ROSE + JAPAN

Options for plus-size clothing on the islands are generally more limited than in other regions of Japan. Many residents find themselves importing clothing or shopping from Japanese plus-size brands online. For those residing in Okinawa long-term, joining Facebook groups dedicated to plus-size fashion in Okinawa can be a valuable way to connect with others and discover additional resources. Re-J & Supure / Ludic Park Largest Size:  5L Type: Women, General, Business, Casual Locations:   LUDIC PARK 〒901-2123 Okinawa, Urasoe, Irijima, 3 Chome, サンエー浦添西海岸PARCOCITY３Ｆ Foel Largest Size:  7L Type:  Men, Unisex, General fashion Location:   Foel Naha Oroku 5 Chome-2-1 Kanagusuku, Naha, Okinawa 901-0155 Foel 4L Okinawa Chatan 1 Chome-5-3 Mihama, Chatan, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0115 Shimamura Largest Size:  5L (largest size in stores) Type:  Women, Men, General, Budget Locations: Shimamura Itoman 790-1 Shiohira, Itoman, Okinawa 901-0302 Shimamura Toyomi 699-1 Nesabu, Tomigusuku, Okinawa 901-0205 Shimamura Across Plaza Furujima Ekimae 〒900-0004 Okinawa, Naha, Mekaru, 1 Chome−19−1 2階 Shimamura Yonabaru 68-1-2 Agarihama, Yonabaru, Shimajiri District, Okinawa 901-1304 Shimamura Ginowan 7 Chome-6-1 Oyama, Ginowan, Okinawa 901-2223 Shimamura Chatan 464 Kuwae, Chatan, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0103 Shimamura Gushikawa 〒904-2235 Okinawa, Uruma, Maehara, 169-4-1 具志川ショッピングセンター 内 Shimamura Ishikawa 1 Chome-15-27 Ishikawa, Uruma, Okinawa 904-1106

Eur3 offers quality plus size suits, occasion wear, and wardrobe staples in sizes S to 5L. You can find stores across Japan or conveniently shop online (shipping within Japan). The Clothes The largest size offered is 5L but Eur3 sizing does run slightly smaller, especially for suits and special occasionware. When you are shopping online take care to check each items measurements. The focus of the brand is professional and occasionwear. As such, the price point is higher than shops that mostly offer casual wear. These are investment pieces, meant to last longer than fast fashion. If you're a working professional or living in Japan long term you will need a variety of suits and outfits for different occasions, so while the initial cost is higher, your purchases will have a long life for reuse. The clothes themselves are standard Japanese styles. Colors and cuts for these types of clothing don't change drastically with time, making a lot of the pieces excellent wardrobe staples. There is a nice selection of dresses and suits meant to be worn for special occasions such as graduations and funerals. The suit jackets can be worn professionally, but also pair well with special occasion dresses. The casual items and pieces meant for everyday wear are modest and minimal classic styles. The silhouettes are looser and are marketed to a more mature market ( ie, more coverage). Necklines are at the collarbone, sleeve lengths tend to be to the wrist or stay at the elbow, and skirts hit below the knee. Refreshingly, amongst the causal items, there are some splashes of color offered. The main pallet is your typical black, white, and beige - but there are some items available in both muted tones and saturated colors.  Sizing for casual clothes is much more generous than the form-fitting suits.At the time of writing this entry, no casual clothes were available in 5L. The largest size available was 4L. Materials Most items are made using polyester, but there is more variation because of the price point. Almost all items are manufactured in China. Plus Size Brand Models The website does not show 4L and 5L items on models who wear those sizes, which is disappointing. However, Eur3 does have a YouTube channel . On many of the item pages, there is a video link. In the videos, you can see a plus size model wearing the items and giving more information. To see items on various body types, you can also visit the Staff Coordinates pages. Many brands have such a section on their website to give us style ideas, and a wider variety of body types. Locations You can shop in Eur3 stores across Japan. Click here for the shop list. Payments and Shipping Eur3 only ships items within Japan. Shipping on orders over 11,000 is free. Accepted payment methods include Credit Card, and Cash on Delivery.

