ROSE + JAPAN

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.

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.

Japanese plus size brand Chocochic makes clothing tailored for real plus-size bodies. Their sizing system doesn't follow the traditional methods of clothes sizing. They base their design measurements on real bodies - where weight is stored, and what body measurements actually change from size to size. Unlike other brands where larger sizes assume wearers are also very tall, Cocochic designs keep their measurements balanced. Additionally, their designs are particularly aimed at average-height and petite shoppers who are also plus size. According to the Cocochic website, "Medium size is the standard, and as the size increases, the height becomes taller, the shoulders become broader, the sleeves become longer, and the collar becomes larger." What makes this brand's designs different is how they adjust the sizing: " Depending on the size, the thicker parts of the body are adjusted, but the expected height, shoulder width, sleeve length, and collar circumference remain unchanged." For example, generally when you're shopping plus size, the larger the size, the longer the garment. You could find the dress in a 3L that's a little too small around the waist- but when you size up to a 4L, the sleeve length is suddenly longer and the dress is dragging on the floor. If you want the dress you must choose between the two, and neither is what you want. Cocochic size up differently. Their selling point is that their clothes are tailored with real bodies in mind - Just because someone wears a larger size doesn't mean that they're tall or that their arms are suddenly longer. The result is well-fitted clothing that looks like it was tailored just for you - no need to roll up your sleeves or wear heels just to keep items off the floor! Because the brand uses different sizing standards, they have unique size labels for their clothes. To help understand what size range you may be in they created a chart comparing their sizes to the sizing system of Uniqlo, a popular fashion brand in Japan. They have three plus size labels: T10, T20, and T30. T10 is the rough equivalent of clothes sizes LL-3L. T20 is similar to 4L-5L. T30, is comparable to 6L-7L. For more information about their size system, visit their website: https://cocochic.jp/pages/size Because this brand does have a unique size system and labels, shoppers should take extra care to read each garment's sizing label. Since how items are sized may be different from what shoppers expect, some measurements may be quite different from what you're used to. About Cocochic Clothing & Where to Shop Cocochic is an online store that ships within Japan (they do not ship internationally). Their clothing designs lean more towards casual and everyday wear, with a few formal pieces. Organized by size or category, you'll find t-shirts, blouses, pants, skirts, outerwear and dresses. As for the clothing designs themselves, they're on par with what's currently trending and staple pieces. There is a lot of blacks, whites, beige and powder blues - it's easy to mix and match all of their items. One could easily create a fashionable capsule wardrobe filled only with Cocochic items.Because the items have had extra attention to sizing details, the prices are higher than similar pieces from fast-fashion brands like H&M Japan and Uniqlo that offer some plus size options. However, when compared to other Japanese plus-size indie brands, the prices are average. To help new customers understand how Cocochics clothing is sized, they give you a free t-shirt with your first purchase that you can use as a reference for future purchases.

