Is it rude to wear kimono?
“So, do you think it is rude for foreigners to wear Kimono?” I had said no without any doubts. However, my answer now has become somewhat complicated. Here's why. Growing up as Japanese, I had no chance to learn to put on a kimono by myself until recently, which may come as a surprise for some of you.
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Is It Rude For Foreigners To Wear Kimono?
Key Takeaways:
- Foreigners Wearing Kimono Is Generally Welcomed and Appreciated: Many Japanese people are not offended when foreigners wear kimono; instead, they are often pleased, glad to see it, and may offer compliments like "You look beautiful in it". Saki Yoshida states that seeing non-Japanese wear kimono connects people and acts like a bridge between Japan and other countries, bringing together like-minded individuals interested in Japanese culture. Rob Dyer adds that it would be rare for a Japanese person to express offence.
- Emphasis on Proper Wearing and Respectful Representation: While welcoming, many Japanese people, including Saki and Sakura, place importance on how the kimono is worn. Kimono are seen by some as "almost holly clothes for special occasions", and there is a desire for people to "present the real image of kimono and show some respect, too". Misrepresenting the culture, such as through "weird Kimono styles in Anime industry," is generally disliked as it can make Japanese people feel their culture is represented "cheaply".
- Cultural Appropriation Is Seldom the Concern; Misuse Is: Most Japanese find it "impossible to understand why Caucasians wearing kimonos in the West is often criticized as cultural appropriation" because they do not label their culture as "for Japanese only". They are generally tolerant of what outsiders might call "cultural appropriation" when it comes to individuals wearing kimono out of interest. However, they are less forgiving of "significant misuse," such as commercial exploitation or blatant disrespect, like a brand naming their underwear line "KIMONO".
- Internal High Standards and Potential for Misunderstanding: Some Japanese people can be strict or critical of how other Japanese people wear kimono, which contributes to the struggling kimono industry and can lead to personal insecurity about wearing it perfectly. When Saki, a Japanese author, attempted to warn non-Japanese about potentially inappropriate kimono fittings, it was met with negative reactions from non-Japanese who felt offended and already insecure, highlighting a potential for well-intentioned guidance to be misinterpreted as criticism.
- Kimono as a Tool for Cultural Connection: Ultimately, despite nuances and differing perspectives, the act of wearing a kimono is viewed by many, including Saki, as having a "positive power" to make people smile and connect, serving as a bridge between cultures.
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Is It Rude to Wear Kimono (For Foreigners)?
by Saki Yoshida
Changing fashions in Japan
Since Japanese people started to wear western clothes for daily purposes, kimono have become uncommon, that cost a lot, and are supposed to be worn only on special occasions.
But this shouldn’t be so.
As a result, most Japanese today do not have the opportunity to learn how to put on a kimono properly. Until we wish to, and then we believe we need a professional dresser to show us how to do it. When I started live streaming, my interests towards kimono grew stronger.
Japan's Coming of Age ceremony
Japan's Seijin no Hi, or Coming of Age Ceremony, celebrates all those who have reached the age of maturity, currently 20 years old. Ceremonies marking the passage into adulthood have happened in Japan since 714 CE. This was during the reign of Empress Genmei when a young prince wore new robes and a hairstyle to mark his passage into adulthood.
Young kimono wearers at Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo
It occured to me that I was fascinated by how beautiful my kimono were when I attended the Coming of Age Ceremony. Or how excited I was after putting my kimono on in general.
I tried to figure out how I can make the best of this beauty on my own without anyone else’s help, whenever and wherever I want. Ultimately, my goal has become to travel outside Japan while bringing my own kimono to share its beauty with the world.
Top Rated Kimono Bookable Experiences in Japan
Expensive kimono and cultural critics
Starting off, I signed up for a kimono fitting course and attended the classes with a group of people. It took a little while until I mastered a decent technique. To be honest, it felt as though kimono were only for people in older generations, or people who can afford very expensive kimono sashes.
I am fortunate. I own good kimono from my family and didn’t have to buy them all. But I can easily imagine that people, especially younger generations who aren’t familiar with kimono at all, wouldn’t be able to spend so much money on it.
Additionally, what confuses me is that some Japanese people seem to be strict or critical of how other Japanese people wear kimono. I could see many reasons why the kimono industry is struggling.
