Queen of cultural appropriation Kim Kardashian has recently faced massive backlash after filing to trademark the word “Kimono” for her new shapewear and lingerie brand.
The kimono is a traditional Japanese garment, dating back to the eighth century. However, the word is now awaiting review for trademark for items under Kardashian’s brand, which reportedly includes shapewear clothing and other items made of imitation leather, such as dog harnesses and whips, none of which have anything to do with Japanese culture.
“Finally I can share with you guys this project that I have been developing for the last year. I’ve been passionate about this for 15 years,” she wrote on Instagram. “Kimono is my take on shapewear and solutions for women that actually work.”
“I would always cut up my shapewear to make my own styles, and there have also been so many times I couldn’t find a shapeware [sic] color that blended with my skin tone so we needed a solution for all of this.”
Unsurprisingly, Twitter users were quick to call out this incredibly toxic and problematic behavior, pointing out that Kardashian was erasing a very important part of Japanese culture and history:
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Soon enough, the hashtag #KimOhNo began circulating on Twitter, prompting Japanese women to share stunning photos of what a real Kimono looks like:
Even after the backlash, Kim Kardashian West has been sharing product photos of her shapewear line on her social media accounts and has yet to admit any wrongdoing or acknowledge the concerns of the Japanese people.
This comes as no surprise considering the businesswoman has been accused of appropriating Black and Asian cultures countless times before.
While many users are hoping the Kardashian will reconsider the name of her brand, she has already bought the rights to Kimono.com and has shown no remorse.
