Kyoto mayor writes super polite letter asking Kim Kardashian to drop 'Kimono' trademark

The Japanese government is working to register kimono culture to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Joshua Lee | June 29, 2019, 06:11 PM

Kim Kardashian recently announced the name of her new "shapewear" -- Kimono.

As you can imagine, people -- especially those from Japan -- were scandalised that a 150 year-old icon of Japanese identity was reduced to glorified underwear.

Kardashian also announced that she has applied to trademark the word "Kimono", "Kimono Body", and "Kimono World".

If she is successful, it means that Japanese firms will not be able to sell kimonos in the U.S. using those terms.

Letter from Kyoto mayor

Now, it seems that Japan isn't taking things lying down.

In typical Japanese uber-politeness, the mayor of Kyoto City, Daisaku Kadokawa, penned an open letter to Kardashian on June 28, 2019, imploring her to "re-consider" her decision to trademark the name "Kimono".

Daisaku Kadokawa. Via Japan Forward.

Explaining how the kimono is an important part of Japanese culture and history, Kadokawa let on that the Japanese government is working to register kimono culture to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Because kimono culture is so well loved by Japanese and non-Japanese people, Kadokawa says it should be shared with those who love it and therefore, should not be monopolised.

He ended his letter with an invite to Kardashian to visit Kyoto where she can experience "the essence of Kimono Culture" first-hand.

Here is Kadokawa's letter:

Dear Ms. Kim Kardashian West,

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.

Yours Sincerely,

門川 大作

Daisaku Kadokawa Mayor of Kyoto

Apart from the mayor of Kyoto, Japanese women have also come out in full force to respond to Kardashian's announcement -- by posting photos of actual kimonos.

If Kardashian takes Kadokawa's offer up, perhaps she will be able to see an actual kimono.

Top photos via Japan Forward and Kardashian's Instagram page.