possible. We really just need to relax
I think if they’re wearing kimono respectfully, or attempting to wear it properly, for a costume it is fine. It’s the perfect time to not feel too out of place or judged as weird for some who can’t attend events (like anime conventions, or local Japanese events) or groups that would easily accept it. It can be scary if you’re not extremely self confident to wear it any other time for some. Someone making a joke about it as some stereotype no way is it acceptable. I live in Texas and it’s hot here for 3/4 of the year so the only kimono you’re likely to see are yukata. I’ve seen some try to wear full kimono at conventions I’ve attended or help run. It’s either a nice attempt, cringe worthy attempt you want to haul them off to help straighten it up to look nicer put together, or some icky inspired by an anime or stereotype. Thankfully the last is extremely rare.
Same. I’m a Texas girl too! I usually wear kimono when visiting my moms grave (she supported my interest in Kimono and was always excited to see what I learned so I feel when I dress in kimono to visit her, it’s like her being able to see what I learned and I feel better) but! I have worn kimono occasionally because I enjoy it. I wouldn’t wear it as a “costume” but I don’t get unusual looks during Halloween. Now, if someone asks me about it or comments on it being a “costume” I do tell them “it isn’t a costume. It’s a type of clothing and styling choice. I enjoy Kimono and learning how to wear it properly. Unfortunately, there are not many opportunities to wear kimono without being discouraged by other people or situations, and Halloween makes that easier because everyone is dressed differently!”
@@fischersgirl1720 exactly!! The last time I tried to wear full set kimono was on my birthday several years ago. I met up with friends to our local arts museum since my birthday fell on the day of the week it’s open late. Otherwise it’s yukata, it’s just soooo hot. Due to covid I don’t get out much and our local kimono enthusiasts haven’t met since the pandemic began. We use to try to meet a few times a year either at restaurants or go to museums.
@@novamyth9 I wear yukata too, I do have some summer kimono and juban which help but some days it’s just way too hot. Right now, we have perfect weather for Kimono 👘.
I’m on the south east end and I’ve been so excited cause it’s actually cool enough to wear certain kimono without melting!
I wish there were more opportunities to wear kimono. Maybe one day we can get a kimono exhibit or something
I agree so much!! I tried writing a long comment about this but i think it may not posted or got flagged!! My kimono jurny started in 2009 at a Helloween event because of the same thing, small town, can't ware it outside otherwise. Now i ware kimono a lot, no matter time of year!
It's weird asking someone thats not Japanese whether wearing a kimono as a Halloween costume is fine. They have no say in the matter.
This was very interesting to me for I have been studying kimono since 2009 when I purchased my first kimono and have found it difficult to find a space to wear kimono. Kimono has always been fascinating to me since I was very young, but with how culture is now and days, like may others who have commented, it is hard for someone who is not of Japanese decent to wear kimono outside of events such as Halloween and conventions. In the past, I have worn appropriate kimono outside these spaces, but with my current health, it has become difficult to wear kimono without an excuse. I do wear kimono on Halloween, but not as a costume, but as a person celebrating a holiday. For me, it is all Hallows Eve to be followed by All Saints ( All Hallows) and All Souls Days. I use these holidays as well as conventions to bring awareness to kimono and enjoy when people ask me questions about my kimono. If I am cosplaying a character at a convention, I wear true kimono or period appropriate recreations of kimono in order to appreciate the kimono being worn. For instance, I have been scouring the internet and my kimono books in order to recreate a junihitoe to cosplay Luna from Sailor Moon. In the one movie, she becomes Princess Kaguya to save a man's live, but she continues to a wear a modern fashion. Given that the Tale of the Bamboo Cutter was created during the Heian period, I wanted to see what Luna would look like in the period appropriate fashion. Spaces like conventions and Halloween give me that avenue to explore kimono further.
I like doing pre-kimomo wafuku (before the Nara Period), because it's not at all tied to stereotypes and it opens a conversation about how kimono came to Japan and what older Japanese dress actually looks like. It's something most non-Japanese have never seen. (Plus, the men's pants are super cute!)
I would be carful with that. We don’t know how Wafuku looked like before mid-Heian period.
When I lived in Japan, I wore a yukata to an obon celebration. A kitsuke teacher happened to see me and asked me if I wanted lessons. Of course, I said yes! I usually only wear kimono to cultural events, and knowing how to put it on properly has given me the confidence that I (hopefully...) won't offend anyone.
I wore a kimono for a couple Halloweens dressing up as a Japanese ghost! (similar to the ghosts from the ring or the grudge)
Just make sure the kimono is pure white since yurei tend to be pure white.
