We've seen Japanese fashion brands combine traditional Japanese clothing with modern fashion trends before, particularly with yukata and hakama. However, as awesome a mesh traditional and modern styles as those were, they didn't come with the added boost of style from The Force itself that this new line does: Star Wars-inspired Japanese traditional coats and T-shirts.

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Source: Trove

This new take on blend of old and new comes via Japanese fashion brand Trove, who has created a line of clothing called the Wa-Robe (和ROBE), or Japanese-styled robe. The Wa-Robe is, much like previous releases from similar brands, an effort to re-introduce Japanese yukata as an everyday fashion trend by customizing their design to be more casual, rather than formal. Interestingly enough, this is being done by not re-tooling yukata themselves, but using hanten, a Japanese short winter coat similar to haori, and Juban, an undergarment worn beneath kimono, modeled as a T-shirt. Outside of tailoring the design to seamlessly mesh traditional and everyday fashion, Trove has added themes that let fans combine their love of yukata and Star Wars as well.

First off is a cotton Star Wars Hanten modeled after the theatrical poster for A New Hope, which comes in black and white.

STAR WARS HANTEN “A New Hope”

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Source: Trove

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Source: Trove

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Source: Trove

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Source: Trove

The next is a hanten that features artwork by official Lucasfilm and Disney artist, Sanda Tsuneo, with a piece titled "Butterfly Yoda" printed on the inner coat.

STAR WARS HANTEN “Master Yoda”

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Source: Trove

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Source: Trove

STAR WARS JUBAN TEE “Space”

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Source: Trove

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Source: Trove

Finally, if you're perhaps looking for something a little more understated and relaxed, there is also a Juban T-shirt that carries a subtle pattern of X-Wings and the Millennium Falcon cruising through the galaxy. The elastic T-shirt features the distinctive neckline features of a Juban undershirt, making it a suitable undergarment for the Star Wars Hanten, but also unique enough to stand on its own as a casual version of the traditional undergarment.

The four items are available on Trove's Online Shop, where you can find information about International shipping at the "about world shipping" link. The Hanten are priced at 19,440 yen ($181.04 USD) and the Juban T-shirt at 11,880 yen ($110.63 USD).

Yukata, haori, jinbei, and even kimono are not necessarily a dying breed in Japan. People young and old traditionally break out those garments during summer festivals and fireworks displays, but they are less commonly spotted during everyday activities. Trove's efforts to make Japanese traditional wear "cool" again by easing the designs away from formal standouts to casual and sleek are appreciated, and come with the added bonus of looking like a Jedi master! If you dig the designs but would prefer no Star Wars motif, check out Trove's shop for some equally nice alternatives.


By - grape Japan editorial staff.