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Damage From Humidity Humidity and room moisture are two of the biggest causes for clothing damage. If you store your clothing tightly packed in a closed closet or fabric storage box, you're putting your wardrobe at risk for mold and discoloration. This can be an easy mistake to make for those of us who have never dealt with long periods of humidity or moisture in our apartments. If you’ve been blessed with a closet large enough to hang or store clothes, be careful that moisture doesn’t accumulate in the closed-off space. The excess moisture will leave your clothes smelly and musky. It can turn your white clothes a discolored yellow, or worse, become a home for Kabi. Kabi mold is common in closets and other closed-off spaces, especially in the summer months in Japan. My first summer in Japan, I didn’t notice the Kabi in the back corner spreading into my fabric storage bins (RIP winter wardrobe). To prevent this: Use products specifically designed to absorb moisture in closets. These containers are filled with silica beads that absorb excess moisture from the space, and they come in many lovely fragrances. One of the most popular items are the “Mizutori Zo-san” (水とりぞうさん) packs. You can find them in drugstores or have them delivered to you via Amazon Japan. You can find clothing deodorizers that hang in the closet. Leave your closet doors open frequently, and air out the space. If you live in a particularly humid area and don’t have great air circulation in your apartment, invest in a dehumidifier. Keep the floor of the closet somewhat clean and organized. Use plastic storage bins for all fabrics (and papers). Don’t store fabric or cardboard (boxes, books, bags, suitcases, clothing) directly on wood in your closet. Try to store your items in plastic bins when possible. You won't have a clothes dryer Unless you take your laundry to a public laundromat, you’re not going to be able to use a clothes dryer. Your apartment won’t come with one, there isn’t a place for one (no exhaust vents), and you won’t find many reasonably priced options in stores. Like most people, you will need to hang your laundry to dry. You’ll see clothes hanging out to dry on every apartment balcony and in most large windows. But what if you don’t have a balcony or your window space isn’t doing the trick? Clothes left inside to dry in moist apartments have a very distinct smell that you want to avoid. It’s musky, damp, and gives off basement vibes. Here’s what you can do: Buy laundry detergent that’s made specifically for indoor drying. These detergents use ingredients that prevent home smells from sticking to your cleaned clothes. If you have one, use the dryer fan in your shower room. Some apartments are equipped with a special fan in the shower and bath room that is used specifically for clothes drying. It sucks the moisture out of the room and dries your clothes. Invest in a dehumidifier. This is a reoccurring recommendation, especially if you’re in Japan long-term. Avoid hanging wet laundry indoors on rainy days if possible. Take advantage of any sunny space you can during daylight hours. A regular rotating fan or space heater (be careful!) can help clothes dry faster. The goal is to not have clothes remain damp for a long period of time. If you don’t have a rod inside or outside your room window, buy a clothes drying rack. Similarly, buy a smaller rack to hang your undergarments. Your washing machine is too small for large items Apartment-sized washers aren’t great for washing oversized items, like heavy winter jackets. Chances are there is a laundry mat or laundry service nearby (if you’re in a city) that has machines that can accommodate your larger items. It’s quite common to see people lined up every spring outside laundry service businesses with their winter coats and duvets. Most laundry services also offer dry cleaning, so that’s a plus for your delicate fabrics. Prevent mold in your washing machine: A washing machine is unfortunately a perfect breeding ground for mold, especially if you only run it a few times a month. No one wants a moldy washer, so use products to wash your washing machine! It’s very simple and will help keep your clothing clean. Storage Woes Depending on the age and size of your apartment, your storage space will vary. You may have a normal closet meant for hanging clothes, a futon closet (very deep), a narrow coat closet, or no closet at all. If you don't use a futon, the futon closet is great for hiding away your plastic storage bins. For folded clothes, get plastic dressers. Most home centers carry a large variety of sizes and colors. The plastic helps keep moisture out, which is objective #1. If you have a deep futon closet but don’t actually use it to store a futon, you can place a few plastic dressers in them. Throw some moisture-absorbing products in all of your plastic dresser drawers and plastic storage bins. These further help to prevent mold from growing all over your favorite items. If you need to hang clothes but have limited floor space, consider tension rods. These rods are a lifesaver and come in a variety of lengths. They’re easy to install and don’t damage your walls. You can place them inside closets, or across the whole room. If you have floor space, clothing racks are another good option if you have a lot of clothes to hang. The mistake a lot of people make is trying to create that ideal *minimalist aesthetic* in their Japanese apartment without taking into consideration how their new environment will impact their clothes and other fabrics. It’s quite common in normal Japanese homes and apartments for there to be some level of organized clutter and open face storage. Despite those infamous Japanese decor inspo pics, that's not how most people live. It's function over form. It doesn't mean your home can't be cute, but you may need to adjust to the idea that clothes hanging in a room are a semi-permanent part of your decor. Sure, it’s nice having a cozy, uncluttered, picture-perfect Japanese apartment to show off to friends back home - but not if it’s at the cost of smelling like a basement. And certainly not if it means having to throw out clothing that’s been discolored by mold.