The fashion landscape in Japan, known for its avant-garde designs and intricate craftsmanship, has been traditionally tailored to smaller sizes. However, a recent surge in the popularity of Shein, the global online fashion retailer, has led to a remarkable transformation in the plus-size fashion scene in Japan. Shein is a Chinese-based e-commerce platform that has swiftly become a global fashion sensation. Known for its vast and affordable range of clothing, Shein caters to diverse fashion tastes and sizes. While Shein offers standard sizes, it is the brand's dedication to inclusivity that has made it particularly appealing to the plus-size community in Japan. Key Factors Driving Shein's Popularity in Japan for Plus Size Fashion Wide Range of Plus-Size Options: Shein boasts an extensive selection of plus-size clothing, including dresses, tops, bottoms, swimwear, and more. This inclusivity allows Japanese shoppers of all body types to find fashionable items that suit their style preferences. Affordability: Shein is known for its budget-friendly prices, making trendy plus-size fashion accessible to a broader audience. This affordability is especially appealing to young adults and college students in Japan who seek stylish options without breaking the bank. Trend-Driven Collections: Shein keeps pace with the latest fashion trends, ensuring that plus-size individuals have access to the same chic styles as their smaller-sized counterparts. This commitment to staying on-trend resonates with fashion-forward consumers in Japan. User-Friendly Website: Shein's website is user-friendly and available in multiple languages, including Japanese. This ease of navigation, coupled with detailed sizing charts and customer reviews, helps shoppers make informed decisions, reducing concerns about ordering clothing online. Influencer Collaborations: Shein often collaborates with fashion influencers and celebrities, both globally and locally. These collaborations help promote the brand's plus-size offerings and make them more appealing to Japanese consumers. Size-Inclusive Marketing: Shein's marketing campaigns emphasize body positivity and inclusivity, showcasing a diverse range of models. This approach aligns with the evolving societal attitudes towards body diversity and beauty standards in Japan. For many plus-size women in Japan, fast fashion often represents the only affordable option when it comes to building a diverse wardrobe. The limited availability of affordable plus-size clothing in traditional fashion outlets can be disheartening and frustrating. Fast fashion brands like Shein offer these individuals a chance to experiment with various styles and trends without breaking the bank. However, it's essential to recognize the trade-offs associated with this affordability, including the environmental and ethical concerns tied to the fast fashion industry. The Impact on Japan's Plus-Size Fashion Scene Shein's increasing popularity in Japan has led to significant shifts in the country's fashion scene, particularly in the plus-size sector: Increased Visibility: Shein's extensive plus-size catalog has increased the visibility of plus-size fashion in Japan, challenging traditional stereotypes and norms. Greater Acceptance: The availability of stylish and affordable plus-size options has encouraged individuals to embrace their bodies and experiment with fashion, fostering greater acceptance and self-confidence. Diverse Styles: Shein offers a wide range of styles, from casual to formal, enabling plus-size individuals to express themselves creatively and diversify their wardrobes. Competition and Adaptation: Other fashion retailers in Japan are now facing increased competition from Shein's inclusive approach, which is prompting them to expand their plus-size offerings and cater to a broader audience. Shein has played a pivotal role in revolutionizing plus-size fashion in Japan by providing affordable, trendy, and size-inclusive clothing options. Its commitment to body positivity and its extensive range of plus-size styles have reshaped the fashion landscape in the country. As Japanese consumers increasingly seek fashion that celebrates diversity, Shein's popularity is likely to continue to grow, making it a key player in the ongoing transformation of Japan's fashion industry. Shein's success story in Japan serves as a testament to the evolving nature of beauty standards and the inclusive future of the fashion world.

Affordable plus size bras to release at 9 am on November 12th Shimamura has teamed up with Hana to design comfortable and cute lingerie for plus sizes 3L-5L. The line has an emphasis on comfort and design, with thicker straps, no underwire, and delicate floral details. Availability: The sets will be available for purchase online on November 12. Visit the Shimamura website to purchase. Price: 1,419 yen Colors: CL Hana-44: 364-2720 White (off white) CL Hana-40: 364-2633 Lavender (light purple) CL Laméture-30: 364-2812 Sax (blue) CL lame tul-42: 364-2860 Pink (peach) Bra Design Details: 1. Support Panel : Between the two cups there is a fabric panel that provides additional shape and support. The fabric is not elastic and holds the cups center of the body when being worn. In plus size bras without an underwire or support panel, the cups have a tendency to rest to the side. With the panel, the bra holds shape. 2. Lift Panel : On the inside of the cup there is a lift panel that adds additional support and shape. 3. Wide band and additional coverage : The wide band starts at the side of the cup and wraps around the body. This offers more support and well as fewer bras lines when worn under clothing. A wide band and mesh coverage prevents overflow around the side of the chest and back. 3. Wide straps : Designed 5mm wider than the standard strap, it rests comfortably on the shoulder and doesn't dig. The wider strap stays in place and provides more support. Panty Design Details: The line includes cute matching panties (649 yen, sold separately). The panty is a brief style with a control panel, made with breathable fabric and matching design details.

