A few days ago, Kim Kardashian came under fire for naming her new shapewear line after a Japanese cultural symbol, the kimono. As expected, this didn’t bode well with a lot of people and she was accused of cultural appropriation. Many Japanese people on social media said that the trademarked brand disrespected their traditional clothing.
Kim K told the New York Times that she understands and has a deep respect for the significance of the kimono to Japanese culture. However, she said that she still has no plans to change the name of the garment, angering people further.
Kyoto Mayor Daisaku Kadokawa has since released a statement, addressing Kim K directly and asking her to reconsider the name of her shapewear line. In the letter, he wrote about the significance of the kimono to Japanese culture. He further explained that Japan has been trying to register “Kimono Culture” as part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.
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The Mayor closed off his letter by inviting Kim K to visit Kyoto where she could experience true Japanese culture firsthand. You can read the mayor’s full letter here.
