Japanese mayor asks Kim Kardashian to ‘reconsider’ renaming shape-wear line ‘Kimono’

The mayor of a Japanese city has written Kim Kardashian a letter asking her to ‘reconsider’ changing the name of her shape-wear line as kimono culture has been ‘passed down with care.’

Kyoto mayor Daisaku Kadokawa released the letter on Friday after the reality star was blasted for naming her new venture ‘Kimono.’ 

‘Kimono is a traditional ethnic dress fostered in our rich nature and history with our predecessors’ tireless endeavors and studies,’ Kadokawa said in the letter, ‘and it is a culture that has been cherished and passed down with care in our living.’ 

The mayor relished the detail and craftsmanship that goes into making kimonos before adding that they symbolize the ‘beauty, spirits and values of Japanese.’ 

Kardashian trademarked the Kimono brand in the US last year under the names ‘Kimono Body’, ‘Kimono Intimates’ and ‘Kimono World’

Kadokawa also noted that international tourists have flocked to Kyoto and other cities in Japan to sport their kimonos, which he deemed was ‘proof’ that the clothing was ‘loved by people around the world.’ 

‘We are currently undertaking initiatives nationally to make ‘Kimono Culture’, a symbol of our culture and spirits, registered to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List,’ the mayor said, referring to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

He added: ‘We think that the names for “Kimono” are the asset shared with all humanity who love Kimono and its culture therefore they should not be monopolized. 

The mayor relished the detail and craftsmanship that goes into making kimonos before adding that they symbolize the ‘beauty, spirits and values of Japanese’

Kadokawa concluded his letter by inviting Kim to visit Kyoto so that she could ‘experience the essence of Kimono culture’ while understanding their thoughts  and ‘strong wish.’  

Kim was immediately dragged after she announced the new name of her under-garment line on Tuesday. 

In a statement to the New York Times, she asserted that she has no intention ‘to design or release any garments that would in any way resemble or dishonor the traditional garment.’ 

She did, however, declare that she wouldn’t be changing the name.  

Kim asserted that she has no intention ‘to design or release any garments that would in any way resemble or dishonor the traditional garment’

She did, however, declare that she wouldn’t be changing the name

‘My solutionwear brand is built with inclusivity and diversity at its core and I’m incredibly proud of what’s to come,’ she said. ‘That includes bras, briefs, shorts and bodysuits, among other undergarments.’

But most take issue with the very fact that the reality star is focusing on under-garments, with actual kimonos meant to be an outer layer clothing item. 

Dating back to 15th century Japan, the kimono, which literally means ‘thing to wear on the shoulders’, is a T-shaped wrapped garment with set loose long sleeves, tied with a sash.  

Considered the national dress of Japan, it is now mostly worn during special occasions such as weddings and coming-of-age ceremonies, and is mostly worn by women.

Those who tend to wear a kimono the most on a daily basis are older men and women, geisha and sumo wrestlers, who are required to wear traditional Japanese dress whenever appearing in public. 

Kardashian trademarked the Kimono brand in the US last year under the names ‘Kimono Body’, ‘Kimono Intimates’ and ‘Kimono World’.

Dating back to 15th century Japan, the kimono which literally means ‘thing to wear on the shoulders’ is a T-shaped wrapped garment with set loose long sleeves, tied with a sash (Kadokawa pictured right)