If you're a figure collector, you've likely already know of the popular curvaceous character, Super Sonico—the bubbly, pink-haired icon who made her debut in 2006 as the official mascot for Nitroplus's annual music festival, Nitro Super Sonic. Created by Tsuji Santa, Sonico quickly captured fans' hearts with her adorable looks, curvy figure, and charm. She started as a simple festival mascot, but due to love from fans, she grew into a full-blown media franchise, starring in music videos, manga series, video games, and even her own anime. By the time SoniAni: Super Sonico The Animation  aired in early 2014, her popularity had soared, cementing her place as a beloved character in Japanese pop culture. Super Pochaco - The First Plus-Size Anime Character from Nitroplus Super Pochaco (Pocha being an abbreviated Japanese word meaning chubby or overweight) was the first plus-size character introduced alongside Sonico in 2014. To this day, she remains one of the few attractive anime characters to be made into a figure with plus-size measurements. Her plus-size features translate well from her official 2D art to her 3D figures. She has thicker arms and wrists, legs and knees. Her stomach looks soft, and she's often portrayed with a muffin top. After Sonico, Pochaco had the most official merch created for her character. While her popularity has decreased over the last 10 years, new figures and character goods continue to be released and sell out. While her exaggerated chest size is the focal point of her character design, she also features wide hips, a chubby waist (with muffin-top details), and thick legs. Thanks to her unique proportions, Super Pochaco developed a dedicated fan following, despite having a short-lived role in the anime series. Super Taruco – A More Realistic Plus-Size Character Super Taruco made a brief appearance in 2016, during the peak popularity of the Nitroplus franchise. Her body type stood out as something truly unique for the time. Unlike Super Pochaco, her chest was more proportional to her body, and her stomach was larger. Designed with a more realistic, plus-size body type, Super Taruco's body has more soft features and body details we haven't seen in other characters. In her official 2D images, has a much larger and softer stomach than both Pochaco and Sonico. You can see soft rolls on her upper stomach and a subtle hang to the lower stomach - Taruco was designed to be truly plus size. Even her knees have realistic characteristics for this body type. Unfortunately, unlike Sonico and Pochaco, Super Taruco never had any official painted figures produced. The only existing figure is a garage kit that is unpainted and unassembled, making it somewhat difficult to find—especially in a pre-painted state. While the garage kit figure was a step forward for plus-size anime character designs, many of the softer details on her stomach as seen in her drawn art are lost. The figure instead draws more focus to her wide hips, and while she is still plus size, it does deviate from her intended look.

Available in sizes up to 8L (Japan) or 5XL (US), these pieces are designed to fit comfortably and look amazing on every body. With unique designs and trendy styles you won’t find in local plus-size stores—and at prices that won’t break the bank—these sweatshirts are perfect for updating your wardrobe this season. Plus, enjoy fast shipping across Japan in just 1-2 weeks! New to Shein (Japan)? Use the RosePlusJapan Code in the Shein App for 25% off of your first order: SAZK9 "Los Angeles California" Green Sweatshirt | 3L-8L | ¥1,570 This vibrant green sweatshirt adds a bright pop of color and can be paired with gold or silver accessories. The color stays vibrant even after many washes. It is made of fleece that is warm and soft on the inside. After a few months of regular wear, some pilling may occur around the hips and other areas of friction. It is not a long-lasting sweater, but it is suitable for looking stylish through the winter months. "Brooklyn, New York" Black and Pink Hooded Sweatshirt   |  3L-7L | ¥1,500 Purple Graffiti Art Hooded Sweatshirt   |  3L-7L | ¥1,650 This graffiti-style art design is popular in certain fashion genres. In Japan, plus-size clothing in this style is difficult to find in plus size options, especially in sizes up to 7L. This sweatshirt is also thermal, with a thick lining to keep you warm. Black and White Happy Face Sweatshirt   |  3L-7L | ¥1,509 "Be Unique" Rainbow Barcode Hooded Sweatshirt  |  3L-7L | ¥1,570 This black hoodie features a rainbow-colored barcode design with the text "Be Unique," adding a bold and colorful touch to your wardrobe. Cartoon Print White Hooded Sweatshirt |  3L-7L | ¥1,537 Romwe Goth Mystic Snake Hooded Sweatshirt   |  4L-7L | ¥2,670 Fuzzy Zebra Colorblock Pullover Hoodie  |  4L-7L | ¥1,690 Note that the items linked are for Shein Japan and may not be available in other countries.

