- Social media critics took issue with the outfit’s not-so-subtle “cool Japan” aesthetic, which included a kimono style that seems to take inspiration from “Sailor Moon” cosplay, sleeves adorned with Japanese flags and a belt with the Imperial Family’s chrysanthemum crest.
- To complete the getup, the 26-year-old walked the stage carrying “Maneki-Neko” (beckoning cat) figures and the kanji characters “日本” (Japan) written across her chest.
- While the costume was reportedly designed to celebrate “the incredible Japanese Harajuku fashion culture,“ it was widely criticized as a mishmash of stereotypes associated with Japanese culture.
- “It seems that Japanese people weren’t involved in this at all, despite it representing Japan,” one commenter wrote as quoted by SoraNews24.
- “Don’t insult Japan!! Don’t insult the Imperial House of Japan!! Don’t insult Kimono!!” wrote another.
- Some also found issues with the manner in which the kimono was folded over Watanabe’s chest (right over left), a practice typically reserved for a dead person.
- Another user pointed out, “The chrysanthemum emblem is exclusive for the Emperor; Tattoos are taboo in Japan.”
- Watanabe, who is a U.S. permanent resident, can be seen posing with the designer in the images uploaded online by the Embassy of Israel in Japan on Dec. 2.
- Amid the backlash, the embassy released a statement clarifying that it “was not involved in the design of this dress from the beginning.”
- According to the embassy, they believe the dress “has been approved by the Japanese side and is warmly accepted by the organizers of Miss Universe Japan.”