Japan has been the land of culture and values since the foundation of its early empire. However, a revolutionary bloom was seen in the Japanese culture after WWII when a large number of people moved from the villages and rural areas to big cities to make a living as office workers.
Similarly, a change was seen in the way Japanese people wore their clothes. Although the basic structure of their clothing remained the same, a bit of modernization was seen.
Another drastic change was seen in Japanese clothing after the advent of anime or アニメand manga or 漫画. These fantasy stories became an influence on thousands of people. This number has become more dominant since then, with millions of people watching anime worldwide.
Kanji streetwear is a consequence of that change. What exactly is kanji clothing, and what is its basic value? We will be answering that and many more in this article.
So without further ado, let’s begin!
Cultural Japanese Clothing
Japanese clothes are one of the most distinctive ways of clothing. Japanese culture is extremely enriched, and their clothing is just an example of that.
The traditional dress of Japanese has been portrayed across many movies and performances. You may recognize it as a robe-like silk dress with long sleeves which reach from the shoulders traveling all the way down to the feet. This traditional dress of Japan is called the kimono or 着物. A kimono is tied with a wide belt called an obi or 帯.
Kimonos represent a sense of festivity among the Japanese people. Much like how Westerners wear suits, and South-Asians wear shalwar kameez, kimonos are worn by the Japanese people in weddings, graduation ceremonies, and festivals.
In the summers especially, kimonos allow people to feel cool (both literally and figuratively) and light-weight. However, compared with Western clothing, kimonos tend to limit one’s movement, and they take longer to be worn properly. Therefore in normal life, the Japanese choose t-shirts, jeans, polo shirts, and sweatsuits.
Modernization of Kimono
As mentioned above, kimonos are traditional Japanese clothes made out of silk. Kimonos are worn by older Japanese people who value their culture above all and those who are celebrating.
As cool and enriching as the kimonos seem to be, they are quite a bit of a hassle. Firstly, you can’t wear them on a regular basis as they hinder your range of motion. Kimonos were originally designed to be worn by lords and ladies who had servants to do their tasks for them. Moreover, kimonos take quite a while to be worn and taken off. This makes kimonos impractical in real life.
Considering this, designers got together and designed what is now called modern kimonos. They are very reminiscent of jackets but have their characteristic design and color variants.
Japanese Writing
Japanese writing consists of one of the most authentic and unique characters around the world. There are more than just one form of writing, the most famous of them which is Kanji.
Why is it important to know Japanese writing and style? Because it makes one of the coolest and most intriguing t-shirt designs you can have!
Kanji
When it comes to informal, stylish, and elegant clothing associated with the Japanese, kanji clothing is the prime example.
The word “kanji” or 漢字 literally refers to Chinese characters, otherwise known as “Han characters.” The word is used to describe Chinese and Asian writings. And more recently, it has emerged as one of the most popular streetwear among teens and young adults!
Kanji street clothing is an intriguing class of informal wear that has various kanji characters printed on them. Combining it with the fact that they have amazing fabric and contour, kanji streetwear is a favorite of many.
New artists and designers are enthralled by how the Japanese express their thoughts and emotions in their words. Moreover, the kanji pattern is an enticing way of designing clothes.
Kanji streetwear includes (and is not limited to) hoodies, t-shirts, polo shirts, trousers, jackets, sneakers, and even modern kimonos!
Hiragana
Hiragana, ひらがな, or 平仮名 in kanji, is a Japanese syllabary and an important component of the Japanese writing system (along with kanji and katakana, see below).
The word hiragana literally refers to “ordinary” or “simple,” the characteristic feature of this form of Japanese writing.
Hiragana syllabary acts as an adjunct to the traditional kanji style of writing. They are particularly used to express adjectives, inflect verbs, and other grammatical words that kanji does not have.
Hiragana style of writing imparts an informal feel to the context. And therefore, they can be used as a print over t-shirts and clothing, giving a similar feel. Your favorite words and adjectives can be translated into hiragana and then morphed into amazing designs!
Katakana
The word katakana, カタカナ, or 片仮名 in kanji, means “fragmentary kana,” referring to the fact that katakana characters are derived from the fragments of a more complex form of kanji.
Katakana is commonly used in places where kanji does not have words and translations. The most predominant use of katakana is seen in translating foreign words and phrases known as “loan words.” Katakana is used for unique, individual words like the names of plants, companies, animals, and minerals just to name a few examples!
Katakana are characterized by short, straight strokes and sharp corners. This makes it an excellent source of designs comprising single-letter words and messages over t-shirts. Katakana syllabary is constantly used along with kanji and hiragana to make unique designed t-shirts and streetwear!
Why Should You Care About Kanji Streetwear?
Now that we know exactly what kanji clothing is and how it looks, we can move on to why you should be paying attention to this growing culture.
As mentioned above, the Japanese culture, in general, is extremely rich and distinctive. Moreover, people have started to respect and even embrace it all around the world. One example is the field of anime and manga.
They are amazing Japanese comics and animated stories which hold a special place in children’s and adults’ hearts. They are referenced constantly over the internet, and people find an amazing way to connect with one another by sharing their views and ideas.