Located in Harajuku, ACDC RAG is offering punk rock statement pieces unlike anything else you've seen in plus size Japanese fashion. Each item has specific measurements listed in their website description, so be sure to check before you order (they ship internationally), or head to Harajuku to browse the shop and see what catches your eye. From their website: "ACDC RAG started out in the streets of Harajuku in the 1980s. Our brand concept is 'No Borders', as no matter where you're from, your gender or your age, there are no rules on how to wear our clothes. We are aiming to create a world where there is no borders and you can wear any clothes that you love." Gloomy Collaboration Part 2 Gloomy Bear is back. Available in 3 themes ( Pastel, Dark or Vivid ), the Gloomy collaboration is one of the more robust and popular collections on the site. Part 1 did so well that they brought it back for round 2, and seeing how well this collection is doing I'm sure we will be seeing a Part 3 in the future. Shop ACDCxGloomy Collaboration Part 2 here Bunny Doll Collection Available in pastel pink or black, this line features a new character, the bunny doll. While the print and overall design are definitely cute, it's the character details that make them stand out. Best of all? All the Bunny Doll items pair perfectly with the Gloomy Bear pieces. Shop the Bunny Doll Collection here Decorative Collection If bright colors and funky prints are more your style, check out the Decorative Collection. Shop the Decora Collection here Poison Strawberry Collection The title of the collection says it all. This pattern features a darkened strawberry print that adds an edge to this whimsical fruit. Shop the Poison Strawberry Collection here ACDC Higanbana C ollection This line includes seven tops in different styles and cuts, and all featuring the lines' iconic print. Each piece in this line is priced at either ¥3,190, ¥4,290 or ¥6,050. Shop ACDC Higanbana Collection here Accessories & More Along with their clothing lines, ACDC RAG also carries accessories shoes and bags that stand out in a crowd. Just click the image to see the product details on the ACDC RAG website.

Dear My Love has released their April 2024 LookBook outfits. Dear My Love categorizes their collections by aesthetics and size. While the sister brand Whip typically carries plus sizes (4L-6L), other sister brands have started carrying a wider variety of sizes in some items. Dear My Love Whip - Look 1 Shirt, Sizes 4L-6L, ¥5,990 The combination of heart decals and off-the-shoulder lace detailing make this blouse a sweet statement piece. The high, choker-style neckline features a faux-pearl heart decal and has a keyhole opening at the back of the neck. The ruffled lace extends around the entire shirt along the décolletage and upper back. The front of the blouse has silver gemstone hearts and removable ribbons (attached with safety pins). The shirt is made of a soft stretchy material. Because of the material type, wearing an inner layer under the lighter color options is recommended. Skirt, Sizes 4L-6L, ¥5,990 This skirt matches seamlessly with the blouse, using similar heart gemstones to tie the outfit together. Small pearl decals adorn the front of the skirt, while the belted area is lined with lace. It’s a high waist design that flares out from the body at the hip. And it has pockets! Because of the attention to detail and high-waist design, it’s recommended to pair with a tucked-in blouse. Dear My Love Emily - Look 2 Emily Frill Dress, Sizes 4L-6L, ¥5,990 The Emily Frill Dress features tiered frill details on the skirt, as well as lace details around the neck and sleeve openings. On the front of the dress is a large removable bow and decorative heart buttons. On the cuffs of the dress, there are functional heart buttons and pretty lace trim. The entirety of the dress is lined; the skirt is lined with a delicate tulle for added movement and volume. And true to the brand - this dress has pockets. The dress is made with a firm material (non-stretch) and has a zipper on the back for closure. Check the product measurements to ensure a proper fit. Dear My Love does not have a storefront; Online shopping only. Ships within Japan (does not ship internationally unless a third-party shipping company is used). This post is not sponsored or affiliated with the retailer or brand. RosePlusJapan does not directly sell or receive any commission for promoting the items in this post. The RosePlusJapan lookbook is meant to showcase plus-size Japanese fashion. Links may become void if items are no longer available.

Living in Japan, you're spoiled for choice when it comes to affordable body and skincare. I love trying out new products, and these are the products I'm in love with now. I avoid products that use heavy scents (I always opt for scent free for skincare when I can), and always go for the best quality for the price. I get most of my products online, but you can also head to your nearest drugstore and find most of these on the shelf. Minon Amino Moist Charge Milk ミノン-アミノモイスト-モイストチャージ 3.5 oz (100 g), ¥1,800 Minon Amino Moist Charge Milk has been popular for years, and for good reason. It delivers just the right amount of moisture for the face, and because it's light weight and scent free, it's great for sensitive skin. I have combination skin that's prone to breakouts and this product has a permanent place in my skincare routine. NinoCure 第3類医薬品 ニノキュア 30g, ¥896 Before coming to Japan, I had no idea what those little dots on my upper arms and back of my thighs were. I had them since I was a teenager, and no matter how much moisturizer I slathered on they never went away. Seeing the NinoCure package on the shelf, I skeptically bought this product without any expectations. Needless to say, I was blown away. It's a small pot of scent free lotion that does exactly what it says it'll do. Those little dots, gone! I find this particularly useful in the winter months when my skin is extra dry and those little dots make their return. Cleansing Research AHA Facial Cleansing Wash クレンジングリサーチ-ウォッシュクレンジング ¥711 This facial cleanser is leaves my skin with that squaky clean feeling, without the tightness and dryness that some cleansers can leave. Cleansing Research has a great line of products but this one is my favorite. Made specifically for dry and sensitive skin, this is very gentle on my face and keeps my breakouts under control. House of Rose Sugar Body Scrub ボディ スムーザー - ハウスオブローゼ 12.8 oz (350 g), ¥1,650 I love a good body scrub! I avoid scrubs that use microplastics or rough materials (like seeds or ground apricot pits) that wreak havoc on my skin as well as the shower drain. House of Rose has a scrumptous line of sugar based body scrubs that get it right. My favorite scent is Green Lemon, and the balance of moisturizing ingredients and scrub make it easy to apply. After a light scrub, the moisturizing oils leave your skin feeling absolutely amazing. Cure Natural Aqua Gel - Exfoliator ¥2,500 Cure Natural Aqua Gel is one of the best-reviewed facial exfoliators in Japan. I need a more gentle exfoliation for my face (especially along my temple areas), and this gel hits the spot. It's oddly satisfying massaging this product in and feeling it work. I researched this product thoroughly before purchasing, and was not disappointed. It works so well, that I often find myself using it for my body in areas like my back and chest. It's more gentle than a sugar scrub, so if you have areas on your body that break out but still need some exfoliation TLC, this could be the answer.

