A Japanese mayor has asked Kim Kardashian to “reconsider” naming her shape wear brand ‘Kimono’, in an open letter addressed to the reality star.
Earlier this week, the mother-of-four announced details about her new brand, which sparked a cultural appropriation row.
Making matters worse for the KUWTK star, Kyoto mayor Daisaku Kadokawa has now written an open letter to Kim.
In the letter, which was published on the city of Kyoto’s official website, the mayor said the Kimono, which is a traditional Japanese dress, “should not be monopolised”.
He wrote: “I am writing this letter to convey our thoughts on Kimono and ask you to
re-consider your decision of using the name Kimono in your trademark.”
“Kimono is a traditional ethnic dress fostered in our rich nature and history with our predecessors’ tireless endeavours and studies, and it is a culture that has been cherished and passed down with care in our living.”
“Also, it is a fruit of craftsmanship and truly symbolizes sense of beauty, spirits and values of Japanese. In recent years, we see not only Japanese but also many foreign tourists wearing Kimono and strolling around in Kyoto and cities in Japan.”
“It is a proof that Kimono, that we are proud of as our traditional culture, is loved by people from around the world,” he continued.
“We are currently undertaking initiatives nationally to make “Kimono Culture”, symbol of our culture and spirits, registered to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
“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.”
Finally, the mayor of Kyoto added: “I would like you to visit Kyoto, where many Japanese cultures including Kimono have been cherished, to experience the essence of Kimono Culture and understand our thoughts and our strong wish.”
As of right now, Kim has not responded to the letter, but she recently addressed the controversy surrounded her new brand’s name in a statement obtained by The New York Times.
Kim said using the name ‘Kimono’ was meant to be “a nod to the beauty and detail that goes into a garment,” and she insisted that she has no plans “to design or release any garments that would in any way resemble or dishonor the traditional garment.”
The reality star said she has “deep respect for the significance of the kimono in Japanese culture”, before adding, “My solutionwear brand is built with inclusivity and diversity at its core and I’m incredibly proud of what’s to come.”
