City
Epaper

Kyoto Mayor asks Kim Kardashian to reconsider 'Kimono' brand

By IANS | Published: July 01, 2019 12:14 PM

The Kimono-loving Mayor of the Japanese city of Kyoto on Monday sent a letter to American reality TV star Kim Kardashian West asking her to reconsider trademarking "kimono" as the name of her new lingerie brand.

Open in App

"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," wrote Kyoto Mayor Daisaku Kadokawa, who is known for always wearing the kimono while carrying out official duties.

The Mayor said not only Japanese but also foreign tourists often stroll around Kyoto wearing kimono, adding his city is trying to have the "Kimono Culture" registered on Unesco's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, reports the Kyodo News Agency.

"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," Kadokawa wrote.

A spokeswoman of the city's Traditional Industries Section said the message has been sent to Kim in English by post and in an email, as well as being posted onto the Mayor's official Facebook page.

However, the city is yet to receive a reply from the TV star.

Kim released details about her upcoming "Kimono Solutionwear" collection on social media last week. "Kimono is my take on shapewear and solutions for women that actually work," she wrote.

However, her announcement was slammed on social media, with people creating a pun hashtag "#KimOhNo" to pour scorn on the name.

Kadokawa, who is serving his third term as mayor of Kyoto, began wearing the kimono soon after he was elected in 2008. He does so in support of the traditional industry, reports Kyodo.

The Mayor ended his letter by inviting Kardashian West to visit Kyoto, asking her to "experience the essence of Kimono Culture and understand our thoughts and our strong wish".

( With inputs from IANS )

Tags: Daisaku KadokawakardashianUnescoIntangible Cultural HeritageKyodo News Agency
Open in App

Related Stories

NationalPM Narendra Modi Hails Garba's Global Popularity as It Gets UNESCO Certificate of Inscription in Paris

MaharashtraMaratha Military Landscapes of India Nominated for UNESCO World Heritage Status

NationalIndia to Chair UNESCO World Heritage Committee for First Time

InternationalJapan's Epsilon rocket engine explodes during test: Official

InternationalCanadian teen quizzed for allegedly defacing ancient Japan temple

Entertainment Realted Stories

EntertainmentAkshay Oberoi joins Varun Dhawan, Janhvi Kapoor in 'Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari'

EntertainmentSanjay Dutt posts throwback pics of mother Nargis on her 43rd death anniversary

EntertainmentMeryl Streep set to receive Cannes honorary Palme D'Or

EntertainmentAlaya F: There are some films I chase and some that I get completely by luck

EntertainmentAkshay Oberoi Joins Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor Starrer Sunny Sanskari ki Tulsi Kumari