Follow these Instagram models for the latest in Japanese plus size fashion. Scroll down to find and follow the curvy girl accounts that are hot now! @emix_momoka has over 16K followers, posting her outfits (and where to buy plus size clothing from Japan), daily eats and adorable pics of her pet pig. @aicadayoooo_ is a fashion model for the brand タベルノスキー and frequently posts their super cute fits. She has a following of 19K and a Youtube channel for more fashion inspiration. @hitomigram_fashion is an it account for elegant styles & high end accessories. She often models for brands such as Clover Shop, Curvy Wedding and LaFarfa among others- and has an elevated sense of daily style that I adore. @oto.090chan is a brand ambassador and woman with style. Her feed design represents her personal style well; soft colors and designs, with a strong emphasis on traditionally feminine details. @pochade_ee throws back to pure ootd gram vibes. The feed is majority mirror shots of her daily outfits, along with shopping details. The purest form of using socials for fashion inspiration. @yuzuu44 is an official ambassador for Glamour Princess , a plus size bra and lingerie brand. She posts product updates, alongside her personal ootd picks. @__reinawear understands the assignment. Her feed is highly stylized with the outfit at the focus, along with easy visuals showing you exactly where each piece comes from.

GLAPOCHA / TGPC Production Committee is a Japanese modeling and talent agency specializing in plus size models. The agency was initially launched in 2017 by plus size model and creator, Momoka Ai and in 2019 partnered with TGPC. GLAPOCHA is the first plus size talent agency in the country. The name TGPC is short for Tokyo Glamorous Pocchari Collection. Glamourous, or Glamour is a borrowed English word that’s often used in fashion. In Japan “Glamour Size” is often used the way that the west uses plus size. Specifically, it is used to describe women who typically are plus size and have a large chest and/or hip measurements (leaning more towards chest size). The second word comes from the Japanese word “Pocchari”, or Pocha for short. In English, it means chubby and is typically used in an endearing way. GLAPOCHA combines these two words as a symbol for their brand. Business GLAPOCHA models and other talent are offered work and training specifically to appeal to the plus size market in Japan. Modeling (web, catalogs, magazine, TV) and acting (TV, movies, web, body doubles) are two of the larger roles models fulfill. GLAPOCHA is also noted for its role in plus size fashion events and train their models in walking, posing and makeup application. Some talent is also recruited for event planning and management. More recently you can see GLAPOCHA models making their mark online, with special influencer and content creation training. Almost all models have an online social media presence, and some specialize in YouTube and social video productions. Recruitment The agency recruits models from across Japan, holding casting calls sporadically throughout the year. Typically the casting calls happen once in the spring and fall, though this changes with demand. Potential models can fill out the registration form online (in Japanese), and need to provide a headshot, body shot, body measurements, and any examples of previous work. Live interviews are a necessary part of the process and can be held in Tokyo, Osaka, or online (if a registrant is unable to come to either city). Hired models and talent have a wide variety of body types, sizes and heights. The agency works to promote diversity and body positivity and this value carries through their hiring process. Click here to view the GLAPOCHA model and talent recruitment form (Japanese language) Currently, there are no foreign plus sized models working for GLAPOCHA; the company has a strong desire to promote plus size fashion to the Japanese market and as such appears to hire models that their audience can identify with. In many of the modeling and talent positions, hirees also need to be aware of Japanese cultural norms, language, and how to interact with the public. That's not to say that it's impossible to work with a Japanese modeling agency as a foreign plus size model; many Japanese businesses hire foreign models to promote their plus size brands and clothing, especially in web and print marketing. Being able to speak and understand conversational Japanese is necessary for most modeling or talent jobs, with a higher level needed for speaking roles or roles that require you to appear in interviews or interact with the public. If you are seeking work with a modeling or talent agency and are living in Japan on a visa, be aware of your visa type and whether you are able to legally seek work. If you have the ability to speak Japanese and fit the physical criteria to work as a plus size model, it is possible to work in modeling (though there are fewer opportunities for plus size models compared to smaller-sized models). Links Website Twitter Instagram Ameba Blog Contact (business) For inquiries regarding sponsorship, costume cooperation, model shooting, events, TV appearances, etc. GLAPOCHA Manager, Tanaka Mobile phone: 090-2524-6368 Email : info@glapocha.jp Online Contact Forms (Japanese): Website