Saki has travelled outside Japan wearing kimono
I also found myself being insecure about wearing kimono. Not feeling comfortable with walking around in Japan because I knew my kimono fitting wasn’t perfect. Or I was afraid that I may do something wrong which could offend other Japanese people who knew better than me.
I didn’t like this aspect of Japanese society. But I ended up understanding their perspective from bitter experience when I lived in Germany.
Wearing kimono outside of Japan
After finishing the kimono fitting course, I travelled mostly in Europe and wore a kimono on my own. It was such an amazing experience and I enjoyed noticing how people reacted differently based on their own cultural background.
While in Germany for a year, I had the chance to join a group of people who enjoy kimono like myself. Most of them were non-Japanese and, honestly, I didn’t care about their nationalities.
I was genuinely happy to know that kimono are loved by people from outside Japan. Seeing that wearing kimono connects like-minded people who are interested in my home country or Japanese culture.
However, my experience wasn’t always positive.
A passion for kimono can bring people from different countries together
Is it disrespectful to wear kimono?
One day, I came across a photo from the kimono group where, in my eyes, someone wore her kimono in a way that sex workers (Oiran/Yujo) would. Back then, I should’ve asked about her intentions first. I believed there were also foreign people who wear kimono in an inappropriate way without meaning to.
I posted in a group to warn people to be careful about how some kimono fitting can be taken in the wrong way by some Japanese. I thought I was being helpful. However, I was not expecting some of the responses my post received.
Most people reacted very negatively. Told me how offensive I was. Explained to me how insecure they have felt while wearing kimono as non-Japanese. It shocked me because I had never thought that I was being offensive, rather, my intention was only intended to be supportive.
Saki wearing kimono in Italy
I’m now back living in Japan. Looking back, I could probably have expressed my thoughts more clearly.
The moment I realised that I too had behaved as another critical Japanese to them was eye opening, and an interesting discovery for me as well.
Since then, I began to better understand the perspective of some in Japan who are critical of others wearing kimono. In being critical, they may just want to preserve our culture in the best way.
RELATED: Just A Japanese Girl (Some Secrets For A Japan Trip)
Nagoya Kimono Old Town Walking Tour
Change into a traditional Kimono and walk the historic streets of Nagoya with a knowledgeable guide.
Have you ever looked longingly at the Japanese ladies (and men) wearing beautiful kimono? If you have, the ‘Nagoya Kimono Old Town Walking Tour’ will satisfy that particular longing.
You won’t be able to recognize yourself once you have been dressed in a traditional Japanese kimono. The kimono is restrictive, and even though it might make sitting down, or walking more difficult at first, it gives you a beautiful posture and changed atmosphere.
4 Hours | Lunch Included | Private | From ¥12,000
Using kimono rental and experience services
Getting the chance to wear an authentic kimono while in Japan is a wonderful way for anyone to experience traditional Japanese culture. It can be a fun activity for children too.
You usually don't have to communicate much after you’ve made your booking and once you show up at the store. So I would recommend finding rental shops available in English first, that allow you to book online or by email. (We Japanese tend to do much better in writing English than speaking it.)
Kimono rental store near Dogo Onsen, Ehime
Then, make sure that you arrive a bit earlier than the scheduled time or at least on time. Shop staff will show you what is available, which design, carry out the kimono fitting and will attend to everything you need. Even if you cannot speak Japanese, choosing kimono, sash and the fitting process should be fine.
I can however point out things you should know before and after you leave the shop and walk around in the streets.
Download my Free "Popular Kimono Experiences" Guide:
Tips for wearing kimono and using rental services
Kimono walking experience in Nagoya
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Some non-Japanese are concerned if it is cultural appropriation to wear kimono in Japan. I honestly don't believe that Japanese people get offended when foreigners wear kimono, or if when they do their kimono gets a bit out of shape. It would be a rare thing if a Japanese person expressed offence to that.
We would rather make nice compliments and be glad to see it, and be willing to help you should you have any problems.
The positive power of kimono
My answer to the initial question “Do you think it is rude for foreigners to wear kimono?” has become more complicated now that I have conflicting feelings inside.
A part of me loves it when I see kimono representing a different culture in the other parts of the world. Non-Japanese wearing kimono connects us, like a bridge connecting Japan with other countries.
