Kardashian West’s new ‘Kimono’ shapewear sparks outrage in Japan

TOKYO — Kim Kardashian West’s latest product is not yet available to buy, but the backlash is already here.

A day after a new line of slimming undergarments called Kimono Solution wear was announced, some Japanese people expressed their displeasure with the reality star’s use of the word kimono to sell her latest product.

They accused her of appropriating an item – and an idea – central to Japanese culture in an attempt at cute wordplay and consumerism.

Kardashian West announced the project Tuesday on Twitter, saying it was coming soon. The product, which does not resemble a kimono, is shapewear for women in nine different shades and an array of sizes that is intended to help women feel more confident.

“Finally I can share with you guys this project that I have been developing for the last year. I’ve been passionate about this for 15 years. Kimono is my take on shapewear and solutions for women that actually work,” she wrote. In Japan, the word kimono, which means “thing to wear on the shoulders” is a central part of national culture. It is a gown that is tied with a sash and has been worn by men and women alike for generations.

On social media, angry users accused the reality star of disrespecting Japanese culture and stealing the name of their traditional dress.

“This is blasphemy against Japanese culture. Can’t someone from kimono-related organizations protest? This is terrible,” tweeted Masahito Sato, an editor and writer.

Many used the hashtag #KimOhNo to express their disgust and disappointment.

“Kim, I’m sure your shapewear’s nice, but please don’t take the name of a beautiful, traditional Japanese wardrobe and use it for your undies,” one user wrote.

Kardashian West calls her new brand “a solution focused approach to shape enhancing underwear.”

According to the BBC, she trademarked the Kimono brand last year in the United States and has also filed trademarks for Kimono Body, Kimono Intimates and Kimono World.