A similar ideology goes with kanji streetwear as well.
Design
Kanji characters are beautiful themselves. And when they are printed on special, comfortable fabrics, they make eye-catching designs.
Moreover, kanji clothing is being made by skillful people in the fashion industry, so they are ratified by modern clothing norms. And there is a diverse collection of designs and quotes to choose from, and you can customize the one that’s perfect for you!
Community
The second and important aspect of choosing kanji clothing is the sense of community. This point is hinted at above as well. The kanji streetwear culture is relatively new, and it is not mainstream. Therefore, when two people see each other wearing similar clothing, they are more likely to connect and befriend each other.
The kanji clothes you would be wearing may be a line from an anime or manga, which the viewer recognizes. This established an unsaid connection between itself and people from all ethnicities and came together and embraced this beautiful culture together.
How to Get Your Own Otaku Clothing?
Now that you know what kanji clothing is and how it can have a positive impact on society, the real question arises: how can you buy one?
There are many stores online that offer kanji clothing. However, you would not want to spend your money on something that you can’t trust.
Moreover, in a country like ours, where the kanji culture is not that prevalent, there are not many stores where you can buy authentic kanji clothing.
Even a fraction of those who do have kanji clothing have very limited stocks that are not customizable. This is where Atomic Atsuki comes in!
Atomic Atsuki
Here at Atomic Atsuki, we have all kinds of designs, and in the early future, we will work on anime and manga-inspired designs. Moreover, our team of skilled designers tries their best to design streetwear that can cast a genjutsu or 幻術 on the viewer!
Currently, we are in the baby stage of business, so we would love you to be impressed by our designs and products. Only at our Japanese-inspired clothing store can you find authentic kanji, hiragana and katakana clothing at very reasonable rates.
What Do We Have to Offer?
Now that you know what Atomic Atsuki is and what value it is based on, let’s discuss what products we offer.
Atomic Atsuki is filled with new and original kanji-themed clothing that can be worn by both men and women.
Modern Japanese Clothing
Modern Japanese clothing includes modernized versions of kimonos, obi, and t-shirts.
As society progressed and people started moving from distant mountainous areas of Japan to newer and modern cities like Tokyo or 東京, so did their physical appearance and attire.
The newer generation of Japanese people is fond of wearing regular western-style clothing. On the other hand, though, there is a certain uniqueness to their clothing compared with Western ones. And this distinctiveness is achieved through the kanji streetwear and anime-inspired clothing that Japanese people love.
Here at Atomic Atsuki, we aim to achieve that unique touch of modern Japanese clothing. Currently, we offer unisex t-shirts, t-shirts for women, tank tops for women, t-shirts for kids, and hats. Moreover, we are working on newer ventures like anime-themed clothing and modern kimonos in the near future!
Kanji Clothing
The new uptrend of kanji clothing and kanji streetwear is gaining hype by the day. This hype is further enhanced by popular celebrities wearing and promoting kanji clothes and brands. Therefore, more and more designers are being enthralled to jump on the bandwagon and design innovative kanji-themed clothes.
Kanji streetwear can range from a single font-based t-shirt to a full-blown kimono with traditional Japanese printed on it. However, one thing all kanji clothes share is the quality of the fabric and the originality of the design.
Apart from the regular Kanji calligraphy, Atomic Atsuki offers t-shirt designs in unique hiragana and katakana forms of writing. Our products have the best of both worlds and are made by combining different Japanese characters to give you the best and most interesting designs inspired by Japanese culture!
Here at Atomic Atsuki as well, we have new and beautiful streetwear and clothes customizable for you!
Anime T-shirts
Anime t-shirts are a subclass of kanji clothing. They are practically t-shirts concerning anime or manga. And considering how many there are, a whole genre of anime-themed t-shirts can be made.
Anime-inspired t-shirts can be anywhere from an anime title to a popular quote from an anime. The anime culture is so widespread that it has been referenced by high-profile and mainstream celebrities. Consequently, more and more people are joining the anime culture and being a part of this community.
Anime and manga have transcended the basic class of being animated stories or comics. They have now become a vital part of Japanese culture and internet memes. People from all ages and areas can connect and share all because of this culture.
Therefore, anime t-shirts are just a practical implementation of it. It allows people to connect, share and innovate.
As of now, Atomic Atsuki is working on this clothing line, and you can find new and original designs inspired by anime from Atomic Atsuki in the coming future, so watch out for that!
In Conclusion
Japanese culture and clothing are one of the most intriguing aspects of cultures in the world. Kanji streetwear and clothing are a modernized example of people adopting Japanese culture and clothing worldwide.
However, as this fashion trend is relatively new, it is hard to find stores that can deliver authentic kanji clothing. Moreover, even those who do have unoriginal designs and compromise on the integrity of the fabric.
Atomic Atsuki provides the rescue for anime-watchers and people who generally enjoy Japanese culture. We have amazing and original designs that will connect you with the rich culture that is the Japanese. And establish life-long connections with people from all areas and ethnicities!