Saki wearing a kimono in Germany
On the other hand though, I would love to keep my culture as it is, and for people to present the real image of kimono and show some respect, too. I haven’t yet found my definitive answer.
However, what I know for sure is the positive power of people wearing kimono. The power to make people smile and be happy, whether they come from Japan, or not. I am here, being proud of having this culture as a part of me.
So, if you are worried about wearing a kimono as a non-Japanese, rest assured that we would smile at you and happily say “You look beautiful in it.”
Selected Kimono Experiences via Klook
About the Author
Saki Yoshida is an online Japanese tutor, born and raised in Japan. She livestreams about her passion for traditional Japanese culture and kimono, and loves sharing her perspective and knowledge about Japan across social media and at JustAJapaneseGirl.
Resources
Download my Free "Popular Kimono Experiences" Guide:
Further Related Reading
The Hidden Secrets of Kimono: Uncovering the Silent Language of Japanese Dress
How To Travel In Japan When You Don't Speak Japanese
Top 7 Etiquette Tips For Travel in Japan
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I asked my students today in my tourism and fashion class. None of the 30 or so students present seemed to have any problem with it. I think that in the US where there are various cultures and races that are not always getting on so well together, or there are perceptions of prejudice at least against non-white groups, then it is like, “You disrespect my culture, and now you mimic it? Take that off!” In Japan they don’t feel like they are being disrespected so they don’t mind that others “mimic,” or participate in their culture. There is a big culture of mimicking in the form of cosplay too and some Japanese dress up as Americanesque rockabillies. But, I am not Japanese so I am not sure. Sometimes I wear a samue (blue karat-gi looking suit) to work and no-one bats an eyelid.
Thanks for sharing this real world experience Timothy. I broadly agree with your summary. The Japanese themselves are generally glad to see foreigners wearing kimono – provided it is done in a respectful way.
I was also born in Japan, but grew up in the United States. I love kimono, but cannot put the obi by myself. As for foreigners wearing kimono, I don’t think it’s a bad idea. What I dislike is when they don’t wear it properly. It irks me very much.
Thanks for sharing your views Hiromi. I hear you about putting on the obi yourself. When my wife and I were married in a Shinto ceremony in Kobe (see: https://www.therealjapan.com/japanese-culture-penpals-love-story) we both had personal dressers and for my wife especially fitting that obi took some skill!
Hello! Im trying to site this source. When was this published?
Hello Sylvia – thanks for asking. It was published in April 2021. Hope that helps. Feel free to update your comment with a link to the article if published online.
HI, Kon’nichiwa, I wanted to wear a men’s kimono or haori to a tea ceremony in Phoenix, Arizona. At first it seemed like it would be great fun. I still need a hakama, tai & setta, so on but then I read about Cultural Appropriation & decided to stop. I wanted to experience the ceremony with a sense of immersion not disrespect. So between Cultural Appr.. & no one to help me dress properly, I could use some help.
Hi JJ, it sounds to me that you have all the right intentions and the context (at a Japanese tea ceremony) is entirely appropriate. Of course, you are not in Japan, but I do not think that is a concern. What you are proposing to do is not cultural appropriation in my view. As Saki said in one of her other replies: “Do not worry about wearing Kimono… especially when it is a way for you to express your love for Japanese culture. Please keep wearing it. We appreciate your love”
I recently purchased a Haori to wear to the local Japanese Festival. I had owned a Yukata in the past but I’m not sure what happened to it. I found out from someone there that it was authentic from the 1920’s or 1930’s and made of Rinzu silk. It sent me on a deep dive into buying another Haori, a Haori for my husband, Tabi socks, a Kimono, and a pair of Geta sandals. I was also worried about offending people, but this article makes me feel better about it! I’m planning to find a complimentary Obi next! I really just think the entire attire and culture behind Kimono is beautiful. Thanks so much for this post, Saki and Rob!
Thanks Mandy for sharing your experiences with Japanese clothing and accessories.
Once place you’d probably love is Kinosaki Onsen – and onsen town where everyone (including foreigners) is encouraged to wear kimono/yukata/haori and even geta and walks the picturesque streets. It has a wonderful atmosphere. Check out this guide to Kinosaki Onsen:
https://www.therealjapan.com/kinosaki-onsen/
In the meantime, I hope you and your husband continue to enjoy wearing kimono/yukata!