If you're heading to Japan for the first time you definitely want to pack these essentials in your luggage. I would recommend these items for everyone, but certain plus-sized clothing items are much more difficult to find, so it's more convenient to purchase them in your home country and bring them with you. What your focus should be is determined by your size. Generally, the larger the size, the more difficult it is to find in Japan. There are many websites that you can order from, but it's nice to have the essentials on hand when you're new to the country. It's a lot to adjust to; navigating a new country, language, and fashion scene can be intimidating, so here are some tips to help you out. 1. Bras Pack bras. Pack all the bras. If you wear a cup size larger than a US "B", or a band size larger than a US 30, pack a lot of bras. Your bra size is likely going to be very hard to find at a reasonable price in Japan (e specially if you also have a plus-size band size). Unfortunately, for larger sizes (yes, a US B is a large cup size in Japan), your only option may be to order items online. Additionally, if you are able to find your bra size in Japan you may not be satisfied with the support; many Japanese bras are thinly lined, offer little support, and tend to be a little more delicate and dainty, rather than functional. Packing multiples of your favorite will just make your life a bit easier while you're settling in. Where to Shop: Large Size Bras In Japan Find Your Size: International Bra Size Conversion Charts 2. A good suit and clothes for work No matter the reason why you're moving to Japan if you plan on attending (or get a surprise invite to) anything like work events, interviews, seminars or meetings, you're going to need a good suit and appropriate workwear. Japan does offer plus-sized suits for women, but it can be tricky to find a good fit. Invest in a dark color (black or navy) formal suit with basic, button-up blouses (no patterns) in white or light blue. If you are going to be working in an office environment or as an English teacher, consider packing way more. If you are moving to Japan to work or to go to university, prioritize business wear and some business casual pieces over casual wear. You will 1) need business wear more often than casual wear and 2) will be able to find casual items much easier than formal clothing. Depending on your workplace, there will be some slight variations on what's appropriate/allowed. As a general rule, only pack tops with a higher neckline (no V necks), skirts that fall below the knee, and A LOT of stockings/pantyhose (if you plan on wearing skirts or dresses). 3. Trousers and Jeans Plus-size pants, trousers, and jeans don't usually account for foreign hip, backside, or thigh measurements. You may be able to find your waist measurement, but finding the right fit for your body type may be a challenge. If you're plus size and tall, absolutely pack a variety of pants. 4. Shoes Pack a good variety of shoes, especially if you're over a US size 7 or have wide feet. I wear an 8.5 US shoe, and while I don't always need wide width (WW) in Canada, my foot is wider than what's available in many shops in Japan. An 8.5 is on the higher end of what some shops carry (many stop at 7 or 8); I'm able to find good sneakers, but formal shoes are hard to come by. 5. Stockings & pantyhose As mentioned above under workwear, pantyhose is one thing you will see almost all Japanese women in skirts, dresses (or even shorts) wearing. There are some pricey options available by large brand names up to a US 2XL, but Japanese pantyhose/stockings are short. Pack different colors (black, beige and skin tone[the crowd favorite]) that fit your body type. 6. Swimsuits Okay, so this isn't essential for everyone. But if you're over a 2XL or busty, have a style preference for your swimwear, or just like swimming, pack some swimsuits . Swimwear combines everything not great about the plus-size scene in Japan; lack of support for large breasts, ill-fitting suits, cuts, and patterns that leave A LOT to be desired- if you're able to find them at all. P lus-size brands don't always carry swimwear, so if you're planning on hitting the beach often, bring a good suit. Other Items to Consider Packing: Deodorant: Summers are hot and if you're prone to sweating, Japanese deodorant may not be enough. Most Japanese brands are antiperspirants; the formula is more similar to light armpit perfume. Hats: If you have a hat size larger than 58, it may be difficult to find a hat that fits. Some international brands like H&M carry up to a size 60 hat, but the fit is snug as the majority of shoppers wear small hat sizes. Belts Winter Jacket Bike Shorts or anti-chaffing shorts to wear under skirts and dresses to prevent chub rub Sweat-wicking layers to wear under your clothes in hotter weather

Save this size chart for when you’re shopping for plus size clothing in Japan! In general, plus size in Japan starts at 2L, and Japanese plus size stores carry up to 10L. If you wear L in U.S sizes, you are considered plus size in Japan. But there are other factors that may make shopping plus size the better option for you. Often, Japanese women’s fashion has different proportions than Western fashion so it’s quite common among foreigners in Japan to need to size up in order to accommodate their hip, shoulder, or chest measurements. It can be a little jarring moving to Japan and needing sizes labeled higher than your US size, but don’t fret; a good fit is far more important than a number on a label. When shopping in Japan, or from a Japanese site online don’t forget to check each brand's own size charts and item measurements. These measurement charts are usually in cm, so take note of your own measurements before you start shopping. As a helpful guide, I also like to take the measurements of my favorite clothing currently in my wardrobe. Most Japanese sites are fabulous at posting each item's measurements so you can easily compare the item you’re looking at to different pieces you know you like (and fit the way you want them to).