Did you wrap your kimono the wrong way? 😸
@@zegobou That'd be a nice touch in this instance
I personally don't think it is so much different to wearing Kimono as Cosplay in general. There are people that are doing it faithfully and some that don't. In some cases the Charcter the people are cosplaying is already messed up (because the artist also had no clue), so it's hard to keep up.
Billy, I have been binge watching your videos. As a white woman (American/Swiss) I am cautious about how I come across in cultures I was not born into. I wouldn’t want to wear a Kimono for Halloween, because the point of Halloween is to be over-the-top, and I think when exploring and appreciating other cultures, it is critical to be respectful. I own a Berner Sonntagstracht, because I am by heritage, Bernese-Swiss. Don’t get me started on what happens for Halloween with Dirndles!
Women always risk being fetishized, but it is worse for women of color.
I am a koi keeper, and have been to Japan a lot to buy koi, and attend the All Japan Show-the world pinnacle of that hobby. The Japanese are delighted with the interest of foreigners in such a core cultural interest. I have seen women (Japanese) winning awards dressed in formal Kimono. Fabulous. If I won there, I would go to accept my award in Kimono-AFTER being styled for appropriateness by Billy!
Halloween, though, is supposed to be ridiculous, so no naughty Nuns, slutty beer servers in dirndles, or Oiran-kimonos for me.
Thank you so much for your opinion!! ❤️
Would it be okay if you were wearing a kimono on Halloween because you're dressing up as a character from a tv show or game or a play? Cosplay, basically.
Oh dear! I dressed up as the ghost of Oiwa the only time I participated in halloween (a friend's party). I showed no skin, did not disrespect Japanese culture, and explained to everyone who Oiwa was as well as her story. People were very interested. Much more so than if I had just dressed up with no thematic link to halloween or to Japan.
I'm more confused than before. Did I do the wrong thing??? 😟
Edit: NOONE thought I was a geisha when I dressed as 'the ghost of Oiwa'. Noone mentioned it, and there were a few people who are very aufait with Japanese culture. I looked scary. I have long dark brown/black hair and with the makeup looking like a ghost, there was no confusion. I hope it was ok
...Amaterasu? Don't you mean Izanami? Because Izanami is the Japanese corpse bride (Well, the one who is also a goddess at any rate).
No, this is totally fine, just like some people dress up like jesus, they're "characters", so i think you aren't wrong.
@@Bananabread810 Totally different from dressing up as Jesus. People don't really still worship Amaterasu in the same way. 😂
I think depicting something outside your own ethnicity infringes more on Americans' warped sense of morality; people in Japan will typically think it's really cool that you're interested in something from their island country and also that you're teaching others about it.
This is a controversy that is much more sensitive to Americans than others. It's kind of a shame, in my opinion. A lot of people here feel that we should be limited to the color of our skin. I think as long as we're respectful, it should be fine to adorn ourselves as other ethnicities, too. And I think most people here in America feel the same way I do, but that it's a loud minority that feels it's taboo.
In conclusion, I think you're totally fine and should feel happy with your choice. Sounds like a cool costume to me. :)
@@stormrhode2330 i meant in the sense that it shouldnt be offensive, theyre both religious figures, ik shinto is kinda dead (only 4% of japanese ppl actually believe in it). Jesus should be more taboo, since people actually believe in him, but some people think "But you're being racist! Thats cultural appropriation!" but dont get offended when japanese people dress up as jesus.
Idk if this sounded like im saying white ppl are oppressed or if it gave off that vibe so btw white people aren't oppressed 😐
I think a crucial missing piece in all of this discussion is: behaviour. It was so sweet that all the born-in-Japan folks see such an optimistic view of people’s motivations-imagining that they have interest in Japanese culture, and seeing the costume as a gateway to learning more-but many of us born outside of Japan remember the form that racist cruelty took in childhood: mockery by imitation. When someone puts on a kimono as a costume, it is not a singular choice that can be evaluated in a vacuum. Their behaviour in that costume communicates even more than the choice to wear it. I’m sure many of us carry the pain of being bullied by kids pulling up the corners of their eyes, affecting a horrible accent, etc., and when we see someone dressing up in kimono, especially when they do a poor job, our hearts seize in fear that they might be motivated in the same way: trying to depict a racist caricature at us in order to make us feel alienated and freakish. Some people use masks or costumes to express who they really are inside, but others really are just taking pleasure in emphasizing the difference between the ‘normal’ and the ‘monstrous’. I don’t need to explain how horrible it feels to be placed in that othering category. It is very possible to be supremely respectful while wearing kimono as a costume, and those in the know, will know… but a lot of us are carrying a lifetime of pain from people being extremely *dis*respectful, propagating exoticized and fetishized stereotypes, and being motivated by cruelty. It sets off a fear reflex. I’m truly grateful that people born and raised in Japan do not know how that feels.
