Archive for the ‘Japanese kimono for sale’ Category

Top Selling Kimono for January 2022

Friday, February 18th, 2022

Chopa is one of the leading online shops offering fine Japanese Kimono and Yukata robes. We like to provide our customers a list each month of what is popular right now.  There are many options available when choosing a kimono shop. Since we have been operating since 1994, we are confident that we offer some of the best choices out there.

Our goal has always been to enlighten and educate customers about the beauty and symbolism of Japanese Kimonos.  Whether you admire the cultural significance, the bright, vivid colors, the symbolic patterns, or the luxury and comfort these robes provide, we take the guesswork out of online kimono shopping.  Our fast shipping is just one component that sets us apart from the crowd.  Chopa is your Kimono Source and as such, we ship most orders within one business day. Many orders ship the same day if your order is placed early in the day. Most orders are delivered within 2-3 business days, weather permitting.

Chopa ships your order safely and securely from a warehouse in the Northwest Panhandle of Florida.  We do the importing for you and carry over 100 styles, colors, and patterns that are in stock and ready to ship. Orders of $75 or more ship Free anywhere in the USA, including Hawaii and Alaska. You avoid duties, taxes, and import fees when shopping with us.

Every week, we hear from customers expressing how happy they are to have found us.  Many come from referrals and word of mouth. They share stories with us about their previous experiences. To put it bluntly, they are not pretty stories.  People ordered directly from a dealer in Japan and were told shipping is quick, usually 3-5 days.  Reality is a wait of up to 30 days in many cases. Customers are told they could return it. An issue lies with translation issues. The purchaser doesn’t speak or write Japanese and the vendor doesn’t communicate in English. To this, we say good luck and recommend taking an aspirin for their headaches.

Other resulting issues are duties and taxes.  Their package arrives and they have presented a bill for $10, $15, or even $25 more for duties, taxes, customs clearance, and import fees.  Shoppers were never told about this. But if they don’t pay the costs, the carrier keeps the package and the customer is out. Sometimes these packages are submitted to customs. They are sold for liquidated damages and other times sent back to the shipper, who doesn’t issue a refund.

Frequently we hear about requests for returns being denied by the dealer.  Customers are told, the wrong size doesn’t qualify or 3 days is too long. Worse yet, they simply ignore emails and telephone calls. If a customer is granted a return approval, they are shocked when they go to the post office. Here, they discover that shipping a 2-pound package can cost $60 by Priority Mail. This cost is born by the customer, not the Japanese dealer.  We feel dealers operate this way because they discovered most customers will keep the robe instead of investing additional money into their losing investment already. It is sad but true.

In summary, you can see how we make this an easy choice to shop with us. One of our mottos is “We take the guesswork out of Kimono shopping” and once a customer shops with us, they realize how true it is.  We welcome you to go to our online Kimono Shop and see for yourself. Whether it’s men’s or women’s kimono or yukata or perhaps an outfit for your little Samurai or Princess, we have a large selection to choose from.

It seems like 2022 just began and we have now already blown through January and are over halfway through February.

Without further delays, here is our list of Top Selling Kimono and Yukata for January 2022:

  1. Tree of Life Yukata
  2. Dragon and Bamboo Yukata
  3. Navy Kagome Yukata
  4. Dragon and Hawk Yukata
  5. Yukata – Dragon & Mt Fuji Navy 

Chopa.com currently has two orders in production with smaller shipments arriving in mid-March and April. Our largest Spring order is expected to arrive from Japan in late April. The logistics staff continues to monitor shipping and supply chain issues.  We have been and will continue to use Air Freight for our future shipments. This is necessary until the Ports along both sides of the country catch up and fix their lengthy delays. While air is more costly than a cargo ship, we would rather absorb the cost and obtain our product quicker and more efficiently. Thank you for visiting our site and reading our Blogs.  Now Get Your Kimono On!!

                     Dragon and Hawk Yukata

Honored as Best Online Retailer – Kimono

Thursday, February 10th, 2022

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chopa – Your Kimono Source, Receives 2022 Best of Panama City Beach Award Online Retailer for Kimono and Yukata

Panama City Beach Award Program Honors the Achievement

PANAMA CITY BEACH February 3, 2022 — Chopa – Your Kimono Source has been selected for the 2022 Best of Panama City Beach Award in the Online Retailer category by the Panama City Beach Award Program.

Each year, the Panama City Beach Award Program identifies companies that have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These local companies enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and their community. These exceptional companies help make the Panama City Beach area a great place to live, work and play.

Various sources of information are gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each year. The 2022 Panama City Beach Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Panama City Beach Award Program and data provided by third parties.

