Tokyo Times

Photographs from a small group of islands

Underwear

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Peek-a-boo

When it comes to inventive underwear, Japanese manufacturers are certainly no slouches. This previously posted, ahem, racy little number being a prime example.

Japanese bra

Panty purveyors Ado Group however have dispensed with such novelty, and opted straight for the no-nonsense approach. And even considering how hot it gets in the summer here, I’m guessing this design wasn’t produced as a means of ventilation.

crotchless panties

Plus for those who prefer a slightly alternative route, the company has been equally accommodating.

rearless panties

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Loincloth lovers

There are classic cars, classic films, and even classic video games. Now, perhaps rather surprisingly, we can tentatively add underwear to the list; as after going out of fashion decades ago — and only kept alive by old men — the humble loincloth (fundoshi) is set to make a bottom baring comeback.

This most traditional of undergarments is now being sold in decidedly untraditional tartan and paisley patterns. Plus it’s also available in a wide range of colours and materials. Including silk for the more adventurous and extravagant fundoshi fan.

fundoshi loincloth

The expensive Mitsukoshi department store coined the term classic pants around 10 years ago, but it’s only recently that sales have started to take off. Pensioners may still be regular customers, but now young ladies are also joining them. Men’s clothing section manager Yoshimi Shuma claiming, “Women seem to be buying them for their boyfriends.” Yet salary men are also jumping on the fundoshi bandwagon, with many purchases made when good results are needed at work. The lowly loincloth being upgraded to power underwear. I kid you not.

fundoshi loincloth

Loincloth expert and author of “Tales of Fundoshi”, Masatoki Minami, claims that the garment’s connection to militarism hastened its fall from grace. Yet western prudishness may also have played a part. Many foreign dignitaries that arrived in Japan during the Meiji Era (1868-1912) were appalled by the numerous labourers dressed only in their underwear. Complaining that the sight of barely concealed buttocks was far from appropriate.

All that’s in the past though, and it goes without saying that Minami-san is ecstatic about the revival of his favourite underwear; proudly claiming that, “some people consider the fundoshi to be cool.” The loincloth lover excitedly adding, “Japanese culture remains alive in that metre of cloth.”

Which, if true, means that it’s only a matter of time before Hello Kitty loincloths hit the stores.

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Tattoo too?

There are tattoos, and then there are tattoos, and the young lady pictured below is undoubtedly sporting those of the latter variety.

Japanese tattoo

However not to be outdone, her body art loving friends are the proud owners of some equally impressive but more manly designs.

Japanese tattoo

The look perfectly complemented by some equally manly underpants.

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Postal peek

Presumably there isn’t a prize for the greatest themed bra manufacturer in the world, but Triumph International would be hard to be beat if there was. And perhaps to prove this point, the lingerie maker has produced another winner with the ‘Post Privatization Total Surprise Bra!’.

Japanese bra

What the total surprise is I don’t know, but the decision to make a bra supporting Prime Minister koizumi’s push to privatize Japan Post must have raised a few eyebrows to say the least.

The merits of the proposed privatization are very debatable, especially as the incorporated Postal Savings is one of the largest financial institutions in the world, with deposits in excess of 200 trillion yen; however, the use of scantily clad young ladies in promotional campaigns will no doubt go a long way in alleviating the nation’s fears.

Personally speaking, the post box themed underwear has won me over. So much so in fact that I could say it has given me the urge to go and make a deposit of my own. But I won’t, as it could be construed as being crude.