Thank you so much, Billy, for such thorough coverage of this topic. It’s well worth discussion. You provide an incredibly valuable social service for those of us of Japanese heritage outside of Japan
Isnt the issue there the racist caricature and not the garment? If kimono only becomes an issue when someone does racist behavior in a kimono, and the behavior is racist without kimono too, kimono isnt the issue.
@@verybarebones that’s a pretty limited way to look at what I was trying to say. I’m talking about why people of Japanese heritage might become on edge when they see people wearing kimono poorly. Obviously if everyone was always kind and thoughtful and perfect at all times, cultural appropriation wouldn’t be an issue. I hope you can try to read my words generously and with empathy instead of trying to find a rationalization to exonerate wearing kimono in any context. Sensitivity is what makes the difference here, both in wearing kimono and reading people’s heartfelt commentary about it.
I, of course, wear kimono regularly. I agree absolutely that I would NOT wear kimono on Halloween for ALL the reasons that Erika lays out. there are so many other things to wear.
I think that many times people will use Halloween as an excuse to wear something they have admired for a long time, but have to real opportunity to wear. Of course that doesn't mean everyone who wears traditional clothes from other cultures on Halloween is doing it because they want a chance to wear it, sometimes people just see something in a costume store and think it looks cute. Those are not the people I am trying to explain the motives of though lol.
There aren't many times it would be practical to wear some types of clothing from other cultures, here in many parts of the US, and in some places it would cause people to laugh at you, and when you want to actually wear an item of clothing that you find beautiful, laughter is not the response you want.
An example would be that I have personally always wanted to wear a saree but never have had a chance to wear one. I've never worn one for Halloween or even tried on an actual saree even though several decades ago, before she moved away, an Indian friend who had a few of them offered to show me how to wear one of hers and let me borrow one to wear somewhere, but I always felt I would feel out of place. That's just about me personally not feeling comfortable actually wearing things that are even a very different style of western clothes than I normally do, and its probably to do with not feeling like I want to look like I am trying to call attention to myself or something. In the area we lived in back then, it wasn't uncommon to see Indian women wearing sarees, but I never noticed a western woman wearing one. In other words, the reason I declined wasn't about the saree, it was about my own hangups about just me in general. I felt that if I were prettier or something, I would have been "able" to wear it. I feel the same inability to wear quite a few things in my everyday life, even if I try on something in a store and it looks fine in the mirror, I feel that it isn't fine because it's on me.
However, on Halloween I have been able to feel fine wearing an article of clothing I have bought at a vintage store or something I have made (Victorian) and instead of wearing it like a costume or wearing it ironically or trying to be a zombie version, I just wore the clothing and accessories etc like I would have chosen to wear if I had the self confidence to wear it out in public every day - not as a caricature or anything.
My friend and I had planned on me wearing a saree to a family party at her house, but we never got around to doing that, so I doubt I will ever get a chance to wear one.
TLDR ; some (not all) people may use Halloween as an excuse to wear an actual article of clothing they have admired, because they don't feel like they can wear it any other time.
Also, I am talking about wearing the actual item of clothing, not a costume knock off type of it.
I have worn yukata on Halloween before, but only as a part of another costume. I was a yokai that made sense to be wearing kimono.
I think it would be weird to dress just in a kimono as a costume. Like dressing as a Japanese person? That would be strange.
But if you're cosplaying a character or something that would be wearing kimono, that makes sense.
Such an interesting discussion. That's an excellent point that's made at the end, & a stereotype we should all avoid. I would only consider wearing kimono as fancy dress if I was playing a character/cosplay. Like wearing saris, it's fine to wear as clothing, but a racial identity is not fancy dress for a party. An exception might be if it's a party celebrating that culture, eg. I once wore a sari to an Indian party, & other women wore salwaar kameez, but we were just being ourselves, wearing what could be our everyday outfits, not trying to sensationalise them by wearing a mini or latex version. That's in such bad taste.
I love your videos! So happy to see more kimono content in English :)
I think it’s fine as long as there’s no ill intent.
I’ll add that other cultural costumes are fine imo. My dad is Mexican and my mom is a white American, 3rd generation raised in the “old west”, but her ancestry is mostly Scottish.
We’ve never been offended by people wearing sombreros or other hispanic/Mexican clothing or doing Day of the Dead makeup. Nor have we ever been offended by people dressing up like cowboys or wearing kilts. We like it. It’s fun. Even we make jokes about our ancestry and culture.