Thank you for the detailed information. I wonder if it was rude and I am glad it’s not. I love the culture, would love to one day visit and wear a real Japanese kimono one day.
Hi Ebony nice to hear the article has help you out. Hope you can visit Japan and wear a kimono – I’m sure you’ll love the experience!
The article is really great especially on the part of the Kimono rental. I am looking for one but it is very expensive.
Hi Nathalie – thanks, so glad you enjoyed the article.
Where are you looking for kimono rental? Perhaps I can help you find something more affordable.
I feel the same way! I think as long as foreigners are wearing the kimono correctly I think it’s a beautiful opportunity to connect culturally. I’m half Japanese/American but I look pretty “white,” so I also feel like you shouldn’t judge if someone looks foreign or not. I get mistaken for a foreigner in Japan all the time even though I have Japanese citizenship.
I agree with you Lisa that appreciating and experiencing different cultures is a great way to connect with other people.
I will wear kimono in Japan. Based on your post, I want to attend a kimono-fitting course to learn about kimono, and I will have someone dress me. Of course I will take pictures! I want to know what you think. 🙂
Hi Cassandra, please do try wearing a kimono! There’s links to some kimono hire and dressing services in the post, so feel free to try them out.
I was given a Kimono by a Japanese woman so when I saw your title,I thought no. It must be okay.That said, she had to dress me and I wouldn’t be able to wear it without assistance. I really want to see the sex worker way of wearing it and the other way. A comparison. Quite curious. Interesting post.
Hi Lydia – I think you were fortunate to have been given a kimono as a gift. Dressing in them however is a bit of an artform!
I’m wondering what it would be like if a kimono was being worn somewhere not in Japan by someone who was not Japanese?
Hmm… I’m not sure. I guess it depends on the country and the context in which it is worn.
Perhaps other non-Japanese reading this have tried wearing kimono outside of Japan. I too would be curious to hear what reaction they received.
Hello Jojo, thank you for reading my post!
That is a good question. I can only speak from my personal experience. I’ve interacted with a group of non Japanese people enjoying Kimono in Germany, and it actually felt really nice. Just like other hobbies, it is nice to get to meet people who share the same interest as mine. I believe that Japanese people would be curious of non Japanese people wearing kimono outside Japan and maybe try to talk to them. Who knows, it could bring us all together. I hope I clarify your question even a bit. Thanks again!
Saki
This article was very helpful because I am hoping to make and wear kimono.
Glad you found Saki’s article helpful Jojo. Making your own kimono sounds impressive!
Absolutely great idea!
I am married to a Japanese man with Samurai ancestors. I am practicing martial arts. I can wear a kimono for Iaido. But the moment my husband wanted to put me in a female kimono, my life was a hell. I told him, that this is not a thing for a foreign woman. But he insisted and buy me one. Well, it is safe in my drawer. I never touched it. I feel stupid in it. I can’t walk andI hate how everyone stare at me. I think we Caucasian people look stupid in kimono. We simply don’t have a body for it.
Hello Linore,
Thank you for reading. I am really sorry for your experience. I hope that people didn’t do any harm to you when you wore Kimono. I am not sure where you were at but it’s possible that people stared at you out of curiousty, no bad intentions. I’ve met non Japanese people who wear kimono beautifully, so I disagree with you on saying “Caucasian people look stupid it in it”. However, do what makes you comfortable. 🙂 I see you practice martial arts and that’s more impressive!! I’d be happy to learn them haha. Thanks for taking your time to comment.
Saki
Eric and Rob, what an interesting post. We always want to be completely mindful of cultural views anytime we don clothes from said culture…especially in as mindful a nation as Japan. Kelli donned the kimono for a few pictures when we spent 1 year teaching English in Hiroshima. She wore it well, appropriately and respectfully, along with a few Japanese friends she made during her stay. Super post, good message.
Ryan
Thanks Ryan (I’m guessing Eric is a autocorrect typo for Saki?!). I bet when you and Kelli look at her kimono photos it brings back fond memories. Dressing like a local will surely be more memorable than one’s regular clothes!