About Panama City Beach Award Program

The Panama City Beach Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Panama City Beach area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.

The Panama City Beach Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community’s contributions to the U.S. economy.

Chopa – Your Kimono Source is an online retailer specializing in authentic Japanese Kimono, Yukata and Short Length Happi Coats. Established in 1994, Chopa, a 100% employee-owned Company offers great customer service, a large selection, quality robes and some of the most competitive pricing in the industry.  Chopa only offers Japanese Kimono robes, made by known family operated manufacturers that pay fair wages and offer excellent working environments. Other dealers on Etsy and Amazon often offer Chinese kimono sometimes using slave or forced labor to achieve low cost robes and larger profits.

If you are seeking a USA based company with 28 years experience that ships quickly anywhere in the USA, then Chopa is for you.  Visit their online Kimono Shop at www.chopa.com

                       Japanese Kimonos

The Japanese Kimono and Symbolism of Colors

Sunday, February 6th, 2022

In Japan, tradition is key. It’s a country that has been influenced by many cultures, including Western ones. The beautiful language of colors found throughout their culture has deep meaning and validation. Traditional colors still hold some significance today for those living in Japan and visiting alike, especially when it comes to art or dress designs. To this day, when it comes to kimono or yukata worn for special occasions like weddings or ceremonies, beliefs about certain colors and hues are taken very seriously.

There are specific hues which carry special meaning from this culture as they believe these particular shades will result in obtaining wishes and goals. For example, some believe there may not be just one color that will bring good fortune, but rather an entire spectrum from blue-green representing water ways, all the way through reds signifying fire.

Kimono colors can be interpreted in many ways. The most important color, according to Japanese culture is green which represents new beginnings and good fortune. The secondary colors are white for growth, blue for peace and red which symbolize love. These have ancient meanings along with other cultures around the world who share similar beliefs. Colors are considered being relevant for determining future events like marriage prospects among others things.

The colors red and white are prominent in Japan. Both represent happiness, joyfulness as well an occasion for celebration such like weddings or birthdays. Events that bring people together to celebrate life events with family members who love them unconditionally.

The color red is important in Japanese culture. It’s often used to represent passion and joy. The first thing people think about when they see the vivid shade are cherries since those fruits have an association with love-related stories. In general, the color red carries with it many different meanings, but generally speaking this it represents strength through passion generated through self-sacrifice.

White also has multiple meanings and associations. White signifies surrender or peace and stands for purity, truth and honesty. It symbolizes beginnings from nothing, like a blank page yet also represents death and mourning.

The color green is a popular choice for clothes in Japan and it’s because the country loves plants, foliage and nature. The country celebrates greenery day because they love the land for its lush green vegetation. Whether it is trees or grass; this includes all things natural in life including green tea. In addition, it is holds significance for prosperity, wealth and luck or good fortune.

The color blue has many meanings in Japan. It is often associated with coolness, passivity and loyalty which are all seen as positive traits. Blue is also considered a color associated with luck.

No color is as auspicious for wealth and value than gold and silver. The color of wealth and power, gold has been a popular choice for centuries. These two elements are used to connotate great significance and prestige. It provides an elegant touch that can be found in many different patterns and works of art. Gold and silver are often used to create a rich symphony of color.

Black is a prized choice in Japan.  The blackness of the Kimono is often used to represent elegance or darkness. For example, it can be seen as a symbol for widowed women who have lost their spouse by death. The coloration also carries other connotations such classy garments reserved only for special occasions. The black color is often used in Japanese Kimono to represent power and elegance.

The black fabric of a kimono is often used to represent femininity and beauty in Japan. The color’s deep shade was originally created as an alternative for cherry blossom flowers, which were not available during winter months. Today, people wear them with pride even if there are no longer seasons where you can indulge your senses at their fullest extent.

Yellow is a popular color in Japan. It’s the Greece of colors, sunny and smiling. Japanese people have a special relationship with the color yellow. In Japan, this bright and cheerful tone can be seen in flowers as well as clothes for both children and adults alike. It is also associated with gardening. The color of sunshine and nature in Japan, yellow is associated with happiness.

Pink is a hue widely used in kimono for hundreds of years. It’s not just any old color, but rather it symbolizes femininity and elegance which are two things associated with women in Japanese culture. Pink is the color of romance and femininity. It’s also a symbol of healing to comfort women.