When someone gets something wrong we politely correct them. A lot of movies get western/cowboy and culture wrong even though it’s American and still alive today. But we’d never say that people shouldn’t make movies with hispanic or western/cowboy characters.
I think it was the movie The Giant, 1956, where a bunch of cowboys on a ranch go inside the ranchers house (which who builds a gothic mansion in the west on a ranch?) and stack their hats on a bench in the entry. Not in a million years have I seen hats stacked like that, that’s disrespectful. A man’s hat, horse, boots, and saddle are off limits. No touchy and no placing things on top of them.
Also in Urban Cowboy, the scene where they go into a restaurant, lots of people are wearing hats at the table. Hats come off indoors unless it’s a large area and everyone is standing. Before sitting down you should take your hat off.
If it’s just a costume I don’t expect or care for people to understand the culture. But if you’re making a movie or something, put a little more effort into it. I’ve laughed at some movies for how ridiculous they are when they don’t mean to be.
This was an interesting question and topic of wearing kimono. Because I was about to make kimono from your video and haori too (demon slayer). I know that japan never hears of Halloween, and other parts of japan do know what Halloween is too. I love your video and can't wait for the next video.
This is an amazing collaboration!!! I'm following in a way or another almost everyone of the guests and I'm really happy to be able to hear all of their opinions in one video, so thank you for this video! Personally I have a very big problem with memoirs of a geisha too, so I was very happy to see that topic touched as well. I would also like to say, by the way, that there is a "counter-book" co authored by Mineko Iwasaki (I think the title was Geisha, a life) that is a very enjoyable reading shedding light on all the misinformation that the book and movie have helped spread.
I'm a white woman who will not wear a national or ethinc costume without knowing the whys and wherefores about the costume, the meaning behind all the different parts of it, etc. It's interesting that just the other week I had asked you if you'd ever been accused of cultural appropriation by any Japanese because you wear kimono every day.
Part of the problem surrounding Halloween is that it has been watered down to become a night when children go begging door to door for candy and sweets and adults go to parties and get drunk. Okay, maybe the getting drunk part is mostly college age kids, but there are some adult parties that can get pretty wild. And that Halloween is purely an American phenomenon because it was never about any of that. So it has gone through it's own cultural appropriation and misinterpretation.
The original ancient holiday was (and still is) called Samhain, pronounced sow-ween, which is an Irish Gaelic word meaning Summer's End. It's the 3rd and final harvest festival of the year and ushers in the dark half of the year. Samhain comes at the time of the year when the days have become noticeably shorter and the nights have become longer. Those celebrating Samhain believe it to be when the barriers between the physical world and the spirit world are the thinnest allowing easier communication with those in the Spirit world. Unfortunately, this has had a lot of negative connotations leading to accusations of witchcraft and Devil worship. The ghost and ghoul parts were added later.
@@maganw42 Ya know, I did know that, but it's been so long since I accessed that knowledge that I temporarily forgot it. 😜Oops! Thanks for the reminder.
@@maganw42 Ya know, I did know that. Honest. But it's been so long since I accessed that knowledge that I temporarily forgot it. 😜Oops! Thanks for the reminder.
I love this video ! I'm glad you made it because the subject is so interesting and important. Erika's talking about Geisha story and book memoirs of a Geisha was also so interested!
I've worn kimono in the colors of halloween (orange komon with a black and ivory obi) at a Japanese gardens during the fall. But that about the extent I would go. I have too much respect for the garment/fashion to ever consider it a costume.
I like to research how to correctly wear one before I made the decision to choose one to buy for a cosplay/costume. I got a short one for an Espeon cosplay. I would love to wear a kimono on a regular day to day thing too and I would love to support the artisans that make them. So its my goal to go to Japan and buy a traditional kimono and a couple of casual kimonos. Kimonos are so pretty and flowing
I know I'm very late to this, but I only recently found your channel, and I appreciate you taking the time to do this and interview all these people for their opinions! I'm a white guy who was born and raised in the US, but Zen philosophy was (quite literally) a life-saver for me during an unbelievably difficult time in my life, so I'm in a difficult position where my personal practice is very Eastern and not part of my own culture. I am trying to learn Japanese so I can access texts that haven't been translated, but I'm in my 40s now, and learning languages is really hard at my age! I tend to keep my personal Zen practice entirely private because I'm aware of and share the many, very valid concerns about cultural appropriation. I have made traditional Japanese clothing before and did my very best to ensure they were as correct/accurate as I could make them. I definitely prefer to wear Japanese traditional clothes at home and as part of that practice, but I do not wear them out and about nor as part of a costume. Ultimately, and as a lot of your guests implied, it's a matter of respect and honoring the culture vs. making a caricature of it.