Hello Ryan,
haha I hope you mean me by Eric. My name is Saki, it is nice to talk to you. I am really glad that Kelli made good memories here in Japan. We do appreciate people like you, who respect our local culture. Definitely wearing Kimono in Japan would be a great memory for you two. Thank you for your positive feedback!
Saki
Konnichiwa!!!
I really love japanese culture and I would like to visit Japan someday.
My plan was to wear kimono in Japan but now I got a bit worried if I will disrespect japanese culture, as I’m Finnish and not related to Japan in any way.
So is it disrespecting or “stealing the culture” if I wear kimono?
By the way, the article was really good 🙂 , but I’m still a bit unsure.
Thanks for your question.
In short, you will not be viewed as ‘stealing’ Japanese culture if you wear a kimono and you are respectful when doing so.
In fact, many Japanese would be pleased to see you wear a kimono as it demonstrates your passion for Japanese culture.
Hi Lemon girl, thanks for reading my post.
To answer your question, absolutely not. We don’t think you steal our culture, but please specify your concerns with me if you have anything specific. 🙂 We’d be happy to see you in it like Rob mentioned. Thanks very much for your positive feedback. 🙂
First of all, please forgive me for being long-winded.
I don’t have the talent to keep my sentences short…haha😅
In my personal opinion, it is impossible for many Japanese to understand why Caucasians wearing kimonos in the West is often criticized as cultural appropriation.
The Japanese don’t label their culture as “this is for Japanese only”, so most Japanese don’t think it’s cultural appropriation or racism when Caucasians wear kimonos.
For example, if a Caucasian wears a kimono that looks like a courtesan, most Japanese will just think “Eh?🤔” and not consider it an insult or disrespect to Japanese culture.
I think there are some Japanese who laugh or are surprised when they see it, but no one gets angry.
They simply think, “You are just ignorant of Japanese culture”.
Most of the time, most Japanese are very tolerant of “cultural appropriation”.
However, they are not so forgiving when it comes to significant misuse of Japanese culture.
For example, when Kim Kardashian named her brand of underwear “KIMONO”, many Japanese criticized her, and even a kimono shop in Kyoto complained to her.
If she had used the name “KIMONO” for clothing and cosmetics that reminded people of kimono, there would have been no such criticism.
In fact, when Rihanna got into trouble for naming one of her cosmetics brands “Geisha Chic Hunny,” many Japanese people reacted by saying, “Why would this be a problem?🤔”.
Lastly, I would like to point out that these are my own personal impressions.
No need to apologise for the length of your reply Shikibu, thanks for taking the time to comment – it’s interesting to read!
I pretty much agree with all the points you make. 🙂
Your heading is very very stupid and may put foreigner right off of wearing kimono in Japan
I visited Japan 4 times and the only cloth I was wearing was kimono for man and even on few occasions hakama with obi belts
Nihon Jin love to see gaijins wearing kimono : female and male alike
They smile and compliment you ” I kimono desune!!!)
You also wrong and misleading about not taking items with you!!! Yes I agree that your suitcase must stay at the hotel but at the kimono rentals they offer you many virieties of special kimono begs of various sizes and capacities and suited for a particular kimono you are wearing!!
In some bags you can fir small obento box!!!
Your headings remind me something like: would be offensive eating Japanese food like soba noodles ( same things as kimono) or maybe we should bring from our countries ham and tomato sandwiches or dry frozen food from bushwalking shops…. god forbid – nihon Jin will get very very upset if they see you eating nihon food and may smash your bowl with food on the table… I think it’s true analogy
Please think about what you write for inexperienced gaijins and don’t make future tourist stressed about wearing kimonos
I wear everything in Japan kimonos Jim beys someware etc etc I even make my own beg using furoshiki cloth and it’s not insulting for nihon Jin – they love it!!!!
The only thing gaijin must be carefull is using family kamon on their kimono
Some nihon Jin don’t like it but generally it’s also acceptable…..
Thanks for your post
No hard feeling
Hi Sasha – thanks for taking the time to share your experiences and views.
The purpose of the article was to share experiences of wearing kimono to help reassure non-Japanese about the questions they may have around the title “Is it rude to wear kimono?” – as this is a very common question.