Dear My Love is dedicated to subculture fashion in sizes up to 6L. Their collections feature unique pieces from various brands, and they ship internationally (great news if you're looking for Japanese fashion but aren't in Japan!) The Clothes Dear My Love carries many items and styles in their plus size section. Sweet items (pastels, lace, frills, bows) as well as slightly gothic items (black, white) make up the majority of their offerings. There are some "everyday" fashion items, but Dear My Love is known for the "traditional feminine" Japanese fashion look. Impressively, they have one of the largest collections of short dresses and skirts - items rather hard to come by in plus sizes. Unfortunately, if you're a visual shopper you may be turned off by the lack of plus size models on the website. Many of the items, even plus size, are displayed on smaller-sized models - so you will have to depend on the size chart (cm) and your imagination. The sister-brand " Dear My Love Whip " does use plus size models. To make shopping easier, Whip also includes the models size and measurements for most items, so you can have an idea of how it will fit on your body. The largest size available varies, but generally is up to 5L (majority of items), with a few items 6L+ If you can't read Japanese, I'd recommend using a translation application in your browser to read the website and shop with ease. You'll find useful information for each item in the description. I particularly like that they describe the feel and weight of the materials used. The descriptions of each item offer many details that may not be visible from the photos (such as lining materials, zipper placement, and degree of stretch in the material). Price Range (Plus Size Items) Shirts: ¥4,000 ~ ¥8,000 Blouses: ¥3,000 ~ ¥7,000 Sweaters, Knitwear: ¥2,000 ~ ¥8,000 Skirts: ¥2,000 ~ ¥10,000 Dresses: ¥3,000 ~ ¥20,000 Coats:   ¥6,000 ~ ¥18,000 Outerwear : ¥6,000 ~ ¥10,000 Payments and Shipping Dear My Love ships within Japan (excluding remote islands) AND internationally. If you are ordering from an address outside of Japan, your shipping cost will vary. If you are located outside of Japan, be aware that some items cannot be shipped internationally. You will still technically be able to purchase the item, but it will not be shipped to you. It will say in the item's description if it cannot be shipped internationally. A very important note: Not all items displayed are in stock. It will tell you that the item is back-ordered and will give you an estimate of arrival if you go ahead and order it. If an item is back-ordered or is accepting pre-orders (for new items not yet in stock), there will be a longer waiting period to receive the item. Payment options may vary depending on the shipping address. For those within Japan, most major payment methods are accepted. For those outside Japan, payments can only be made by credit card. Dear My Love does accept returns and exchanges for the following issues: ●Returns and exchanges due to defective product delivery. ●Returns and exchanges due to customer convenience. ●Re-shipment/exchange due to incorrect delivery or shortage. There is an extensive list here of conditions for returns, and what would disqualify a return from being accepted.

If you’re into Japanese nightlife, or just curious about what the country has to offer, chances are you’ve come across the term Girls Bar, Hostess Bars and Host Clubs. There are thousands of these types of bars in Japan, from big cities to small towns.  Jump to the bottom of this page to see the list of plus size Girls Bars you can visit in Japan What is a ‘Girls Bar’? A Girls Bar is a type of establishment where customers pay to socialize with female staff members one-on-one. Employees drink and chat with their customers, play games and form a friendly relationship. The girls will often communicate with customers outside of work hours via blogs and LINE - they work to maintain these “friendships” full-time in order to entice their customers to continue visiting the bar. Many Girls Bars have a ranking system; the more popular a girl is (how often she is requested and nominated) the higher her rates are. Top-ranked girls can receive a better salary, schedule and other perks as they are the ones bringing in the most business. These bars are distinct from typical bars in that people frequent them for the feeling of companionship, rather than just the drinks. The drinks are often far more expensive than your typical bar - customers can easily spend thousands in one night. This is because, ultimately, you’re not paying for just the drinks - you’re paying for the time spent with your hostess of choice. In addition to the higher drinks fee, there are other fees that come along with going to a Girls Bar such as a companionship ship (for a woman to sit with you), time fee (depending on how long and what time of night), and service charges (15%-20%). Many customers frequent the same bar repeatedly, building a bond with one or more employees. Maid Cafes, in a sense, are closely related to what a Girls Bar offers -  women to observe and interact with, for a fee. Locals don’t typically go to a Maid Cafe for the (overpriced) kawaii parfaits, they go for the Maids.  