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TV AND SOCIAL media star Kim Kardashian has announced that she will change the name of her new shapewear line after she was hit with accusations of cultural appropriation.
Kardashian unveiled the new Kimono line on Twitter last week, revealing she had been working for a year on the underwear to offer “solutions for women that actually work.”
The announcement garnered mixed reaction both at home and in Japan, with some offering their criticism on Twitter using the hashtag #KimOhNo.
Once a standard of the Japanese wardrobe, the kimono is now often reserved for special occasions, such as weddings and coming-of-age ceremonies, and is mostly worn by women.
The mayor of Japan’s ancient capital Kyoto was among those who asked Kardashian to consider renaming her shapewear line.
“Kimono is a traditional ethnic dress fostered in our rich nature and history,” Kyoto Mayor Daisaku Kadokawa wrote in a letter to her.
“(I) ask you to reconsider your decision of using the name Kimono in your trademark.”
As a result of the backlash, Kardashian announced on social media that she would change the name.
“When I announced the name of my shapewear line, I did so with the best intentions in mind,” Kardashian said.
She said that her brands and products are “built with inclusivity and diversity at their core”.
“After careful thought and consideration, I will be launching my Solutionwear brand under a new name. I will be in touch soon,” she said.
Explaining her decision to change the name, Kardashian said “being an entrepreneur and my own boss has been one of the most rewarding challenges I’ve been blessed with in my life.
“What’s made it possible for me after all of these years has been the direct line of communication with my fans and the public,” she said. “I am always listening, learning and growing – I so appreciate the passion and varied perspectives that people bring to me.”
Despite Kardashian’s U-turn, Japan’s Trade and Industry Minister Hiroshige Seko still announced that Tokyo would sent senior Patent Office staff to the US on 9 July to discuss the situation.
“The kimono is a culture our country has given to the world. In America as well, kimono has a high name recognition as being Japanese,” Seko told reporters in Tokyo.
“I hope the United States will take the appropriate screening measures, taking into account the spirit of the trademark system.”
Includes reporting by © – AFP 2019
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Gardai believe it was the INLA who thought, incorrectly, he had a large sum of cash they could extort. More freedom fighters liberating Ireland one civilian murder at a time.
Charlie. Do you have any evidence to support that statement??
@Ray, it’s called Google. Now this is the best bit: You’ll be brought to newspaper reports that actually quote the Gardai. Hopefully you can find use for such technology in the deep night of your wilful ignorance.
lol Charlie, that shut him up…
Darren, the article you link to specifically states that Gardai don’t think there was any paramilitary involvement in his murder. Perhaps you could change your smug comments and stop using the murder of a man to score your tedious political points
Apologies, Darren, it was your link but Charlie’s smug comments that ground my gears. Won’t happen again, guv!
Ray the dogs on the street in South Kerry know the organisation that was involved
Charlie. Google the free library. Give’s a different slant to your’s .maybe you should read more before you call someone ignorant?
Charlie Wrex! Only people of minimal intelligence believe what’s in google as it’s only Stories from reporters (sometimes freelance)
You are an absolute nut job to even quote google as your point of reference.
So get of your computer you know all and get a life .
Back to school you dope..sorry! TROLL!!
Now if only they’d dig up the garden that Philip Cairns is supposed to be buried in.
Or the land where Mary Boyle disappeared
Awful what happend ro this family as a result of their father’s death.
why not investigate Mary Boyle as well.
There’s too many careers on the line.
Another victim of republican terrorists. It did not take long for the first what about comment to be posted in order to deflect attention away from this particular murder.
Well it didn’t take long for you to pop up even though the Gardai believe it was a criminal gang involving an ex-INLA man and not a paramilitary gang or murder. That’s why this poor man is not included under the remit of the Disappeared Commission. Stop being an oaf, Leo
Better late than never…. Right?
have your say