We've put together a map with ALL of the plus size fashion stores you can visit in Osaka! Use our plus size shop guide to help plan your perfect plus size Osaka shopping experience. Punyus Largest Size:  3L-4L Type:  Women, Unisex, Streetwear, Casual Location:   〒545-0052 Osaka, Abeno Ward, Abenosuji, 1 Chome−6−1 あべのキューズモール2階 (Floor 2, Abeno Q's MALL) Re-J & Supure Largest Size:  5L Type: Women, General, Business, Casual Locations:   LUDIC PARK 〒580-0032 Osaka, Matsubara, Amamihigashi, 3 Chome−500番地 セブンパーク ２Ｆ Supure 〒542-0074 Osaka, Chuo Ward, Sennichimae, 1 Chome−5−6 なんばウォーク 虹のまち 3番街 (underground) SabStreet My Standard Largest Size:  5L-7L (depending on location) Type:  Women, General fashion Location: Sabstreet My Standard 〒545-8545 Osaka, Abeno Ward, Abenosuji, 1 Chome−1−43 近鉄百貨店阿倍野店 ウィング館 4F Foel Largest Size:  7L Type:  Men, Unisex, General fashion Location:   Foel 〒536-0016 Osaka, Joto Ward, Gamou, 1-chōme−9−１０ エディオン京橋店 ３Ｆ2 〒530-0001 Osaka, Kita Ward, Umeda, 1-chōme−2−２ 大阪駅前第二ビル １００ １F Eur3 Largest Size:  5L (In-store may be 3L-4L, depending on location) Type:  Women, Casual, business Location:   〒591-8008 Osaka, Sakai, Kita Ward, Higashiasakayamacho, 4 Chome−1-12 イオンモール堺北花田 2F Big M One Largest Size:  6L Type:  Men, Women, Business, General Location:   大阪府四條畷市雁屋西町2-6 大阪府堺市堺区緑ヶ丘南町1丁目3-21 Big Uncle Store Largest Size:  7L Type:  Mens, General, Casual Location:   〒550-0003 Osaka, Nishi Ward, Kyomachibori, 3 Chome−3−23 連棟 の真ん中 Grand-Back Largest Size:  7L Type:  Men, General, Casual Location:   2 Chome-10-1 Sennichimae, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0074 Shimamura Largest Size:  5L (largest size in stores) Type:  Women, Men, General, Budget Locations: Shimamura Abeno 〒545-0005 Osaka, Abeno Ward, Sanmeicho, 2 Chome−1−4 阪急オアシスあべの店 1F Shimamura Minamitsumori 1 Chome-6-41 Minamitsumori, Nishinari Ward, Osaka, 557-0063 Shimamura Shiokusa 〒556-0024 Osaka, Naniwa Ward, Shiokusa, 2 Chome−9−1 2F MaxValu Shiokusa Shimamura Foleo Osaka Dome City 〒550-0025 Osaka, Nishi Ward, Kujominami, 1 Chome−12−33 内 2F フォレオ大阪ドームシティ Shimamura Kyobashi 〒536-0016 Osaka, Joto Ward, Gamou, 2 Chome−1−15 マックスバリュ京橋店 2F Shimamura Higashinakahama 8 Chome-9-23 Higashinakahama, Joto Ward, Osaka, 536-0023 Shimamura Chibune 〒555-0013 Osaka, Nishiyodogawa Ward, Chibune, 1 Chome−4−38 アクロスプラザ千舟 2F Shimamura Sentai 1 Chome-23-4 Minamisumiyoshi, Sumiyoshi Ward, Osaka, 558-0041

Ai Momoka is one of my favorite Japanese plus size models currently on the scene. Her styles are diverse, fresh, and down right inspirational. While she does model trendy plus size Japanese ootds, it’s her use of color and bold fashion choices that have caught the admiration of thousands of fans. Name: Ai Momoka Birthday: 08/07/1986 Location: Tokyo Momoka currently describes herself as a plus size model, GLAPOCHA executive, and YouTuber. If you're looking for what’s trending now in Japan, her socials are worth the follow! She often speaks about self-love, diversity in fashion, and her personal experiences as a model and as a plus size woman in Japan. The Links YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AIMOMOKA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ai_momoka.plussizemodel/ Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/momokaai8 TV Appearances and Campaign Work: https://www.cchan.tv/clipper/1936242/

In late 2021 a survey of foreigners living in Japan was conducted to gather input about individuals' body image, confidence, and opinions on Japanese culture in regards to health and beauty. The survey received over 100 responses from a wide range of foreign participants currently residing in Japan. The majority of participants identified as female, originally from North America (the U.S.A or Canada), were aged from 20 to 29, and have lived in Japan for 3 to 5 years. General Questions about Body Image and Health: Participants were asked to answer general questions about their body image on a scale of 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree). 