For many visitors to Japan, the most accessible way to try out wearing a kimono is a ‘yukata’, this is a light kimono worn in summer. They’re easy to buy and quite affordable, and even better, fairly simple to put on.

Apart from the traditional Japanese patterns, you can also get yukata featuring all kinds of popular characters. In the past, we’ve seen Disney ones, and now you can even sport some Studio Ghibli characters.

There’s two designs to choose from, starring two different characters and serving two different vibes.

The first one has motifs from My Neighbor Totoro mixed with firework patterns (13,200 yen). Firework festivals are a summer staple in Japan and the perfect opportunity to get your yukata on. The base colour is dark blue to add to the nighttime theme.

The second design is brighter and includes Jiji, the cat from Kiki’s Delivery Service, along with some yellow clematis flowers to give a truly summery feeling (13,200 yen).

There’s even some bags that match these designs perfectly, starting with a dark blue and purple Totoro pouch with a red drawstring (2200 yen).

And a lilac and yellow Jiji design with a pink drawstring (2200 yen).

The whole lineup can be found in branches of Donguri Kyowakoku in Japan, or copped on their online store.


By - grape Japan editorial staff.