I found it VERY interesting to hear the variety of opinions on this subject (even though it's specific to Halloween) - some of which made me feel a bit more comfortable about it, and some of which gave me pause.
Thank you!
Very often Halloween costumes can be offensive in general. The care put into the costume, it’s accuracy, and even the intention of the wearer can all influence the image it projects. This impacts my personal view regarding wearing kimono and other historical/cultural garments as costumes. Respect changes things greatly.
I actually its perfectly ok for anyone to wear kimonos… except in Halloween, bc then it really does feel a little disrespectful. Its better to wear it every other way
Oh this is going to be so helpful. Thanks to all involved.
Definitely an interesting topic. When asked does an eastern cultural clothing attire be apt when used as a costume at a western holiday/occasion? By apt, I mean, I mean in terms of it being offensive or is it disrespectful etc.?
Short answer is yes, it can be.
I can't speak for the Japanese as I am Korean, but as an East Asian what I can say is that we have traditional clothing for special circumstances - wedding, funerals, festivals (per season), even segrated by social classes. Also having celebrated Halloween in North America as well, both the secular and the Catholic way, I got the understanding that Halloween is 1. a celebration for atumn harvest and 2. warding off evil spirits. In some countries, all saints' day is about praying for the loved ones that passed away. With these reasons, I'd say a kimono variants used in funerals and obon:ohakamairi (grave visits) would be the most apt. Though the eastern brothers (China and Korea) often tease that Japan has been too westernized and flourished in pop culture such as *cough* anime cosplaying - we'd assume that Japan would the country that's least offended compared to its counterparts when it comes to this topic.
I live in Germany, Aachen and we do her also karneval. I kinda hate to buy stupid cheap costumes. Know I just wear my kimono on games com Halloween and karneval. For karneval I just need to wear something and I think I could wear kimono. I love them they are cozy and I can attach more people to it. And in that time I don't get weard looks😌
watching this made me think of the western clothing I have worn for Halloween growing up as my costume. I think as a kid, it was a "costume" if I could wear it and pretend I was someone else, or at a different point in time (older/ younger/different time of year). Sometimes I was a specific character. But often times, I would just dress up as a style I don't usual wear. I was a tomboy growing up. so just wearing pink, a skirt and makeup was putting on a "girly girl" costume for Halloween. Prom dresses/evening gowns were a frequent pick for my costume. fedora, glasses, plaid holding coffee = costume of a hipster. Multiple belts, dark clothing, heavy make up = costume of a punk rocker. sundress over swimsuit with a straw hat = costume of someone at the beach. This year I put on my ugly Christmas sweater, the same one I used two months later for Christmas. My costume could be normal clothing but it felt special because I was wearing it "for" Halloween and could make up a story about who I was that day.
I believe it's okay to wear a kimono for Halloween as long as it's done with respect and an appreciation for the art and culture behind it. I wore a light pink silk kimono, paired with a beautifully arranged obi and accessories, and received so many kind compliments. My friends and I were all captivated by the elegance and artistic beauty of the kimono, making it a delightful part of our Halloween celebration. I love sharing this beautiful aspect of culture with others in a respectful way.
I've noticed that the USA and Middle/South America have different concepts on what "Halloween" is. For Mexico; and most of Latam, it's a day to remember your death ones, and it's called "Día de muertos" (Death one's day?) for the same reasons. If I don't remember bad, it was originally from Mexico, and you dressed up as a "monster/daemon" to visit the grave of your loved ones without the real demons know you are there, so they can't affect you with bad luck and that stuff. And at the same time you make a party-like(??) with other members and friends nearly to the grave, to tell your loved one that all of you still keep him/her in your mind and heart... And Halloween seems more like a capitalized/sexualized version of the same day :/
This year I was thinking on using a kimono or yukata (trying my best to do it properly) for a Kitsune costume; not for a party, just to attendant our family market. But finally decided that I don't gonna wear any costumes, like in the past years... I would really like to use properly a kimono in the future for other type of events, but probably my family just start to mocking at me for no reasons, and that's why I decided to tried the Kitsune costume for Halloween, but I feel like I still have to learn a few more things about, so I prefer not do it this year.
If I've messed up the explanation of the "Día de muertos" or say something wrong/inaccurate, please tell me so I can fix it, since it's been I while from the last time I heard about it.