49% of people reported that they felt confident in their appearances, body shape or size prior to living in Japan. After moving to and living in Japan for a year or more, only 22% reported that they felt confident about their appearance. "I never felt 'fat' in the US. However, comments, clothing sizes, and beauty ads have made me more self-conscious." -20's female from U.S.A., living in Japan for 5-10 years 8% of foreign respondents answered "strongly agree" in regards to feeling confident about their appearances in Japan. Of that 8%, the majority reported that, in comparison to Japanese people, they appeared to have an average weight. Compare this with the respondents who strongly disagreed with feeling confident with their appearances, body shape, and size in Japan; of those respondents, 95% of them reported that they were slightly or extremely overweight compared to Japanese people. This data suggests a link between a person feeling confident with their appearance, body shape & size, and their weight in relation to the local population. If a foreign participant reported being slightly or extremely overweight compared to Japanese people, they were more likely to report not feeling confident about their appearance in Japan. Foreign female participants reported a significant decrease in confidence in their appearance since moving to Japan. Separating the data on confidence regarding appearance, females saw the most drastic decrease in confidence regarding their appearances, body shape and size. Female Prior to living in Japan: 26% were not confident and 54% were confident. (20% neutral) Living in Japan: 51% are not confident and only 23% are. (26% neutral) From the comments received, foreign females often compared their physical traits (that are common in their home countries) to the physical traits of Japanese people. Traits such as having a large chest, being muscular, being tall, skin color/texture/natural freckles, having thick thighs, or large hips/buttocks were mentioned as a source of anxiety. Even among female participants who reported having an average or slightly below average weight compared to Japanese people, comments were made frequently about how their body shape or size negatively impacted them (shopping, being stared at, feelings of not fitting in, feeling hyper-sexualized). Foreign Males reported a slight increase in confidence about their appearances since moving to Japan. Male Prior to living in Japan: 42% were not confident and 28% were confident. (28% neutral) Living in Japan: 42% are not confident and 35% are. (21% neutral) No (0%) non-binary participants reported feeling confident about their appearances, body shape or size living in Japan. Non-Binary Prior to living in Japan: 25% were not confident and 25% were confident. (50% neutral) Living in Japan: 50% are not confident. (50% neutral) There were no significant changes in data patterns when groups were separated by age group, length of time living in Japan or country of origin. 66% of foreigners report that they worry more about their appearance in Japan compared to their home country. "I now shave my arm hair and feel quite self-conscious about it when it grows back. I feel some pressure to laser most of my body hair off." -20's female from the U.K, living in Japan for 3-5 years "I'm more self-conscious about [my] weight, as it gets pointed out a lot more from strangers." -20's male from the U.K, living in Japan for 3-5 years A Rise in Disordered Eating Habits Since moving to and living in Japan, 36% of participants reported that they had engaged in potentially harmful eating habits with the intention of losing weight (purposely skipping meals, reducing portions/calories lower than the recommended amount, cutting out food groups, etc.) 25% reported that they had similar eating habits or issues with disordered eating habits prior to moving to Japan. "Seeing [Japanese youth] refusing to eat milk & bread in order to become 'skinny', when they’re already thin, is very uncomfortable. I feel like [Japanese] schools don’t teach students about body image & eating disorders." -20's Non-binary from the U.S.A, living in Japan for 3-5 years "My body type used to be considered 'normal' back in my home country and it never really bothered me. Moving to Japan has brought back some ugly thoughts that I thought I finally had gotten rid of." -30's female from the U.S.A, living in Japan for 5-10 years "I started to skip meals and engaged in behaviors that can be described as eating disorders." -20's female from Italy, living in Japan for 3-5 years 24% of participants feel that their physical and mental health has improved in Japan. "I have been able to turn around my eating habits from very unhealthy eating to healthy eating", says one participant, "I would not say that it is Japan or its culture that did this for me, but living in Japan certainly made it easier". Others reported that they've been able to invest more time and effort into their health. A staggering 97% of foreign participants feel that overweight people are viewed negatively in Japan. 55% worry that they will be judged negatively based on their weight. When it came to fashion, clothing options and ease of shopping, 54% of participants reported that were unable to find any clothing in their size at most or all Japanese clothing shops (excluding online). 