In most regular establishments, touching the girls is prohibited. Customers need to be respectful of the girls, though what is tolerated varies.  The employees need to maintain a balance of friendly and attentive, appearing interested in a customer. The goal is to make someone feel wanted, whether that’s making them feel like they could have a chance to date a girl (or hookup with her), or just providing friendship.  It’s not always about the faux relationship though. It’s pretty common for a group of friends to visit Girls Bars together just for the novelty, or for the female attention while they laugh and drink together.  Visiting Girls Bars is a common activity and isn’t seen as taboo. People go alone, with friends, even with colleagues or their boss. It’s a mainstay in the Japanese nightlife and can be a lot of fun if you can afford it. Specialty Girls Bars A lot of Girls Bars have a concept or theme. There are bars for every niche and attraction - from muscle bars, shy girls with glasses, cosplay bars, tall girls, older women, women with tattoos and piercings - whatever your preference, you can probably find a Girls Bar for it. So naturally, Plus Size Girls Bars, or “Pocha” Girls Bars exist (pocha is the term shortened from Pochari, which means chubby or overweight). A Pocha Girls Bar functions similarly to any other Girls Bar; you pay to spend time with a woman (or women) and buy her drinks. However,  in most Pocha Girls Bars, there is a weight minimum for employees. Some bars hire a wider range of plus size women (70 kg and up), while others have a 100 kg minimum.  The average weight of Japanese women, as of 2019, is about 59kg. Pocha Bar employees, in general, weigh 20-40kg more than the average population. Some of the most popular Japanese Pocha Bar hostesses weigh more than 150kg, almost 100 kg more than the average Japanese woman. The hostesses usually wear very revealing clothing - lower-cut tops, shorter dresses, and tighter silhouettes than what’s typically seen in plus size fashion.  Who visits Pocha Girls Bars? Whether you categorize it as a fetish or just an attraction, the primary audience for these bars are men who like larger women. Some clients are attracted to larger women in general, while others are primarily attracted to women with very large bra sizes, no matter the woman's other physical attributes.   A lot of people who visit Girls Bars are people that want to spend time with women they may otherwise not get the chance to talk to. Meeting new people and maintaining friendships/relationships takes time and effort, and some people don’t have the mental energy, social skills or physical time. Going to a Girls Bar, where the women are the ones who prompt conversations and give you undivided attention with little/no effort on your end is appealing to people. Instead of time/effort, you pay money, and for some that fulfills their need for socializing and alleviating loneliness. Being plus size is a minority in Japan, as is having a large bra size. For people who are physically attracted to plus size women, this gives them an opportunity they may not have otherwise had to interact. And, like other themed Girls Bars, some people go for the novelty. These people aren’t necessarily attracted to plus size women or any of their attributes, rather, they’re just curious to see what it’s about and want to have fun.  Are Girls Bars Problematic? One could argue that Girls Bars, in general, are problematic and promote shallow social relationships for a fee, as well as for objectifying women.  There are issues of safety, harassment, and boundaries. With such high prices, patrons expect the highest levels of service and undivided attention. Some may even feel entitled to an employee’s time and attention outside of work hours if they visit the bar often enough. You could also argue that these bars provide an important social service, alleviating loneliness and reducing mental stress.  The particular issue with Plus Size Girls Bars comes from the weight expectation, and in some establishments, the expectation to eat large quantities of unhealthy food. Along with ordering drinks for employees, many Pocha Girls Bars encourage patrons to order food for the women - and it is the expectation that she will eat a huge portion or multiple dishes. Throughout a week employees can consume thousands of extra calories. Employees are encouraged not to lose weight and can be fired from their jobs if they don’t meet the weight minimum. Some employees do maintain their weight, but it’s more common (and sometimes expected) for employees to gain weight while they are employed. Outside of the bar, employees build relationships and gain new followers by frequently posting on social media. If an employee is popular enough or has good relationships with people online, they can receive many gifts. On their social media profiles, you will often find links to Amazon wishlists or similar, where a fan can send their favorite girl gifts of her choosing. If they have a good relationship with an employee and visit her workplace frequently, they may also send her gifts not on her wishlist in hopes of gaining her favor.  