Kyoto mayor Daisaku Kadokawa has urged Kim Kardashian to reconsider ‘Kimono’ as name for her new shapewear line.
The statement was posted on Facebook.
“Ms. Kim Kardashian West
Kimono Intimates, Inc.
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.
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.
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,” the statement said.
According to Kyodo News, the letter was e-mailed to Kim Kardashian on June 28, but the city has not yet received a response from a celebrity.
Follow NEWS.am STYLE on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
23:13, April 24
My great grandparents were victims of this terrible genocide: Kev Orkian22:17, April 24
Vahe Berberian published the only photo of his grandfather, a victim of the Armenian Genocide, and talked about his promise21:30, April 24
Today we commemorate the 1.5 million Armenians that died in 1915. Those who lost their lives included my great great grandmothers and grandfathers: Diana Madison20:48, April 24
I want to remember my ancestors who perished and those who survived: Serj Tankian commemorates the victims of the Armenian Genocide of 191519:46, April 24
This tragedy was an integral part of his life։ Kristina Aznavour shares some archived photos of Charles Aznavour and George Clooney taken in Tsitsernakaberd15:04, April 24
Lebanese haute couture designer of Armenian origin, Krikor Jabotian commemorates the Armenian Genocide of 1915 quoting Sayat Nova13:03, April 24
Ladaniva pay tribute to the victims of the Armenian Genocide of 191523:10, April 23
Ultra-rare Rolex watch sold for record $3.5M19:25, April 23
Charles Aznavour: On centenary of the late great French Armenian chansonnier16:22, April 23
David Lynch presents ‘Room of Reflection’ installation at Salone del Mobile15:13, April 23
New details revealed about Marilyn Monroe's affair with Kennedy brothers, last day of her life14:17, April 23
Microsoft makes Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa rap