60% are unsatisfied with the domestic clothing options that are available to them in Japan. The most cited reasons for being able to purchase clothing in Japan were body size, chest size, height, and hip and thigh measurements. "I cannot buy bras, underwear, or most pants in Japan. Shirts fit oddly and many T-shirts I have to buy in the men’s section."-30's female from the U.S.A, living in Japan for 5-10 years "I haven't been able to buy any clothes or shoes since living here, it's miserable."-20's female from Canada, living in Japan for 3-5 years 72% of participants felt that their clothing and fashion choices were an important way to express their personality. 86% believed that people often judge others based on their fashion and clothing choices. "Everyone has to be super skinny and pale with light makeup and beige clothes. If you dress outside of this you’re weird and undesirable."-20's female from the U.S.A, living in Japan for 1-3 years "Women's clothing is either very tight or very, very loose. I feel like it’s acceptable only for the ultra-thin to wear very tight clothes. If someone curvy wears tight clothes, it's considered too sexual for Japan."-20's female from the U.S.A, living in Japan for 3-5 years The overall opinions on Japanese Media (in regards to body image and beauty standards) The majority of participants that consumed Japanese media (T.V, movies, anime/manga, print etc.) had a negative impression of the media's representation of beauty standards and the possible effects it has on the public. "I feel that many actors and actresses are skinnier than the average Japanese person, which may cause some negative thoughts about body image for some people. I am more upset about how larger people are portrayed in Japanese media", says one participant. "[Overweight people] are often made out to be a joke or shown only caring about eating food. A person's weight does not make their personality, but that is often how overweight people are depicted." While those who reported being under or average weight tended to make more general statements about beauty standards in the media (such as promoting weight loss or white, clear skin), those who were above average weight (compared to Japanese people) were more likely to point out the trend of only casting overweight people (or overweight characters in the case of manga and anime) in comedic roles. "Being overweight [in Japan] is okay if you’re a comedian, it seems." "I feel that most overweight people in Japanese media are the butt of the joke, or are 'allowed' to be overweight because they have some other schtick. I think that there are really unhealthy eating habits shown. Also, there are many shows/anime/etc where the main character is overweight and seen as gloomy and unattractive, but once they lose weight, they instantly become desirable in the eyes of Japanese society." "Fat people are always a joke. Especially fat women. " -20's female from the U.S.A, living in Japan for 5-10 years This comment mentions the 'makeover' trope that is common in fictional works in Japan, especially movies, dramas, anime and manga. A character that is overweight is often seen wearing sweatpants, having curly or frizzy hair, glasses, freckles, etc. and depicted as unkempt, lazy, and unlikeable. Common in anime and manga, this character is often drawn with a slightly upturned nose, to resemble a pig. In many cases, the character desires something that only becomes obtainable to them once they undergo a makeover - weight loss, straight hair, contacts and clear, pale skin. Repeated 100s of times throughout Japanese media for decades, this is just one trope that helped "lock-in" and define what's considered beautiful and desirable in Japan. "I feel that Japanese media accepts only a narrow vision of what women 'should' look like. Women are expected to be skinny while having large breasts (but not too large as that would be obscene) and perfectly symmetrical faces. The pressure to match all of these standards is exhausting." -20's female from the U.K, living in Japan for 5-10 years "Japanese media has one ideal and actively discourages any deviation from it." -30's male from the U.S.A, living in Japan for 5-10 years Responses to questions about body image and confidence showed a correlation between weight and confidence in Japan among all genders. Females reported the most drastic decrease in confidence once they had lived in Japan for a year or more. Dangerous eating habits with the intention of weight loss increased (among all genders) after moving to Japan. Since this was not a controlled study over time, the conclusion that living in Japan, Japanese culture, or consuming Japanese media has a negative influence on one's mental health and self-image can't be made. However, we can take away that, whether it's cultural differences, differences in beauty standards, lifestyle changes, or social attitudes towards health and beauty, many foreigners struggle with the physical and mental aspects of (not) meeting Japanese beauty standards.