I hope Saki’s article helps explain some of the potential issues and helps answer some of the questions around the subject, to encourage more foreigners to visit Japan and to experience Japanese culture – including wearing kimono if they wish to.
I hope many people enjoy wearing Kimono in Japan / out of Japan😊
I think how wear kimono is the point for Japanese people. As most of Japanese people respect / treat Kimono as “almost” holly clothes for special occasions (New Year / Wedding / Celebrations).
So when I see someone (no matter Japanese citizens or not) wears Kimono disrespectfully (I often see weird Kimono styles in Anime industry), then I see myself / Japanese culture cheaply and I would hate to see the person represents Japanese / the culture incorrectly.
Especially after I learnt about Maiko / Geiko (Geisha)’ lives and how hard their jobs are, I respect more Kimono.
I know a lot people (include Japanese citizens) got a wrong information about Geisha(Geiko = upper level than Maiko). They are not prostitutes. They are hostesses at Tea rooms.
Also, Oiran is not Sex workers, they don’t sleep with many men, they are so expensive that normal people can’t even afford them easily. I really wish that you didn’t describe them as “Sex Workers” though.
Thank you Sakura for your comments and feedback.
I hope too that more people in (or out of) Japan get to experience wearing kimono.
I agree with you about how hard the lives of Maiko / Geiko are, I’m sure many people do not understand this.
My review of the book Secret Moments of Maiko touches on this:
https://www.therealjapan.com/secret-moments-of-maikos/
Hello Sakura, thank you for reading and your feedback. Yes, how they wear matters to me as I wrote. I agree with you too, when people wear Kimono without the cultural knowledge, which could upset me as well. But I guess I am more open minded and chilled.
From my personal experience, I have not met Japanese people who get offended by non-Japanese people wearing Kimono so easily… (I have seen many non Japanese people discussing this topic and honestly, I wanted to share it as Japanese). That being said, I respect it when people have different standards/boundaries about Kimono styles just like us.
I am sorry if I offend you when it comes to Oiran. That was not my intention. I’ve learned “Oiran” as one of the Yujo (sex workers) but who are in a higher status. I didn’t mean that they sleep with many men, in fact, I state the fact (the category) in a neutral way. I am aware that they are still different from Geisha/Maiko and I hate that many people think that they are prostitutes as well. I meant “Oiran” as a sexual object (men paid for them for sexual entertainments etc) in this context as opposed to Kimono worn by normal citizens/people and nothing more. I didn’t mean to disrespect any professions here.
As an author, it is difficult to convey my emotions/thoughts through texts and of course, I may not get all correct. I am still learning. However, what I am trying to do here is to help people have the perspective from someone from Japan and avoid conflicts in the future. I am still happy to see people enjoying different culture and it would be such a waste if people hesitated to do this because of this reason or unnecessary fear (which is the main purpose why I wrote this).
Thanks for your understanding. Have a great day!
Many foreigners in Japan (and some even after leaving Japan) wear kimono on a regular basis because as immigrants to Japan it’s as much a part of their life and their culture as jeans or suits might be to a Japanese American. To suggest that it would be rude for them to have an active role in the culture of ten country they call home and that they have been a part of for a large chunk of their lives is plain racist. Perhaps instead of using the word “foreigners”- which includes anyone who doesn’t have a Japanese passport regardless of whether they are born and raised in Japan or have lived there for decades, you could use the word “tourists”, to avoid the racist implications of lumping everyone together as one big monolithic block.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Twitchit.
No-one here is suggesting it is rude to wear kimono, merely sharing experiences of wearing kimono in response to one of the common questions asked by people who are interested in coming to Japan, thinking about wearing kimono, but want to understand how (Japanese) people might respond to that.
Hopefully, this post helps explain some of the issues and reassures them that their most likely to be well-received.
I really enjoyed this article. I have worn kimono twice in Japan over the years and I loved it so much but was starting to worry it was actually offensive to some. For me it s a way to express my love for Japanese culture.
Thanks Kim, it’s great to hear you’ve worn kimono in Japan as a foreigner as a way of expressing your love for the culture!
Thank you for reading and leaving a comment Kim. I am glad you enjoyed my article! Do not worry about wearing Kimono in Japan, especially when it is a way for you to express your love for Japanese culture. Please keep wearing it. We appreciate your love 🙂