On these wishlists, you’ll generally see regular things like clothing, makeup and accessories. However, for this niche, you will also see a lot of food and snacks. It’s common for patrons of Plus Size Girls Bars to send food as gifts, with the expectation that she will consume it either at the bar, or post photos/videos of her self eating on her social media.  Many girls who have a strong social media presence have fans from across the country. Some followers may have never actually been to her workplace or met her in person. With frequent gifts of food, as well as the expectation to eat in the bar, on top of drinking copious amounts of alcohol regularly, Plus Size Girls Bars employees face a unique issue; weight gain and health issues related to weight. But it’s not just an accepted side-effect of the job; it’s a selling point. Much like fetish content hosted on adult sites related to weight gain, the larger an employee gets, the more popular she can become. The more popular she is, the more she is nominated and moves up the ranks - and the more money she earns. The incentive is there for employees to either passively or purposely gain weight. S hould You Visit a Girls Bar? Girls Bars in general are notorious for turning away foreigners or people who do not speak Japanese because there are rules and customs in these bars that they are unable to communicate. It’s also difficult for the employees, as their job is to entertain you with conversation. That’s a little hard to do with a language barrier. Some employees are willing to communicate via translation apps, and some may speak languages other than Japanese, but it’s not common. If you do decide to go for the experience, expect a high bill. Try to become familiar with how Girls Bars work; no touching,  paying for her drinks, paying for the amount of time, table charges, and any other fees a bar may have. It’s not a scam, they aren’t targeting foreigners or taking advantage of you - these are the regular fees for all patron’s. If you do not understand a bar's charge system (often explained verbally, as well as written somewhere for you to read in Japanese) you cannot dispute the bill after racking it up. The responsibility is on you to know how it works and to be able to pay for it if you stay. If you’re not up for shelling out hundreds of dollars for the experience, you can find many employees on X (formerly Twitter) and join their fandoms for free. Plus Size Girls Bars You Can Visit In Japan Like we mentioned above, Japanese is the primary language used in Girls Bars, and if you are not a Japanese speaker you may be turned away. If you are able to enter, be aware that staff may only speak Japanese, and all signage, menus and charge system explanations will be in Japanese. On each bars website you can find charge system information, just use a translation application so you can understand it. Tokyo サクランボ少年 (CherryBoy) Address :   東京都葛飾区新小岩1-43-1 第2東ビル4Fの右側 Website : https://www.pokepara.jp/tokyo/m14/a10047/shop16142/taiken/ Charge System : https://www.pokepara.jp/tokyo/m14/a10047/shop16142/system.html ぽっちゃりASK (ChubbyASK) Address :   東京都墨田区東向島2‐47‐11 ビッグウエスト向島ビル501 Website : https://www.pokepara.jp/tokyo/m14/a10046/shop16231/ Charge System : https://www.pokepara.jp/tokyo/m14/a10046/shop16231/system.html Osaka ぽっちゃりバー Pochari Bar Cocoron Address :   住所 大阪府大阪市中央区千日前1-6-7日宝阪町ファイブ2F Twiter: @cocoron_pocha Website : https://cocoron.info/ Charge System : https://cocoron.info/price/   Sapporo 美豚 Address :   北海道札幌市中央区南5条西2丁目 サイバーシティービル10F Website : http://biton29.com/ Charge System : Not available online

This plus size lace blouse from Marun features an oversized ruffled collar and is available in Japanese sizes L to 10L. Model in video is 158cm tall, wearing size 4L in all items. Scroll down for the direct links to all items seen in the video. The front buttons are hidden with only a single pearl-like button accent adorning the top. The sheer lace sleeve design has elastic at the wrist, which allows the sleeve to be comfortably pushed up as desired. The blouse is lined with a camisole in the same color. Shop the Looks Available online, shipping within Japan Brand: Marun Website: Nisen Wide Collar Lace Blouse - 大きいサイズ ビッグカラーレースブラウス ¥5,990～¥6,590 Sizes Available: L - 10L White or Blue Rose Button Flare Skirt - 大きいサイズ 薔薇ボタンフレアスカート ¥5,990～¥6,590 Sizes Available: L - 10L Pink Look 1: Ivory Skirt Midi Length Linen Flare Skirt - 大きいサイズ ミディ丈麻調フレアスカート ¥3,990～¥4,490 Sizes Available: L - 10L Ivory, Mocha Brown or Black Look 2: Camisole Dress Shoulder Ribbon Camisole Dress - 大きいサイズ 肩リボンキャミソールワンピース ¥12,900～¥13,900 Sizes Available: L - 10L Ivory or Black Look 3: Navy Skirt Navy skirt is no longer available Look 4: Light Blue Jeans Side Zip Wide Leg Denim Jeans - 大きいサイズ サイドジップワイドデニムパンツ ¥12,900～¥13,900 Sizes Available: L - 10L Off-White or Light Blue This post is not sponsored or affiliated with the retailer or brand. RosePlusJapan does not directly sell or receive any commission for promoting the items in this post. The RosePlusJapan lookbook is meant to showcase plus-size Japanese fashion. Links may become void if items are no longer available.