There are a surprising amount of online shops dedicated to, or that offer plus size clothing in Japan. Additionally, there are a few international sites that ship plus size fashions to Japan! Even if you're not familiar with online shopping, if you're plus size in Japanese sizing, it's definitely worth learning how to navigate shopping online. If you can't read Japanese I'd highly recommend using Chrome or other browsers that have a translation function - it makes the online shopping experience so much easier! Here are 10 Sites That You Can Order Plus Size Clothing From In Japan: 1. Shein Shein has grown in popularity in Japan due to their affordable plus size options and variety of styles. If you use Twitter in Japanese you'll find dozens of users sharing reviews, photos and experiences using the site. Shein is absolutely the epitome of fast fashion; the fabric and quality of the clothing match the low prices. But if you're just looking for a few statement pieces to make your seasonal wardrobe pop, it's an affordable option. 2. Sakazen Sazakan is a popular plus size shop in Japan, but it has a reputation as a menswear site. They actually carry a sizeable range of plus size women's clothing, specifically workwear. If you have difficulties finding blazers, suits, or blouses for work in Japan, you should check out Sazakan. Sazakan Website 3. Clette Clette offers plus size fashion in Japan up to sizes 4L. Their items range from more minimalist basics to special occasion wear. The price range is mid range, but they have many sales throughout the year and an outlet where you can find gorgeous clothes for 1000 yen. Clette Website 4. A Happy Marilyn This brand doesn't make it on to many lists, but it's another affordable option for online stores that you can order plus size clothing from. A Happy Marilyn is actually an online only shop, meaning that there is no storefront in Japan. It is also one of the few plus size shops in Japan that offer sizes larger than a 5L - A Happy Marilyn offers sizes up to 10L. A Happy Marilyn is also another shop that has started selling clothing lines developed by lafarfa -- exciting! A Happy Marilyn Website 5. Torrid A surprising entry on the list is the American brand Torrid. Although the shipping fee can be higher then most other sites here, it's sometimes worth paying for clothing you know is made for western body types. Torrid has special promotions year round (so many BOGOS), and even a free international shipping event at least once a year. If you're someone who has difficulties finding wide-width shoes and larger shoe sizes, Torrid has a robust year-round collection of shoes and boots. Living in the North, I'm very grateful for wide-width calf knee-high boots! For any plus size brides living in Japan and looking for an affordable wedding dress (under $300 USD), Torrid has a wedding dress collection. I love that you're able to view each dress on different body types and sizes (up to a US 6XL), so it's easier to imagine how each gown may look on you. 6. Re-J & Supure Re-J carries plus size fashions up to size 4L, and is quickly becoming the favorite fashion retailer for quality Japanese dresses, jeans, tops and workwear among foreigners living in Japan. Not only do they have an easy-to-use website to order plus size clothing online, there are also over locations to shop from across the country. See all locations here. Clothing styles at Re-J range from work attire to formalwear, to streetwear to casual everyday looks. Seasonal inventory changes frequently, so you can always get in on the latest trends in Japan. If you're not sure what's hot now, you can take a look at Re-J staff coordinates, a gallery of OOTDs all styled with Re-J clothing. 7. Shimamura The most affordable outlet in Japan for plus-size clothes, Shimamura has shops across Japan. In shop, you'll usually find a selection up to 5/6 L, but it varies from store to store. For sizes 7L+, the selection online is more varied than what you'll see in shops. 8. Alinoma Alinoma online brings together so many Japanese plus size brands under one site, to make shopping convenient. Because it sells so many brands, you're able to easily find more styles in a variety of sizes, up to an 11L. 9. Nissen Smileland Smileland is the most well-known plus-size stores among foreigners Affordable plus size clothing and plenty to choose from, there is something for everyone. Smileland is also one of the only online stores to offer 12L (a US 7XL or size 28). Aside from their large collection of clothing, they also have trendy outerwear and undergarments in large sizes. 10. Cecile Plump Another online shop with additional plus size options, Cecile has clothing up to size 8L in their online shop. Cecile carries smaller sizes of casual and workwear in stores, so it's easy to miss the fact that they have a plus size line. On the website you'll find Cecile Plump, their lines of plus size casual and workwear comparable in style, quality and price to what you'd find in store.

