Kim Kardashian-West, a reality television star turned entrepreneur, announced the decision to drop the brand Kimono after receiving backlash from the people of Japan and around the globe.
Outpouring Backlash
In the last week, the KKW Beauty founder announced the name of her shapewear brand. Despite receiving backlash from fans and a letter from the mayor of Kyoto, Daisaku Kadokawa regarding the trademarking of the word Kimono, the star initially decided to go forward with her brand.
In the letter from the mayor of Kyoto, Daisaku Kadokawa states that “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.”
Kadokawa further states that “the names for “Kimono” are the asset shared with all humanity who love Kimono and its culture, therefore, they should not be monopolized.”
Following the initial decision of the reality TV star to proceed with the brand name, a hashtag under #KimOhNo was used all over social media. A petition was also filed to change the name, with more than 130,000 individuals signing it, reports Japan Times.
Welcome Change
After the pressure and backlash received by the American reality star, Kim Kardashian-West has finally decided to issue a statement regarding the issue. In a series of tweets, the star stated that her “direct line of communication” with the public has allowed her access to entrepreneurship and investing in her own brands.
Following this, she states that “when I announced the name of my shapewear line, I did so with the best intentions in mind.” Kardashian-West continues to say that “my brands and products are built with inclusivity and diversity at their core and after careful thought and consideration, I will be launching my Solutionwear brand under a new name.”
In the past, Kardashian-West had also been accused of cultural appropriation, reports CNBC.