Through sensationalized English headlines and poor translations the internet has been perpetuating rumors about what Japan's "Fat Tax" is. It is not illegal to be fat in Japan. People aren’t taxed based on their weight or size. People aren’t denied entry to Japan based on their weight or size. And yet, people still love talking about Japan's “Fat Tax” and the country's “extreme measures to combat obesity”. What is Japan’s “Fat Tax”? Fat Tax is the English term given to the "Metabolic Syndrome Countermeasures Promotion Law” (タボリックシンドローム対策の推進に関する法律), which was introduced in 2008 as a way for companies to support employee health. The law's objective is to reduce the cases of Metabolic Syndrome in the workforce, and in turn, lower rates in society as a whole. Japan treats obesity as a medical condition; Like other diseases, there is a list of criteria one needs to meet to be considered medically obese/have Metabolic Syndrome (including waist circumference, high blood pressure, blood sugar, and lipids). People with Metabolic syndrome have obesity. How The "Law" Actually Works: If an employee has Metabolic Syndrome and is over 40 years old, their employer is required to provide resources to them to help improve their health. The employee is then given a generous timeframe to reduce their weight using those resources. At no point is the individual ever required to pay a tax or fine, and there aren’t any other legal repercussions. However, if the company is found to have not provided adequate resources, it can be held responsible and can be fined. While the word "law" is used in English, it is not meant as a legal term. Being overweight or employing those who are overweight is not illegal. Who It Affects: It only applies employees of certain companies. It only applies to employees over 40 years old It only applies if the employee meets the conditions of Metabolic Syndrome The “Fat Tax” is NOT a tax on the individual or the employer. “Fat Tax” is a poor translation of what the program really is or how it’s implemented. It is NOT illegal to be fat in Japan. An employee cannot be legally terminated from their position due to having a Metabolic Syndrome - unless it impacts their job function (even after reasonable accommodations have been made). Even then, unless it’s an extreme case it’s rare for an employee to be terminated rightfully as a result of their weight. Annual Health Checks: Before the “Fat Tax”, Japan had already implemented an annual employee health check. Many large companies are required to have ALL of their employees undergo an annual health check conducted at a local hospital. These health checkups test various things such as vision, bloodwork, BMI, and TB testing, among other things. A more in-depth test can be requested by the employee if desired. After the test, the individual is given a summary of their health and an overall grade. Japan has very different rules and regulations around the privacy of information in regards to employee health: As an employee, the result of your health test is shared with your employer. If a company is required by law to have their employees undergo annual health checks, they must report the results to health officials. Misinformation Around the "Fat Tax" It’s troubling to see Japan’s “Fat Tax” misinformation being used as ammo for those in pro-anorexia, fitness/health and anti body-positivity groups. Because the idea of fat people being taxed fits these groups' ideal narratives, few put in the research before spreading the lies further. It does not help that trusted English news sources and websites have also misreported on the Fat Tax throughout the years. It brings up flashbacks of the early 2000s “Islam is illegal in Japan” misinformation that continues to spread today. Despite readily available information proving otherwise (including a tourism campaign by the Japanese government geared towards the Muslim community, and the fact that Japan has over 100 mosques), people still cherrypick information to fit their own agendas. The Metabo Law, or “Fat Tax” is one of many initiatives Japan has implemented to improve people's health. While its effectiveness is debatable, it's a testament to how highly Japan prioritizes health and physical health care. It's just unfortunate that a unique solution to a public health issue has been reduced to a misinformed echo of "it's illegal to be fat in Japan".

Torrid is a popular American shop that carries a wide range of trendy plus-size clothing, shoes, and accessories. With affordable prices, many sales, and reasonable international shipping costs, Torrid pieces can really add some flare to your wardrobe. Torrid has sales almost every week of the year, ranging from BOGO to 30% to 50% off, and up to 70% off of clearance items! I have ordered from Torrid countless times since moving to Japan. On average, my packages arrive 2-4 weeks after making my purchase, costing about $65USD to ship ~$500 worth of items. Once or twice a year, Torrid offers free international shipping along with huge discounts. This is the best time to buy! Pieces I love: Twill Skirts: I live for Torrid's skirts, and the twill fabric items have a beautiful flow. I think I've purchased almost every color of twill mini skirts (hits above the knee) from the past 6 seasons. The fabric and cut is flattering, and it's light weight so it's great for summer in Japan. Skater Skirts and Dresses : My FAVORITE cut of skirt and dress, they create an A-Line shape that always make me feel beautiful. Wide Width Boots : I've yet to buy a boot from Torrid that I don't like. It can be difficult to find knee-high or ankle boots that fit comfortably when you have thick legs. Fortunately, Torrid offers Wide shoes that accommodate wide feet and your plus-size stems. Bombshell Skinny Jeans : These jeans are comfortable and tailored just right for my body type. Skinny Jeans in general are being phased out, and tight-fitting pants are a rare find in Japan. However, as a Millenial and creature of habit, I'm weak for body Hugging denim. There's a wide variety of lengths and styles, and on average I found each pair (at U.S $75) lasting about a year or 2 of wear. Because of the fabric type, these jeans have a bit of stretch, but unlike other plus-sized jean brands, these don't lose their structure after a few hours of wear. And no pilling between the thighs! Pieces I'm not a fan of: V-neck and low cut tops : Including their popular styles " Harper Tunic Blouse " " Favorite Tunic ", I found that many of their lower cut tops are too risque for my wardrobe in Japan. "Super Soft" fabric: Many of Torrid's shirts, dresses and skirts are made from this clingy, jersey material. It's totally a preference thing; I find the Super Soft fabrics to be unflattering and too casual to match my vibe. Not to mention, a lot of the shirt designs that use this fabric resemble underclothes that you'll find in Japan (clothing meant to be worn under other items). For casual Torrid tops, I opt for " Heritage Tees " that use a blend that's more cotton than jersey, so you'll get that casual look without that clingy feel. For dresses and skirts, I find that Super Soft fabrics don't create the smooth silhouette I like, so when I avoid anything Super Soft. Final Verdict: ★★★★☆ If you catch a sale, the shipping price to Japan is worth it for large hauls. They offer a lot of great basic pieces that are tailored for a curvy body, as well as a ton of statement pieces that pop. Decent quality for the price, moderate shipping times.

