Kim Kardashian has caused a backlash from Japanese traditionalists with her new range of shapewear.
The American stylist called her new set of undergarments “Kimono”, like the typical Japanese clothes that are worn at ceremonies and weddings.
The kimono, a loose long-sleeved robe usually tied with a sash, dates back to the 15th century but is now mostly worn on special occasions.
“We wear kimonos to celebrate health, growth of children, engagements, marriages, graduations, at funerals. It’s celebratory wear and passed on in families through the generations,” a Japanese woman, Yuka Ohishi, told the BBC
“[This] shapewear doesn’t even resemble a kimono – she just chose a word that has Kim in it – there’s no respect to what the garment actually means in our culture,” she added.
Kim Kardashion Tweeted: “This is a new approach to shapewear: Offering real solutions in 9 shades and sizes XXS-4XL, @kimonobody celebrates and enhances the shape and curves of women. Each piece is designed with soft yet supportive fabrics for everyone to feel their most confident. #KimonoBody”.
But her new line has caused a Twitter storm, not only from Japanese, but by all those that are defending Asian culture. A new Hashtag, #KimOhNo was spreading like wildfire on social media.
Many people have taken issue with the fact Kim has tried to trademark a word with such a huge cultural meaning in Japanese culture.
Others were annoyed that the traditional garment now shares the same name as an underwear brand, calling the choice of naming ignorant.
Many others, are accusing Kim Kardashian of “Cultural Appropriation”.
“Japanese culture is not your toy. #KimOhNo #kimono” tweeted @AandAaramis_sky.
“My culture is not your brand name generator” angrily tweeted another user @hellomayuko
“Wow, @KimKardashian. Thanks for BUTCHERING Japanese culture!!! My culture is not your plaything. You don’t have any respect for people who are not your family, do you? In the 15 years developing this project, couldn’t you find a cultural advisor? #KimOhNo #culturalappropriation”, said another.
Prof Sheila Cliffe from the Jumonji Women’s University proclaimed: “If I made a bra and called it a sari… some people would be very annoyed. It shows extreme disrespect… [Kimono] is an expression of Japanese identity. That word does not belong to Kim Kardashian.”