Of course there are more colors available and you can find a kimono or yukata in about any shade you desire.  Consider the Kimono palette the rainbow. Each color is special and the mixing or blending and pairing of colors provide additional significance in the Kimono culture. Wear your kimono proudly and if seeking a kimono gift, consider what traits the individual has and try pairing those with corresponding colors.  While it isn’t necessary to follow this guide, it deepens the meaning and cultural significance. Get Your Kimono On!! You can search over 100 different styles, colors and patterns of authentic Japanese Kimono and Yukata for men, women and kids at Your Kimono Source, www.chopa.com

 

Color palette of kimonos

Kimono Colors

Buying a Kimono From an Employee Owned Business.

Sunday, January 30th, 2022

An employee-owned business is a company in which the employees own a significant or entire portion of the business. This type of ownership is becoming more and more popular, as employees see the benefits of owning a piece of their workplace and career. Here are some key reasons why you should shop for Kimonos and Yukatas from an employee-owned business,

An employee-owned business is operated and controlled by its employees. Employees take ownership through stock, stock options, profit sharing and other methods. Some of the many benefits of employee-owned businesses include higher productivity and job satisfaction, lower employee turnover, and better sustainability. Employee ownership gives employees a stake in the success of their own company and future.

Employee-owned businesses are different from traditional businesses in a few ways. First, profits are shared among all employees, not just executives and upper management. Second, everyone has a voice in decisions made about the business. Third, employees can earn a livable wage and benefits. In most traditional businesses many staff only receive minimum wage. With many consumers opting to purchase Fair Trade products which ensure foreign workers receive fair and livable wages, an employee owned business represents the same thought process in the USA.

When a company is employee-owned, all staff have a personal stake in making sure it succeeds. This means that they’re more likely to take care of their customers, offer high-quality products and fair pricing.  Owners have incentive to provide value to their customers, since their livelihood depends on it. Employee ownership not only helps the company and its employees, but it also helps communities as a whole. Employee-owned businesses are more likely to stay in the community, hire locally, and support other local businesses.

Employee-owned businesses not only give back to their employees, but they also care about their customers and the environment. Everyone wants to succeed and this success trickles down to others in each community. The profits stay in the community. And that means more money for schools, parks, and other local resources. So if you’re looking to support the local community process or shop local, consider buying from an employee-owned business. You’ll be helping to keep a community strong and thriving. Thriving communities are more family oriented, respected, engaged, grateful and in turn this helps keep crime low.  It’s a win-win-win formula.

Chopa – Your Kimono Source became a full employee-owned business in 2005. For the past 17 years we have grown stronger, provided more value to customers, excelled in service, selection, shipping and customer satisfaction. Our owners meet regularly to discuss events, customer service, comments and we plan together in a way that only a family can. As a 100% employee-owned firm, we have never been happier and don’t believe we would ever look back. Everyone, especially our customers benefit from this arrangement. We consider our customers family as well.

If you’re looking for a way to support local communities, get quality products and added value at the same time, consider buying from an employee-owned business!  Chopa is proud to be employee owned.  We thrive because of it.  Join us and shop our online store for the kimono you need and more importantly, the kimono you deserve.  Now Get Your Kimono On!

                       Beautiful Kimonos

The Colors and Symbolism of the Japanese Kimono

Sunday, January 23rd, 2022

Kimono is a word that has been in use since at least the 12th century. Kimono translates as the “thing to wear.”  This ancient garment originated as an article of dress for Japanese women and girls. Soon it became popular all over Japan and Asia. This was due to its beauty, which was symbolized by long flowing skirts associated with femininity during this era when society really wasn’t progressing too much past old traditions.

Kimonos are much more than just beautiful clothing; they represent an era of elegance and culture. They have been worn by emperors, courtesans and geishas. All those who desired to make their mark on history through fashion for over 1000 years. The kimono’s rich history can be seen through every aspect from how people wear them today.

Dating back over ten decades to the present day, it continues on as one of Japan’s most iconic garments. Not only does this cloth provide comfort for its wearers, but also brings about pleasure through wear or simply seeing others in their beautiful outfits.  Some people can be mistaken on how valuable these items these items really are in culture and history.

Kimonos are a form of traditional Japanese clothing that can be worn at any time. The patterns and motifs have symbolic meanings related to the seasons. For instance, bamboo branches for winter or plum and cherry blossoms representing springtime in Japan. Plant imagery is often used for springtime celebrations in Japan because plants often grow quickly after being planted. The colors and patterns represent different seasons.

Kimonos are not just a symbol of Japanese culture, but also have deep personal meaning. The colors worn reflect their personality and attitude towards life in addition to what it means for them on an individual level. In modern society, people can easily attach meaning onto any object or person based off surface-level information alone. They often miss getting the story being told, much less why this particular piece matters so much more than others. Wearing kimonos with specific patterns tells a tale every time. When someone sees how beautifully designed each pattern actually is, they better understand the careful consideration put into making sure no detail went overlooked during construction and design.