I absolutely LOVE that you collabed with Shogo on this topic! I've been subscribed to his channel for a minute, but I just randomly discovered your channel today and I'm not disappointed. 💖🤗
Glow in the dark fabric Kimono would look awesome! Let''s put Halloween into perspective. it is a dusk to midnight event. Depending on how long the if you are going to a party or going out with the kids for trick or treating. If you are using spooky novelty fabric for the event. Sure why not. But be careful of the guys that dress up as Gaysha. And lastly, there is no Kimono God going to strike us dead for wearing a Kimono for this event.
I did not know that Noh mask Shogo mentioned was supposed to represent a beautiful woman but I knew exactly which one he was talking about.
Maybe it got used in Japanese ghost media ironically (the horrible monster wearing a beautiful mask is a pretty common theme) and we Westerners just assumed it was a scary mask haha...
This video came out at a great time, I was just thinking yesterday about this very topic and the appropriation vs appreciation debate.
I think that’s such an important distinction. Unfortunately I don’t think there’s a solid line. And ones personal interest level is not something that can always be immediately recognized at a glance. And there’s a lot of history behind it. Even harder is that many Japanese people just think it’s fine to wear kimono anytime because they haven’t grown up around the ways kimono have been used outside of Japan.
As a Westerner that has no tie to Japanese culture only a respectful passion for kimono and wearing kimonos, I believe that as long as it is respectful and culturally appropriate. It would really hurt my feelings that someone would stop me if I felt like wearing my kimono. I have spend a lot of money and time in my kimono. I have watched many of your videos Billy to be able to wear it properly as well as have done a lot of research on the origin of kimonos. If I could I would find a place to become properly trained, I love kimonos so much. I would love to see the tradition used over here. On a personal level, I think it wouldn't be truly appropriate unless it's your usual clothing. I would love to bring mine out more and use it as a teaching tool to bring kimono culture and history to more people's attention. The main point is to please just educate yourself and know what you're doing.
If you want to find a place to get properly trained: I’m actively teaching online. You can check out my homepage or my Patreon 😉
@@BillyMatsunaga I would love to be in a class of yours! Huge fan! You are the one who instilled in me my love for kimonos and my passion for more knowledge of the culture and tradition! 😍 It would be an honor to be your student.
Personally I feel as the clothing itself shouldn't be treated as a costume but a living breathing entity that represents a culture, just like with any culture. However if you are dressing up as a character or a kimonozed version of a character, that's totally fine, same with any other ethnic clothing.
Erika's content is particularly well worded, concise and on point. [applauds]
Halloween has become in essence an equivalent of Mardi Gras or The Feast of Fools - where the ridiculous is celebrated, the low elevated and the high pulled down. In the latter most festival norms are challenged and extremes explored.
But when a costume choice skirts the edge or steps (mindfully or ignorantly) into the minefield of inferred black/yellow face, or racial/ethnic stereotyping, then people do need to have a quiet word with *that* friend about what they are setting out to represent/celebrate and why.
PS: Erika PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE *do* create your Amaterasu Ōmikami cosplay and Billie please have her on for another video to talk about inspiration sources, fabric choice, construction and some elegant twirling to show off the ensemble.
As a woman living in America of non-Japanese heritage, I also agree that it's not appropriate for Halloween. If it is a Japanese festival, or cultural exhibition, it could be acceptable, if the kimono is worn respectfully. i.e. not showing more skin and left over right.
For example, I was recently in NYC and the MET has an beautiful kimono exhibit currently on display. A little girl in attendance with her parents was dressed in tiny yukata and it was so cute to see her so excited to be wearing something like what was on display, while also learning about the historical and cultural context of the garments.
I started learning about kimono because i wanted to cosplay as a character from an anime (Botan, yu yu hakusho) who wears kimono but also wear it properly. After learning more about it I fell in love with all the pretty fabrics and patterns and own kimono for daily wear. I've always thought that it would be okay to wear kimono when dressing up as a character, but not dressing up as an ethnicity.
I have a friend who keeps saying that she's going to come to my funeral cosplaying Botan if she outlives me, and I'm not 100% sure if she's joking. Sorry about the randomness of my comment, it just made me think about that...
This was eye-opening.
thank you to everyone who contributed!
The hour went so fast! When I clicked on it, I just didn't notice haha~
That said, the costume topic si soo key. I will remember and share the TPO advice, it is very helpful to remember that while having fun is part of the journey, they are so much at stake when it comes to representation. Some people find it very convenient to dress in whatever they want, while others just sew their heritage being a source of fun. The more I learn about kimono, the more I feel like non-japanese see the garment as part of the past, while I see a vivid market with creators, active brands, and even trends as in 2022. I do get the "do whatever you want during Halloween", but at the same time, I wish people wouldn't jump on the occasion to "play" with such a significant piece of history, identity, and meaningful cloth that kimono is. As you wisely stated, there are so many opportunities to wear a kimono, so why would one choose this particular time of the year to do so?
