Ask any fashion designer what inspires them most about Japanese culture and they will probably say the Kimono.  Like many other timeless fashion trends, the Japanese kimono starts out with a very simple concept; in fact, its boxy shape is what makes it such a versatile place to start for young designers.  Over the years since the Kimono was first introduced in North America, numerous designers have used it as an inspiration for dresses, blouses, scarves and robes.

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When one pictures a Japanese kimono or yukata, the image that comes to mind is usually a traditional robe worn by a Japanese woman; but this is no longer the case.  While the kimono robe was always known as a hallmark of Japanese society, the trend has expanded to include men’s “Happi” coats and lightweight cotton yukatas.  The shape and pattern of these simple Japanese robes hasn’t changed much over the years, but they are worn in more casual settings.

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When most people picture kimono robes for women, they remember the elaborate silk creations they’ve seen on Japanese women, many of which would be displayed at museums and galleries.  While these collectors’ editions still enjoy quite a following, the average woman cannot picture herself wearing one.  The modern kimono robes of today are just as attractive as those traditional ones on display, but they are much less expensive and easier to care for. In fact, nearly all of the Japanese kimono robes for women have the same appearance and quality as those that were created so long ago.

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Doesn’t it seem like the Japanese know how to do everything better?  Whether it’s through meditation, Feng Shui design, healthy eating or Ikebana gardening, all aspects of life are well thought out and designed to enhance the quality of life.  They even know how to relax better, with sumptuous silk kimono dresses.  Ever since Westerners started to immerse themselves in Japanese culture, kimono dresses have played an influential role in American fashion.

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The Happi coat originated during the Edo period (1603 to 1867) in Japan. They were primarily worn by the wealthy and working class and originally designed for men. Women soon began wearing them as a protective jacket over the kimono to guard against the elements.

House servants wore Happi coats that were embroidered with the Mon, or family crest they served. Later, shop keepers took up the Happi coat and stamped the name of their business on the back. Fire fighters wore the coats as protective jackets, emblazoned with their crest for visual identification of the firehouse they worked with.

Laborers adopted the Happi coat and used them as protective working jackets. The wealthy wore distinct Happi coats at celebrations and funerals for their servants to be able to identify them quickly when needed.

The long history of the Happi coat still exists today in modern Japan. Many social groups and religious organizations wear the coats marked with their group’s logo for festivals and public gatherings or to identify their membership to a particular religious shrine.

The coats have changed over the centuries going from a solid brown or indigo blue to today’s vibrant colors and varied patterns that signify symbolic cultural references such as the sakura blossom, the crane or dragon.

In the past decade, the Happi has gained popularity as a bathrobe, lounging robe, or as a cover up at the beach or pool. “Happi” today often denotes a mid-length or knee length robe, comfortable and care-free, ideal for modern day living.

Chopa Zen Home & Gift offers a wide selection of men’s and women’s Happi coats in a variety of colors and traditional patterns. They are soft, comfortable and made from 100% cotton for easy care. Our Happi Coats are made in Japan and come with a matching belt.

During the month of January, we are offering free shipping on all Happi coats! (within the continental US only).

If you have a picture in your mind about the Japanese lifestyle, reality may not live up to your expectations.  Contrary to popular belief, it’s rare to see many women wearing kimono dresses on the streets of Tokyo.  In fact, this international city may look a lot more “Western” than many American towns.  But this doesn’t meant that kimono dresses, or yukatas, have not influenced Japanese fashions.  The Kimono is more likely to be worn in a traditional ceremony or celebratory setting, with kimono dresses a more popular item with older Japanese women. 

Wearing a kimono in the traditional Japanese way would require one to purchase an elaborate “obi” or sash to wrap around the waist.  In today’s more casual culture, it’s more common to wear colorful silk kimonos as loungewear or as a robe at a resort area.  When shopping for kimono dresses, most women find that a lightweight cotton yukata is a better choice. 

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