We've put together a map with ALL of the plus size fashion stores you can visit in Tokyo! Use our plus size shop guide to help plan your perfect plus size Tokyo shopping experience. Punyus Largest Size:  3L-4L Type:  Streetwear, Casual Location:  Multiple Punyus remains an icon in plus-size Japanese fashion. Their pieces are unique and there are no other brands that offer similar colors and prints for plus sizes in Tokyo! If you're near Shibuya or Shinjuku, you need to check it out. Punyus Shibuya109 has the largest store with its full collections in stock. There is a second location near Harajuku station, but this store primarily carries their smaller sizes, with less selection for plus size. Further down the line at Shinjuku Station, you'll find a third location. Punyus Shibuya109 〒150-0043 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Dogenzaka, 2 Chome−29−1 6F Shibuya 109 Punyus Harajuku 1 Chome-19-5 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001 Punyus Shinjuku 〒160-0022 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Shinjuku, 3 Chome−38−1 ルミネエスト新宿 2F Taberunosky Largest Size:  5L Type:  Sweet, Casual Location:   〒170-0013 Tokyo, Toshima City, Higashiikebukuro, 3 Chome−7−7 イーストテラスビル 4階 Featured on the angeLsize website, Taberunosky offers unique fashion items. Pastels, flowers, lace, ribbons and other sweet details make their collections highly sought after. There is one location in Tokyo where you can shop for their fashion in person. Re-J & Supure Largest Size:  5L Type: General, Business, Casual Location:  Multiple All under the Palemo brand, Re-J & Supure and Ludic Park are go-to brands in the local plus size community. Known for versatile and practical clothing designed for everyday wear, each shop carries different labels and styles, so it's worth checking them out. LUDIC PARK/Re-J 〒136-0075 SUNAMO 2F, 3-4-31 Shinsuna, Koto-ku, Tokyo LUDIC PARK/Re-J 〒140-0014 Tokyo, Shinagawa-ku, Oi 1-3-6 Ito Yokado Oimachi 2F Supur (Sunshine City) 〒170-0013 3-1 Higashiikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo Sunshine City Alpa 1F Re-J Kinshicho Olinas Store 〒130-0012 Tokyo, Sumida-ku, Taihei 4-1-2 Olinas Kinshicho 2F SabStreet My Standard Largest Size:  5L-7L (depending on location) Type:  General fashion Location:  Multiple Sabstreet my standard (Ikebukuro Store) 〒171-8512 Tokyo, Toshima City, Nishiikebukuro, 1 Chome−1−25 東武百貨店池袋店 4F 4番地 Sabstreet my standard ( Shinjuku Takashimaya store) 〒151-8580 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Sendagaya, 5-chōme−24−２ 新宿高島屋店 6階 ユアサイズ Foel Largest Size:  7L Type:  General fashion Location:  Multiple Foel is a plus size fashion store for men and women. There are many locations across Japan; the location listed below is the nearest to Tokyo Station, being only a 25-minute subway commute. The second location is also very close to Hanada Airport (25 minutes) and just minutes away from Kawasui Kawasaki Aquarium. Foel Kichijoji ハタビル, ３Ｆ, 1 Chome-7-1 Kichijoji Higashicho, Musashino, Tokyo 180-0002 〒210-0007 Kanagawa, Kawasaki, Kawasaki Ward, Ekimae Honcho, 8 川崎ダイス ２階 Eur3 Largest Size:  5L (In-store may be 3L-4L, depending on location) Type:  Casual, business Location:  2 stores within 1 hour of Tokyo Station Despite having a central Tokyo location listed on Google maps, that is NOT a store. Rather, it's their main office. (〒106-0032 Tokyo, Minato City, Roppongi, 3 Chome−1−1 ティーキューブ) The nearest location to Tokyo station are about 1 hour travel by subway: 〒179-0072 Tokyo, Nerima City, Hikarigaoka, 5 Chome−1−1 リヴィン光が丘 ２Ｆ 〒222-0002 Kanagawa, Yokohama, Kohoku Ward, Morookacho, 700番地 トレッサ横浜南棟 ２Ｆ Fleur by Mint Breeze Largest Size:  5L Type:  General fashion Location:   Marui Model, 2 Chome-7-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0006 Sazakan Largest Size:  6L Type:  Business, General Location:   Multiple (not all have plus sizes in store) Here are the Sazakan locations that have women's plus size fashion in stores: Sakazen Shinjuku Store 〒160-0022　東京都新宿区新宿2-19-13 Sakazen Nihonbashi Store 〒103-0003　中央区日本橋横山町5-9 Sakazen Ikebukuro Store 〒171-0022　東京都豊島区南池袋2-27-7 Sakazen Kamata Store 〒144-0051　東京都大田区西蒲田7-48-12 Sakazen Fuchu Store 〒183-0055　東京都府中市府中町2-9-1 Sakazen Nishikasai Store 〒134-0088　東京都江戸川区西葛西4-2-28　サニーモール西葛西3F AOKI Largest Size:  7L (In-store may be 4L-5L, depending on location) Type:  Suits and business wear Location:  Multiple (not all locations carry plus sizes) If you're visiting or staying near the city center (Tokyo Station) the Akihabara store is the nearest and most convenient to get to. Also, AOKI offers tax free shopping for tourists- just present your passport at check-out. Here are the locations that list having women's plus sizes available in stores (click the links for maps): Chiyoda Ward AOKI Akihabara   1-13-3 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021, Japan Ota Ward AOKI Ota Chidori   2-10-8 Chidori, Ota-ku, Tokyo 146-0083 Japan Itabashi Ward AOKI Itabashi  4-8-3 Itabashi, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-0004 Adachi Ward AOKI Adachi Takenotsuka Sohonten   4-1-1 Takenotsuka, Adachi-ku, Tokyo 121-0813 Edogawa Ward AOKI Kasai   3-6-1 Nakakasai, Edogawa-ku, Tokyo 134-0083 Japan As of Winter 2024, these brands/shops are online only or do not stock plus sizes in their physical store: Plus Size Clothing Brands: ACDC Rag A Happy Marilyn Alinoma AngeLsize Belluna BodyLine Cecile Plump Clette Clover Shop (no Tokyo locations) CocoChic Dear My Love Gold Japan Louiosy uplume