I am leaning towards a clothing style that includes wafuku. I know that I will wear my kimono freely when I do casual activities (aka love my Vans and Dr. Martens combos) but I shall NEVER wear a kimono inappropriately, should I be attending a ceremony or visiting a person I respect (TPO again haha).
Anyway, love the work and time you put into the video! The topic is definitely not a yes/no debate. Education. Education. Education. yay
Kimonos were everyday clothing in the past. They are now worn at Japanese festivals during holidays. Is Halloween really different in that respect?
omg!!! I also watch Shogo!!!!
when I was younger, My grandmother and mom dressed me in my grandmothers Kimono for Halloween. I got so many comments about how pretty I was. One of my best memories from when I was younger. R.I.P. grandma Asako
Thank you for this very interesting and important video! It was great to hear from so many kimono experts. Personally, I wear kimono for tea lessons but I would be very careful to wear it as a “costume”. I have noticed that the Finnish people have a lot of misconceptions about kimono and tend to think anyone dressed in kimono as a “geisha”. 😢
As a Finn I agree. The everyday person doesn't quite understand what a Geisha is or that kimonos are regular clothes rather than a costume. Unless you are part of the anime community, Japanese culture enthusiast community or the history re-enactment community, you probably don't have a clue about these things... Yes there are still some misconceptions within these communities, but waaaay less!
Very interesting video :) I am now a very old cosplayer, but my love for costuming started when I was 7, after reading at school a book for children called « Noriko the little japanese girl ». Noriko was doing ikebana, playing koto, and was, of course, wearing kimono all day long. I wanted so much to be like Noriko that I bothered my mother to make a Noriko costume for school Carnival. I ended with a blue Tunisian dress with a yellow scarf as a belt, with a cushion in the back 😂 and knitting needles in the hair😂😂😂😂. But I was so happy looking « like Noriko ». I think it is the same for most people wearing kimono disguise at carnivals. They just have …no idea of what they are really doing, and even think their costume is close to the real thing. Anyway. Now. 40 years later exactly, I started watching tour videos, bought 3 kimonos, then started taking kimono lessons with you, with the initial idea to make an accurate cosplay character (Tomoe Mami from Puella Magi Madoka Magica in maiko version) featuring a kimono. I am just like I am discovering a whole new world and I really love it. I hope that when I finnally finish my cosplay, no one will be offended because it will be as close as possible as what it shoud be like ❤. But now I understand a lot of things about the garnment, that I could not have figured out without learning how to wear kimono and wearing a real one. I have to book my next lesson, anyway!
I think it’s fine as people dress up like me all the time for Halloween. A cowgirl.
Hello Billy!! thank you very much for your video which is excellent as usual and for your personal opinion on this delicate subject...I must admit that after seeing the video, I am quite divided on this subject...I own two kimonos, one with a skull and bones pattern that I posted recently on my Instagram page and the other with an illustration of Kuniyoshi Utagawa.. I think you can dress up with a kimono for Halloween as long as it's is horror patterns (cobweb, skull or skeleton) but not with any type of kimono (furisode, houmongi, tomesode etc) Again thank you for the video👏🙏😊
Such an amazing approach to this topic. Shogo explained so many important things, but your questions were so on point, too!
I wore a kimono once as part of a costume of kuchi-sake onna.
I loved this video. I was engaged with the conversation all the way through.
I was watching this with bated breath at every new guest to see if I should be ashamed and repent. But, I seem to pass most of the guests' litmus test.
I am curious. What would you or your panelist think of someone who had no interest in Japanese culture, but thought that kimono was a beautiful mode of dress?
What about someone who wore a sexy, short silk robe off the shoulders but did not associate it with kimono/Japanese culture? What if they wore that robe and someone else made the association, despite no reference being made?
These are entirely rhetorical questions.
I would love to be able to devote time to studying Japanese culture and traditional dress.
Thank you for making this video! For Halloween this year, I'm considering wearing an outfit that includes a kimono (I don't really want to call it a "costume" because I intend to do my research and wear it as properly as I can and with respect as an outfit), and wanted to see what opinions people had on the subject.
I’ve never been to Japan however I do see programs and I find it to be beautiful. Unfortunately and fortunately, we and the earth are one. We all need an outlet and so does the earth, we need cleansing and so does earth etc. Everyday is a cycle and a rebirth ~ mind, body and soul. Be at peace and don’t be afraid, there’s always an outlet for everything.
