Is it disrespectful

6 comments

1. There’s not a definite answer on this as its widely debated. I’m speaking as a white person, but I hope what insights I have found can help lead you to make a decision. I want to be sensitive to other people and try to think these issues out.

   Most native Japanese will give you their blessing and say it’s great for gaijin to enjoy Japanese culture. But Japanese-Americans that have the experience and history of both systematic and interpersonal racism may feel differently. I’ve seen people cite the experience of being made fun of their culture but then see it appropriated by the same people who mocked them as jarring which I think is understandable.

   There is a huge debate on the matter of cultural appropriation. Many people will say something is cultural appropriation and thus doing it is bad. But honestly I completely disagree because context matters. What society would we exist in if we are unable to share and trade ideas?

   But of course it is not that simple either. You have to keep in mind the history and context of the clothes you are appropriating too, and how they often relate to a history of brutality, imperialism, etc. Also it should not be done in a mocking fashion. You should take it on yourself to learn the context of the clothing before appropriating so you don’t misuse spiritual garments.

   The haori, as far as I know, does not have such context explicitly though. It’s a common clothing piece worn casually even today by both men and women. And also as some one who also sews, it’s a fun and simply project to make.

   So. To conclude before I get too verbose. Imo in the end I think it’s fine to make and wear. I think studying the history of Japanese clothes would be a great thing and could lead to more clothing inspiration too. I think it is a versatile piece that can be adapted in many ways. As long as you are not y’know, being an asshole and claiming any sort of expertise with it, it’s fine. Just be sensitive and appreciative. I hope one day we can easily share wonderful cultural items like this without so much baggage and barrier to entry. But it’s understandable why this debate exists now.

   Hope this helps. Sorry that I wasn’t able to give you any specific information on design patterns and such – but I have not come across such rules.

2. I find it interesting that anyone would worry about Japanese people getting upset about cultural appropriation when so much in Japanese culture itself exists because it was appropriated from other cultures.

   My take: if you do it for honest reasons and not to mock, insult, or stereotype, you’re good. Culture is always influenced by other culture.

3. There is nothing wrong with the haori, and you are a man, so I think you will be fine. But you might want to be careful about whether you wear it left front or right front.

4. As long as you keep it solid color (as in, avoid any designs that would resemble the rising sun emblem in any way), that should be fine.

   I honestly think overall there’s more non-Asian folk that get wound up about appropriation than Asian folk. As long as you’re respectful and genuine (and you clearly sound like you are), then go for it!

5. There are a ton of these threads lately. To summarize briefly, it is unlikely Japanese people (meaning, roughly, people who have a Japanese passport) will take offense. You might encounter more diverse reactions, some negative, if you’re talking about in an American context. But in my personal opinion, it’s not as though it’s sacred garb or something like that, so I don’t think it should really be offensive.

6. As a Japanese, all I can say is it’s amazing someone far from Japan has taken interest in the clothing here and decided to make something new from it 🙂 once complete please have it shared!