Cocochic, a brand that combines comfort and style, has been releasing exciting new items this fall. The collection features elegant, versatile pieces that are perfect for creating simple and trendy outfits. This season we're seeing a lot of earthy mustard yellows, camel browns, and earthy tones that bring warmth to your Autumn wardrobe. Look 1 This simple, flowing dress, available in orange or black, can be styled alone or worn as a duster for a more relaxed look. The orange version makes a bold statement for the season, pairing beautifully with chocolate brown accessories. Look 2 The gray gilet zip dress (also available in camel or black) offers versatile styling options, whether zipped or left open, to add warmth and elevate casual outfits. Made from thick, wool-like fabric, it’s perfect for staying warm through autumn and winter. The tapered pants stand out with their unique asymmetrical hemline, featuring a shorter front and a longer back at the ankle. Look 3 In a different palate, the gilet dress and tapered pants come together to create a sleek, sleek, polished look that's perfect for both office and everyday wear. The gilet dress and tapered pants are versatile pieces that can be styled in various ways. Look 4 Pair this warm V-neck jumper dress with a light sweater for a warm and fashionable fall look. This dress features an elastic paper-bag style waist, adding shape and definition to the body, while also adding some coverage and flow to the skirt. The dress has a zipper back, and a front pocket. Look 5 This blouse features a comfortable, generous fit with stylish puff sleeves, offering a sophisticated look. The removable bow-tie adds versatility, allowing you to style it in multiple ways. Whether paired with jackets, cardigans, or jumper skirts, it complements a variety of outfits. The soft material drapes nicely, avoiding bulkiness, and is wrinkle-resistant, making it perfect for office casual wear or outings. The bow-tie is easy to remove with a button at the neck, adding to its functionality and charm.

フード総柄ニット Patterned Knit Sweater - ¥7,700 Get cozy with the new patterned knit sweaters from Punyus, available in 7 fun designs! These sweaters are perfect for sizes S to 4L, offering a comfy fit for everyone. The unique Punyus pattern gives them a playful edge, while the soft acrylic fabric keeps them wrinkle-free and warm. Perfect for mix-and-match outfits with friends! Just remember to follow the washing instructions to keep the colors bright and prevent pilling. タイダイビッグスウェットパーカー Tie-dye Hoodie - ¥7,700 ブラックパンサービッグスウェットパーカー Black Panther Hoodie - ¥7,700 Punyus added two new hooded sweaters to their collection, and we love them both! One is an oversized tie-dye hoodie available in purple or green, perfect for a bold statement look. The other features the Punyus logo on the front and a striking black panther design on the back, done in Punyus' signature art style. Both pieces are great for layering up while keeping your style on point! Night Angel スーパービッグTシャツ Night Angel Oversized T-shirt - ¥5,500 Punyus never disappoints with its bold designs! This season, they’ve teamed up with Tetsuya Goto, vocalist of Nakayoshi Group, to bring a bold oversized T-shirt with Goto’s unique art. Although it only comes in one size, it’s larger than most 4L shirts on the site, making it perfect to wear as a T-shirt dress or with wide-leg jeans for a laid-back, stylish look. パンサー刺繍ワイドカーゴパンツ Panther Embroidered Cargo Pants - ¥7,700 Another standout from Tetsuya Goto, these wide-legged cargo pants feature a stylishly embroidered big cat on the leg. With an elastic waist and ankles, plus plenty of functional pockets, these pants offer both a cool aesthetic and practical comfort. リバーシブルMA-1 Reversible Puffer Jacket - ¥11,990 Complete your look with a cozy, reversible puffer jacket that’s both functional and stylish. It comes in three color combos: Khaki/Lime, Purple/Grey and classic Black. The quilted lining adds extra warmth to keep you comfy all season long.