I think it's more of a question of whether you're wearing it out of respect or as a costume entirely for yourself. If you're wearing it with respect in mind, you've failed your goal. If you're wearing it because you wanted to, you can't really fail at that goal if you enjoyed doing it.
I actually saw a few people in Tokyo last night in shibuya wearing kimono for Halloween.
But they were Japanese.
I think Erica articulated the underlying issues with the costuming during Halloween THE BEST! There is a tension there that had to be laid out in clear terms and Erica did just that! And she’s right, the book Memoirs of a Geisha tells the story of a young girl being sexualizad by potential suitors in this totally underground but culturally accepted way. The sex scene is probably pedophilia (I don’t know Sayuri’s age in that scene) that NOBODY is talking about but her sister was trafficked IMMEDIATELY. SMH. When you don’t talk about stuff like that, the harm it does in the minds of people is young Japanese girls become sexualized. What I never thought about though, was how it puts young Japanese girls at risk to be commodities in sex trafficking IN REAL LIFE 😢This just brings it full circle for me. Thank you so much for this video.
I am a cosplayer and I want to craft a traditional kimono for my character Yennefer of Vengerberg from The Witcher. My resources are limited, but I am trying my best to learn as much as possible. Respect for the culture and its people is essential to me. That is why the clothes' cut, hairstyle, jewellery and even footwear must be as authentic as possible. The make-up stays basic since I think this aspect of most depictions is too dominant. I trust that by doing so, I am not exhibiting disrespect.
I liked this video. I think it puts "cultural appropriation into check. It IS ok for foreigners to wear kimono. It's not an all or none thing. It's about showing respect. You can wear kimono and be respectful. I love Japanese culture and would love to wear kimono. I don't think it's right when people flat out say no.
I'm new here and to kimono in general, so sorry if the wording is wrong. Shogos green kimono is so beautiful!!! Green is my favorite color. He just looks so elegant and put together. I want to get into kimono because i've been sewing since I was 9 and my countries modern and traditional clothing has started to bore me. This past year I've been exclusively making bathing suits and for some reason this has made me realise I want to cover up more.
I havent watched the video yet, but as a German I have to say it must be OK given how japaneses people dress when visiting Germany. same rights fir everyone.
For me, Halloween gives me a reason to wear my kimono, that or an anime con. I dont know when else I could wear it in America.
I am a bit torn on this one. I will admit, I did dress as a geisha one Halloween. Other than my hair, I did my best to dress appropriately. The kimono was borrowed from a friend of my mother's. I went to our city's International Institute and a woman there allowed me to borrow a pair of geta. My mother made an obi for me. I also bought a fan, and a parasol from an import store. The makeup was whitened face, red lips, and black eyeliner. Did I make mistakes? I am sure I did (my short hair being one of them), but I did do as much as I could to be accurate.
Accuracy aside, was I respectful to the culture? I know I tried to be. However, the movie that originally sparked my interest in dressing as a geisha was not. The movie was "My Geisha" in which Shirley MacLaine played an American actress who disguised herself as a Japanese woman to try and win the part of Madam Butterfly in a movie her husband was directing. In essence, it is a movie about yellowface, because a white actress is after a part that rightfully should have been played by a Japanese one. Nineteen year old me really didn't know much about cultural appropriation or I may have reconsidered my choice of costume. I did know about stereotypes though, so I did not try to alter my speech or change mannerisms to sound or look stereotypically ethnic.
It's been about 40 years since that Halloween. I might still have dressed in kimono, but I don't know if I would have dressed as a geisha, not without additional research.
As a person that's interested in Japanese culture, I wear kimonos from time to time, but I wanna make sure I'm wearing the right kind on the right seasons. Is there a website that sells kimonos and a video that teaches how to properly wear one for men?
I wear kimono in Texas since I enjoy educating people on it. I've been treated badly for it by a lot of people, especially those who don't realize that my kimonos are authentic.. and I do try my best to style it traditionally and properly for the sake of education. I am Ryukyu and my brother made sure to beat it into my head how important certain cultural expectations are when wearing it. Our traditions are a little different for wearing it-- including patterns, the names, the way of wearing it, but to many it's just.. asian. If you're not wearing it as a person who is dressing up as an "asian," it isn't bad. Just learn a bit about it and try to see what might be a bit more acceptable.
While purchasing my kimono I noticed a lot of people who were selling pieces as "Costume" and showing too much skin to be Kimono... also "Geisha Costume" was seen a lot. That kind of thing does make me incredibly uncomfortable since Geisha are not the sole wearer of kimono... but it doesn't seem appropriate to wear it as a dress-up to act "asian." Any other time.. I see no offense.
I really liked the points that Erika made in her interview.