Photo: PR Times
new products

Make a bold statement with this striking Zero Fighter Model 52 kimono

14 Comments
By grape Japan

Maybe you're a war history buff, or maybe you collect model planes and are particularly interested in the Pacific War. Maybe you're into war simulation games. Whatever the reason may be, if you think the Mitsubishi A6M "Zero" (AKA the "Zero Fighter") operated by the Imperial Japanese Navy from 1940 to 1945 was a cool airplane AND you enjoy wearing kimonos (or could be convinced to start wearing one), then stand in attention and listen up!

We're enlisting you into a special interest group who would appreciate a one-of-a-kind Zero Fighter Model 52-style Kimono now going through a crowdfunding campaign on Campfire Creation.

If you need a visual reminder, here is an image of the A6M5 Type 0 Model 52.

ZeroKimono_0.jpg
Photo: Yosshy | © PIXTA

And here is the kimono.

ZeroKimono_3.jpg
Photo: PR Times

As you can see, the color and design of the legendary fighter is reproduced. And just like the real thing, the color patterns of the top and bottom of the plane have been interpreted in the patterns of the back and front of the kimono.

ZeroKimono_1.jpg
Photo: PR Times

You can get a better idea of this front and back difference here.

ZeroKimono_4.jpg

The concept came from illustrator and cosplayer Ichi イチ (@sendaigbf) who proposed the design in April.

Screen Shot 2020-11-29 at 10.52.48.png

One of the convenient features in this kimono is that it doesn't require the ohashori おはしょり or お端折り, which in traditional kimonos is the excess length of fabric folded and tied underneath the obi in a hip fold, and which normally requires a bit of skill and knowledge to properly execute and create a good look. In this product, anyone can easily dress in "kimono style" by wrapping and tying the obi without any knowledge of kimono dressing.

Also, in order to reproduce the appearance of the Zero Fighter, there are many details which fans will appreciate. For example, the ノルナ (do not step here) warning.

ZeroKimono_11.jpg
Photo: PR Times

The plane number (in this case, it happens to be 106) written on the vertical tail of the plane is reproduced in embroidery on the sash.

ZeroKimono_8.jpg
Photo: PR Times

Even the plane's propeller is represented by a sash clip made of acrylic resin.

ZeroKimono_7.jpg
Photo: PR Times

Product Details 零戦風52型着物 Zero Fighter Model 52-Style Kimono

The product name in Japanese uses the kanji 風 after "Zero Fighter" meaning "style," which indicates it is merely inspired by the Zero Fighter. It is not an official product from any organization or entity associated with the actual Mitsubishi A6M Zero Model 52 nor has it received any kind of endorsement by said organization or entities.

  • M size for people measuring 160 cm: Length 150 cm, Shoulder width: 67 cm, Waist: 112 cm, Sleeve width: 112 cm, Sleeve length: 33.5 cm
  • L size for people measuring 172 cm: Length 158 cm, Shoulder width: 69 cm, Waist: 120 cm, Sleeve width: 120 cm, Sleeve length: 36.5 cm
  • Fabric: 100 % cotton
  • Made in China
  • Zero Fighter photo book plan (25 people): 3,850 yen
  • Kimono super early bird: 12,100 yen / early bird: 13,200 yen / normal: 14,300 yen

To participate in the crowdfunding campaign, visit the page on Campfire Creation before Dec 27. It's an all-or-nothing campaign, so they need to reach their goal of 550,000 yen.

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© grape Japan

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

14 Comments
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I wouldn’t be wearing these outside of Japan.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

This is actually cool.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Controversial idea. I like it, but my wife says no.

(That Obi-dome' sash clip could do some damage, well, until it breaks.)

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

BigYenToday  11:33 am JST

Really bad idea. Wear one in any of the countries of the former Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere, or the US or Australia, and see how you go.

Obviously caters to the young manga/anime crowd. Most of those countries couldn't care less. Only China and SKorea make WWII a never ending issue who sell that propaganda. If young Japanese (and people all over the world for that matter) can wear clothes with USAF or US ARMY on them, anyone can wear this stupid looking thing without any political luggage. Propeller should have been a beanie on the head.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

This looks pretty good actually.

But given the history of what it represents, maybe its not really the best idea for fashion?

Super niche market I would assume. I mean how many women would actually want to wear this? How many men would buy it just to frame and hang on a wall?

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Agree, this wouldn't fly outside Japan.

And I bet sometime someone notices and takes offence.  Like when that bloke out of One Direction wore a Kyokujitsu-ki t shirt.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Looks like an invitation to swoop in from above in my navy blue F4U Corsair hakama for an exciting three-minute dogfight.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Amazing. The nation is pacifist? Uncle Abe must be rejoicing. Get one for his wife.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Nicely highlights the twin inboard cannons.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

What next?

An atomic bomb t-shirt?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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