Moving to Japan, I knew I was going to run into some issues regarding clothing sizes. My sizes are average in the North American consumer fashion industry, tucked between an 1XL and 2XL. While packing my life to move to the other side of the world, doing some preliminary research it donned on me that I was about to board the fashion struggle bus. For size references, see the Japanese Plus Size Clothing Chart Plus-size in North America is WILDLY different from Japan. I sit comfortably on the border of plus size, able to find my sizes in most shops. Not so much in Japan. The Japanese market caters to sizes that are generally much smaller than their counterparts in my home country, and this makes sense. An industry is going to offer options that will suit the majority of its’ consumers (or desired consumers). And many Japanese women are, in comparison to North Americans, petite and slim. So, the majority of clothing sold is going to be for those who are shorter and (much) smaller than I am. My first task was converting Japanese clothing sizes to standard U.S. sizes. Taking to the internet, I found a plethora of sizing charts. Problem was, many of them didn’t actually show what my size would be. I was genuinely surprised that in Japan, I’m on the higher end of what even Plus Size clothing stores carry. In Japan, many trendy boutiques don’t carry anything above a U.S. size 8. 10 if you’re lucky. A lot just carry "F" or "Free Size", that comfortably fit people in the (U.S) size range of 00 to 8. As I mentioned above, I can usually, fit into a U.S 1 or 2XL, a size 14 to 18 pants or dress (depending on the brand). In Japan, that meant I was a pretty solid 6L. And the majority of shops do not carry 6L. Even the plus-sized brands that have taken off in the past decade only carry up to a 4 or 5L. For the first few years living in Japan, I was really discouraged. I wanted to enjoy shopping and trying Japanese trends, but the majority of what I found was overwhelmingly “meh”. Oversized, loose and long clothing, not tailored in any way that’s flattering to a plus-sized figure. My personal style quickly went from something I took pride in, to just buying whatever would fit me. Despite what the media portrays (and what the fashion/diet industry pushes), there are a lot of plus-sized women in Japan. And wherever I went, I would see these fabulous queens in the crowd. I was curious (and so, so envious) of the outfits I’d see out in public. But it wasn’t like I could go up to random people on street and ask them where they shopped. However, I could absolutely pop into random peoples DMs online to complement their OOTD (and get the scoop on their go-to brands). And that’s how it started. My love for self-expression through style quickly reignited and I became enchanted with the creativity and confidence of the women representing plus-sized Japan. I was able to slowly start gathering a wardrobe that reflected my personality and made me feel great. Finding new shops, style tips, trudging through (Japanese) forums, Twitter and Insta has become an enjoyable treasure hunt. Sure, I still can’t go into every store and shop off the rack, but that almost makes every outfit I put together that much more rewarding. I know how much time and effort it took to source each piece, and am able to appreciate the items and brands that are keeping it real for curvy girls. The goal of this blog is to share brands, shops, fashion & culture tidbits, personal stories and the Japanese curve models that inspired me to live my best life in the land of the rising sun. Thank you for taking the time to visit, and I hope that you can enjoy your plus-sized Japanese fashion adventure as much as I am!

Denim blues are the color of the season. Spring 2024 into Summer, denim colors and monochrome denim looks are in. Instead of thick denim which can get hot in Japan’s humid summers, pieces in airier fabrics are coming out so you can get the denim look without the weight of heavy denim materials. Re-J just released this set that includes an elbow-length denim jacket and matching thin strapped dress. You can wear the set together for a monochrome look, or opt to layer a light shirt under the dress. You can elevate the denim by pairing it with an elegant shirt, or go casual with a tee. Shop the Look: Denim Set Re-J [SET]デニムジャケット×ワンピース ¥8,789 Available in sizes LL - 4L Not looking for a set? These 2 belted dresses are offered in denim colors, but are made with lighter materials. Both have shirring details along the upper back, which means they’ll stretch to fit your curves. The Denim Jumper Skirt is made with a lightweight denim mixed fabric and is available in dark blue, or faded black.  The Contrast Stitch Jumper Skirt isn't denim, but the stitch details combined with the blue color give the illusion. It's made with a much lighter polyester mix fabric that has a slight stretch. It is available in a dark denim blue or sage green. Shop the Looks Re-J Denim Jumper Skirt, ¥6,589 Re-J Contrast Stitch Jumper Skirt, ¥6,589 The Spring collection from Punyus is bringing acid wash back with denim cargo pants and a matching jacket. Offered in green or pink, the set (sold separately) can be worn together for a very 90’s throwback, or on their own to make your fit pop. Punyus uses a different size system from the standard Japanese plus size sizing charts, so be sure to check item measurements before ordering online, or head over to a Punyus location. Shop the Look: Acid Wash Denim Punyus Oversized Jacket, ¥11,000 Punyus Baggy Jeans, ¥6,600 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.