Kim Kardashian West angered Japan with her new lingerie brand called 'Kimono Intimates'. People are accusing her of cultural appropriation. They say the lingerie disrespects Japanese culture. The kimono is an iconic symbol in Japan. It is worn on special occasions, like weddings and graduations. A Japanese woman explained to the BBC: "It's...passed on in families through the generations." People say it is Japan's national dress.
There is a backlash against Kardashian on social media. The lingerie has no resemblance to kimonos. Kardashian is trying to trademark kimono-worded brands, like "Kimono Body" and "Kimono World". A Twitter user wrote: "What a disgusting thing to use the word 'kimono'. It's disrespectful to Japanese culture. True cultural appropriation." Another person tweeted: "I feel this name choice is simply ignorant."