Whether you're just visiting, or in Japan long-term, dating apps are an appealing option for meeting locals and possibly finding a long term partner. Despite recent marketing pushes from apps like Tinder and Pairs to destigmatize and normalize dating apps, they're still not considered a mainstream way to meet a long-term partner. Who you'll find on the apps varies, especially in larger cities like Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. Where foreign populations are higher, you'll see more diversity. Bumble is the most popular app among foreigners and Japanese for hooking up or potentially finding a relationship. Pairs is a Japanese app, entirely in Japanese (no other language options). However, if you have some language skills, it is one of the more popular apps amongst Japanese for finding relationships. Compared to Bumble, you won't find nearly as many non-Japanese speakers on Pairs. Women can use the site for free, while men must pay a steep price for the ability to message their matches. The running joke is that HelloTalk , the language exchange app, is actually a dating app. It's popular with locals looking to meet and (potentially) hook-up with or date a foreigner. Whatever app you use, you'll notice the quirk of the dating app experience in Japan- A LOT of people wish to remain anonymous - you'll find dozens of profiles with pictures of food, pets, and stickers covering faces. So when you swipe on a bowl of ramen, you're not really sure what you're getting until the conversation starts. Before you start with the Apps, you should download LINE . It's the messaging app that every local has on their phone. Whatsapp is not popular in Japan, and people rarely exchange phone numbers. If you're looking to meet people who live in Japan, get LINE. (If you don't speak Japanese, there is an app within LINE that you can add to a chat that will translate every message sent between you and your date - while it's not perfect, it is a huge time-saver.) If you are going to use dating apps in Japan, there are things to keep in mind. Poor user experiences happen often enough that it's commonly talked about among people who use the apps. Not everyone is interested in foreigners, especially if there is a language barrier. Some people are only interested in foreigners for the sexual experience. Not everyone has the patience for an intercultural relationship. Someone may be open to the idea of a relationship with someone from a different cultural/linguistic background but tire quickly of the differences. It’s an extra layer to navigate when maintaining a healthy relationship, and not everyone has the emotional energy to handle the miscommunications and misunderstandings that will eventually surface. Affairs in Japan are common, for both men and women. There’s a chance that your fling is already in a relationship, is married, or has a family. Some people are upfront about it, and others hide it. While prostitution isn’t advertised openly, it’s extremely common and available across Japan. Some people take advantage of foreigners for “free” sex, that they would have otherwise had to pay for because the stereotype is that it's easy to get with a foreigner. Sexual health education and STI knowledge are lacking. Getting tested for STIs is not common. Protect yourself. Catfishing - it happens. Men and women both will use heavily filtered photos to change their appearances. Japan does not have a good track record when it comes to reporting sexual harassment, abuse, and stalking. Again, protect yourself and always be aware of where you are. You should always tell a friend when you’re meeting a new match - who, when, and where. The people you'll see on Dating Apps Other foreigners . The food pics: People want to be discreet and you might not know what your match looks like until you meet The ones who are upfront: With these people you know exactly what they're looking for. They will tell you what they want in their profile description or within a few minutes of chatting. The Catfish Mr. Sus intentions : They'll say that they want to make friends with foreigners or practice their English, but that's rarely the case. The one that's hiding their affairs from their SO : TBH it's hard to tell who's married and who is actually single. If they suggest meeting in the next town over, that's a pretty good sign that they're in stealth mode. Some people put it right in their profile that they don't care if you're also married because it's a common thing across the board. Scammers and traders : These people (?) use fake profiles to woo people for extortion scams, or to pitch their shady MLMs or 'fantastic work-from-home business opportunities'. The guilt trippers: Even though there was no mention of hooking up during your text conversations and you think you're just going for dinner, they'll suddenly try every whiney, begging line to convince you to go to a hotel with them after dinner. "BUT IT'S MY BIRTHDAY". "I CAME ALL THIS WAY". Yadda yadda. If you're online dating in any country, there are always risks. If you do decide to meet someone irl that you met on dating apps: 1. Know who you're meeting and tell someone where you're going. Get as much information as you can about your date (including a photo) and give it to a trusted person. 2. Set a time for a safety check. Hopefully, you have someone who can text or call at a set time to check that you're okay and things are going well. 3. Don't share your home address or intimate photos with someone you just met. 4. Share your LINE or SNS details at your own discretion. Do you want this hookup to know your personal details? 5. Meet someone for the first time in a public place. If you're not comfortable with them in any way, it's okay to decline taking it further. 6. If you show up and your date looks nothing like their photo, it's okay to walk away. Don't feel obligated to stay and be polite with someone who lied to you. 7. Set boundaries and make those boundaries clear before any action starts, especially if there is a language barrier. 8. Don't travel to anywhere that you don't know how to get back from on your own. If your date suggests a hotel on the outskirts of town, in an area with no public transportation or in a neighborhood you've never heard of, decline . If things go bad you want to be able to safely and quickly go home on your own. 9. Bring protection and use protection. Have them suit up for your sake. If they complain or try to guilt you for it, YEET. Their few minutes of fun isn't worth risking disease or unwanted pregnancy. 10. Have an emergency number you can call and learn how to ask for help in Japanese. Worst case scenario.