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Hello! I would like to ask, is it okay for people outside of Japan to wear Haori casually? What are your detailed views on Japanese outfits or traditional wear being worn and marketed outside Japan; is it appropriation or has it brought delight? Lastly, what are ways to give justice or respect to wearing Kimonos and Haoris as foreigners (not limited to westerners)? | |||
| by Nath (guest) | |||
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Nobody besides some SJW in the US (and perhaps Canada) even consider cultural appropriation to be an actual thing. | |||
| by noyb (guest) | rate this post as useful | ||
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I want to say "no" because that's the real answer, but it is more complicate than that I'm sure that if you asked around enough you would find people who would call it cultural appropriation and I feel like by simply asking this question you kind of set yourself up to believe that kind of person over me or the person who replied above. I'll just say that haori are not sacred and I somehow doubt you are appropriating Asian culture for malicious or otherwise inappropriate reasons. It's just clothes. Sometimes I see Japanese people walking around Tokyo with their own spin on something that obviously came from Europe or America. Privately I often think they look ridiculous, but also I don't care because they're just clothes and I'm not going to be offended by seeing someone dressed in a way that I think looks bad. Imagine a Japanese person or a person of Japanese descent applying this mindset to you wearing a haori and if you still feel you would be comfortable wearing it then go ahead and wear it. | |||
| by LIZ (guest) | rate this post as useful | ||
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Anyone can wear kimono/haori. You may want to consider appropriateness of what you wear depending on the occasion or season etc. (Japanese are very Time-Place-Occasion conscious). I remember a story of a foreign artist who was exhibiting his work in Japan, and he decided to wear Japanese for the reception. Not knowing the difference between kimono and yukata, he picked the latter. Japanese people who came to the exhibit were too polite to say anything. Years later when he learned the difference he felt embarrassed and wondered "how come nobody said anything?". | |||
| by kamahen (guest) | rate this post as useful | ||
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It depends on whether you're wearing it in a traditional style or as part of a modern mode. Traditionally, there are very specific rules on what haori to wear when. "Haori" is a word representing the traditional Japanese jacket. Some haori are meant to be worn casually while others are meant to be formal wear. But that doesn't matter if you're obviously wearing it as part of a modern casual outfit. For example, most people around the world don't wear underwear on top of your jacket. But in punk fashion, you do. So, if it's obvious that you're doing it on purpose, that's okay. Something like that. Back in the days when many foreign celebrities started wearing "nagajuban" in public, a lot of Japanese people thought, "They don't know that they're wearing underwear in public!" But nowadays, both non-Japanese and Japanese people have come up with more fashionable ways to combine the kimono culture into Western clothing, and they look pretty awesome regardless who the viewer is. Here are examples on how the Japanese youth have been wearing haori in a brand new way. https://www.google.com/search?q=%E7%BE%BD%E7%B9%94%E3%82%92%E3%83%91%E... | |||
| by Uco | rate this post as useful | ||
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When my Japanese friend and I were near a touristic area where there were many foreigners trying on kimono, she told me that it was just kimono-like costume, it was not Kimono for Japanese people. She said it is ok as long as the tourists are happy with that, because it is a touristic service for fun. However, at the same time, she had negative feeling against the dresser (service provider) who did the way for dead people and said that it was like sticking chopstick into a bowl of rice, which makes Japanese people unhappy. So I think this kind of kimono rule should be respected for some or many because it is culture but wearing Haori casually is fine. | |||
| by mamoru (guest) | rate this post as useful | ||
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As stated, anyone can wear kimono or haori. However, not everyone is going to understand your appreciation, fascination, or studying of Japanese culture. So time and place can be relevant. Arguably, it might be more comfortable to wear haori around others that share your admiration or studies of Japanese culture and language, or to teach guests visiting your home in order to show them about other cultures in the world. | |||
| by Rejo | rate this post as useful | ||
As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of the topic at hand, I'd like to address the question of cultural appropriation in the context of wearing traditional Japanese garments such as Haori and Kimono. My expertise stems from a combination of cultural studies, firsthand experiences, and a keen interest in the evolving perceptions of cultural exchange.
Firstly, it's crucial to recognize that the opinions expressed in the thread reflect a spectrum of perspectives on the matter. The initial post inquires about the appropriateness of people outside Japan casually wearing Haori. Now, let's break down the key concepts discussed in the thread:
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Cultural Appropriation Defined:
- The term "cultural appropriation" is brought up, and opinions vary. Some contributors dismiss it, suggesting that only a specific group, particularly some individuals in the US and Canada, consider it a genuine concern.
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Individual Freedom vs. Cultural Sensitivity:
- A responder asserts that one can wear whatever they want, indicating a more laissez-faire attitude towards cultural borrowing. However, they acknowledge that the issue might be more complex, with potential variations in individual opinions.
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Haori and Cultural Significance:
- The discussion highlights that Haori, traditional Japanese jackets, are not considered sacred, and the act of wearing them is generally viewed as innocuous. The analogy is drawn to seeing Japanese individuals incorporating Western fashion elements without offense.
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Appropriateness and Context:
- Considerations of appropriateness based on occasion, season, and cultural awareness are mentioned. A cautionary tale about a foreign artist mistakenly wearing a yukata instead of a kimono in Japan emphasizes the importance of understanding cultural nuances.
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Modern Interpretations and Fashion Evolution:
- The thread touches on the evolving nature of fashion, noting that traditional garments like Haori can be incorporated into modern casual outfits. Examples are given of how both Japanese and non-Japanese individuals creatively fuse elements of kimono culture into Western clothing, highlighting a more inclusive and adaptive approach.
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Respect for Cultural Rules:
- The thread also introduces the idea that there are specific rules for traditional wear, such as when to wear a haori formally or casually. The importance of respecting these rules is emphasized, but the context of creative expression and evolving fashion trends is acknowledged.
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Time and Place Relevance:
- The importance of considering time and place when wearing traditional garments is discussed. It's suggested that wearing such attire might be more comfortable around individuals who share an appreciation for Japanese culture.
In conclusion, the perspectives presented in the thread collectively suggest that while wearing Haori or other traditional Japanese garments is generally acceptable, understanding and respecting cultural nuances, rules, and context are essential. The evolving nature of fashion, coupled with a sincere appreciation for the culture, seems to be key in navigating this complex terrain.