The colors of kimonos have deep meanings. The most prominent being blue, which signifies sky and ocean in Japanese culture. Blue also means loyalty. Red is used to ward off evil spirits from coming near you or entering your home through some other means. For example, if someone walks past while looking depressed. Pink symbolizes youthfulness. It also holds the idea that older ladies will become young again when they die. This is because their spirit remains inside this material world for all eternity until it finds its true place. This hopefully happens sooner rather than later, according to Buddhist beliefs about life after death.

Today, the kimono is worn more than ever. They’re commonly seen at social gatherings like meeting with friends or attending graduation parties. Students will often dress up their graduate uniforms with an elegant Kimono to make them feel more adult-like while enjoying this ancient tradition. Kimono can also be used for more formal occasions such as a marriage and at a tea ceremony where it’s expected that you wear your finest attire.

No matter what the occasion or what your mood, it is fairly easy to locate a kimono or yukata robe that will match your needs and desires. Customers of Chopa – Your Kimono Source often purchase several. Some wear them while lounging at home, some wear them to special events, parties and festivals. Chopa offers over 100 different styles, colors and patterns in many sizes for men, women and kids. Their online Kimono Shop is open 24 hours a day for your shopping convenience. Shipping is always quick as most orders ship within one business day. Visit their shop today at www.chopa.com.

kimono yukata shop

Kimono History

Top Selling Kimono for December 2021

Monday, January 17th, 2022

Looking for the best-selling Kimono for December 2021? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of the top kimonos and yukatas based on sales data from our online store. Whether you’re looking for a new kimono to wear to your next party or simply want to add a stylish piece to your wardrobe, we’ve got you covered. So, without further ado, here are the top five best-selling kimonos and yukatas for December 2021!

  1. Yukata – Dragon & Mt. Fuji, Navy
  2. Kimono – Embroidered Samurai
  3. Yukata – Navy Kagome
  4. Yukata – Dragon and Bamboo
  5. Kimono – Royal Cranes

Our December 2021 best selling Kimono list is a quick snapshot of what was popular among men and women. Whether buying a Japanese robe for yourself or as a gift, many customer do both. Of course purchases during December are not just for Christmas. We saw a lot of birthday messages as well as anniversary notes and simple acts of love. Our list includes a variety of colors and styles, so there is sure to be something for everyone!

December was our busiest month of the year and we are happy to say a very satisfying and productive month.  The wonderful staff at Chopa spent many hours, days and weeks planning for the holiday period to assure we had plenty of choices, styles and sizes available on our Kimono menu. Realize that Chopa – Your Kimono Source offers over 100 different prints, styles and designs, so it isn’t an easy task putting it all together.

The secret to our success is that we began this adventure back in 1994 and as we enter our 28th year in business, we have learned more than a thing or two. We put it all together and continue to perform like a well oiled machine. AS our motto states, We take the guesswork out of online Kimono Shopping.

2021 ended with a bang and some rest for our staff. Now what? Well, 2022 looks to be just as bright. Our buyers have been working hard behind the scenes putting together some new patterns and colors. Some exclusive and some will be for a limited time only. Business is continuing to be challenging in many areas including shipping, costs and our network across Japan. The Covid pandemic continues to play havoc in other countries like it has here.

We were saddened to learn of the passing of several designers in Japan that were behind some of the most outstanding patterns we have sold in years. These fine artists fell victims to Covid and some of their work will now be retired forever. Our hearts and prayers go out to those lost and their families and friends that grieve. We grieve with you and for all who have lost loved ones to Covid.

As we sail into the new year, many people are getting past the Holidays, time off, parties and year end celebrations. Many also are starting to think about their future holiday shopping needs. Valentines Day is less than a month away. Easter arrives April 22nd. Nothing says Spring like a fresh yukata or kimono robes in pretty pastels of yellow or light greens and blues. Birthdays happen throughout the year as do anniversaries.

Early Summer holds many graduations as well as Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Before you know it, the beach season will be here and that means Happi Coats are popular and in high demand. Many customers wear these as coverups at the beach and pool. We li ke them to wear around the house while lounging or hanging out on the patio with a good book, cup of our favorite beverage and maybe some tunes in the air.

If you’re looking for a unique gift that is sure to please, a kimono may be just what you’re looking for. Whether you’re looking for something traditional or modern, there’s sure to be a kimono that fits your needs.  We hope you find this information helpful and informative. Thank you for reading! Now go Get Your Kimono On!! See our entire line at www.chopa.com.

Popular Kimonos

The Joy of the Kimono and Yukata

Sunday, January 9th, 2022

Have you ever worn a kimono or yukata? If not, then you are missing out on one of life’s special experiences. Wearing these traditional Japanese garments is an enjoyable and unique experience that everyone should have the chance to enjoy. There’s nothing quite like the feel of a kimono or yukata against your skin, and wearing one will make you feel like a Japanese Princess or Samurai Warrior!

The best part is that you don’t have to go to Japan to live this dream. In fact, you don’t even have to find a store in Japan to buy one. In 1994, Chopa – Your Kimono Source became one of the web’s first online stores to make these beautiful robes available to everyone and easy to obtain.  Chopa saw the need for a one stop shopping experience and took the guesswork out of buying a kimono online.

Our online kimono shop is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Browse our large selection of authentic Japanese kimono, Yukata and short length kimono called the Happi Coat. Whether you are seeking a robe for men, women or kids, we have many styles and sizes to choose from. You can find yukatas and kimonos in a variety of colors and patterns. Chopa is based in the USA and ships from the Panhandle of Florida. Orders are processed quickly and most orders ship within one business day with many shipping the same day.

Yukata and kimono can be worn as loungewear, coverups at the beach, pool or spa and for parties and special ceremonies.  The yukata is often worn to outdoor festivals, especially in the summer. They’re comfortable and stylish, making them perfect for many occasions. Yukata and kimonos are perfect for lazy days around the house or while enjoying a cup of tea or coffee on the patio.

While Kimono are normally produced with a heavier fabric, a yukata is made of lighter weight cotton to keep you cool and comfortable. We offer kimono and yukata in both 100% cotton and a few styles in silk. Both are perfect to wear year-round for style and comfort.  Cotton robes are easy to care for and soft on the skin. Most styles we offer are machine-washable and tumble dried on low. For best results, we advise using cold water wash cycles and a short dry cycle or drip dry. This extends the lifespan of your robe.

With the ease of shopping online from Chopa, you don’t have to wait many weeks or months for a delivery from the far east. You won’t be surprised by a customs and duties bill and returns are simple. As mentioned before, we take the guesswork out of buying a kimono or yukata.

As a large buyer of Japanese kimono and yukata, Chopa is able to secure very favorable pricing which allows them to sell these fine robes at competitive and economical prices. Chopa also uses financial arbitrage and market strategies to hedge against rising or falling values of the Japanese Yen. This helps to assure reasonable pricing no matter what is taking place in the volatile currency markets. Our kimono is often less than half of what trendy retail stores offer them for. Since they are reasonably priced, many customers opt to purchase several to match their different moods and outfits.

Kimonos and yukatas make great gifts for friends and family members. We have many corporate customers who purchase dozens as corporate gifts and rewards for employees or to thank a customer when presented as a gift.  These robes make wonderful gift ideas throughout the year. Whether Valentines Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Easter, Graduation, birthdays, anniversaries or Christmas and Hanukkah holidays, Kimono and Yukata make gifts that people will enjoy and appreciate. Shop online now at www.chopa.com.

kimono-robes

                            Japanese Kimono

May the Joy of the Season Fill Your Home!

Tuesday, December 21st, 2021

Season’s Greetings to All! May this Christmas bring you Joy,

Happiness and Peace. Gratitude.

Christmas greetings

Merry Christmas!

Last Days To Ship FedEx

Wednesday, December 8th, 2021

It’s now two weeks until Christmas, and if you’re like many people, you’re still looking for the perfect gifts for your loved ones and friends. If you’re trying to ship your gifts in time for Christmas, it’s important to plan now to get your packages delivered on time. Here are the key dates to ship your gifts through FedEx to arrive by Christmas.  We always recommend shipping early rather than waiting for the “last day.”

At Chopa – Your Kimono Source, we ship packages on over 300 days a year and know that things can happen.  A truck can break down, labor shortages, plane delays and the inevitable winter weather.  Nothing slows down transit times like a snow storm can.  Ship early, relax and enjoy what the season has to offer. If you want to make it easy, select a beautiful kimono or yukata and leave the shipping to us. Now, that’s easy!  Happy Holidays.  Shop now! 

FedEx Christmas Shipping Deadlines

US Mail Christmas Shipping Deadlines – Get Your Gifts There on Time!

Tuesday, December 7th, 2021

Shipping gifts this Christmas season?  Here are the deadlines for USPS, US Mail.  We recommend shipping gifts earlier than those recommended.  You can’t go wrong shipping early. Take the pressure off and relax. Enjoy the Holidays!

Christmas Shipping Deadlines