ROSE + JAPAN

It's so hot! We’re in the midst of summer 2022, so let’s look at what’s trending in Japanese plus size women’s fashion this season. 1. Bright Green Pastel and olive greens are no stranger to the plus size fashion color palette, but this is the season for saturation. Bright hues of emerald and grass greens are the statement color of Japan's summer 2022. Look at these greens from Re-J & Supure (Up tp size 4L). There's a whole range of colors to choose from, all beautiful and bright. 2. Dresses with a defined waist Plus size ladies of Japan, rejoice! Summer 2022 has brought us updated dress styles complete with defined silhouettes. If you haven't dress shopped in Japan before, let me tell you: This is a HUGE deal. The standard fair for plus-size dresses leaves a lot to be desired, namely, not looking like you're wearing an oversized tunic. SO many dresses out there are flowy (which is sometimes pleasant in the Japanese heat), but it's refreshing to see multiple plus size brands carrying more dresses that don't shy away from showing off the curves. (From left to right: Clette, Re-J & Supure, Taberunosky) 3. The Punyus Summer 2022 Collection Punyus puts out hits every season, but their Summer 2022 is hitting with early 90s feels. Bright colors, bucket hats, tie dye and plus size crop tops? Yes, please. 4. Florals Flower print is the pattern that dominates all Japanese women's clothing, so no one should be surprised that florals are the most trending choice this summer. With such a range of design and colors, why not add a few of these pieces in your collection; florals are a mainstay, so you know you'll be on trend for many seasons to come. 5. Wide-Legged Pants The days of skinny jeans are long gone. Flowy, wide-legged pants are great for hot summer days where if you must put clothes on. You want as much air flow as possible, with as little contact with your skin as possible. A great alternative to a dress or skirt (especially on those windy days), wide leg pants give you the same feel without the risk of accidentally flashing the neighborhood when (not if, when) you get hit with a surprise gust of wind.

Pointing out physical "flaws" and "undesirable" traits are mainstays in Japanese marketing tactics. Companies relentlessly attack women's body image and still get a pass from the public. "Your fat body is disgusting." Japan is famous for many reasons, including its creative advertisements. Youtube and social media sites are filled with English speakers reacting with delight and cultural confusion over the fast-paced in-your-face weirdness that the Japanese public has grown used to. However, if an international audience was to look any deeper into Japanese advertisements, the reaction would be less delightful and more disgusted. Japan's body-shaming ads are designed to make its audience feel ugly. Body Shaming ads are particularly prevalent on Youtube and are aimed at all genders (though there are far more aimed at women). Often using animation or manga, they use a story format meant to body shame and prey on insecurities. They aren't subtle about the message or the proposed solution. Is your husband having an affair? It's your fault because you're not attractive enough. You need to win him back by becoming beautiful (and using our product). Can't get a boyfriend? It's because you're ugly. Use our product. Your boyfriend dumped you because of your weight? Being fat is gross, you're gross and ugly, it's your fault. Use our product. Are you being bullied for your appearance? Here's a friend to tell you that the bullies are right, and you need to change yourself (with the advertised product, of course). Life not going well in general? It's because you're ugly. Use our product. Where these ads may have crossed the line is if they are too explicit in shaming, rather than implicitly causing anxiety among those worried about the problem. Says Roy Larke, a senior lecturer in marketing at the University of Waikoto in New Zealand who specializes in Japanese retailing and consumer behavior. Values are being spread that don't allow people to think positively about their body or their appearance. While these kinds of ads may not affect adults, who have certain abilities to make their own judgments, those ideas may take root in children and young people, and they are harmful. Tohko Tanaka, a professor of media culture at Otsuma Women's University and an expert in the depictions used in advertising and other media says, [These advertisements send] an oversimplified message based on the heteronormative concepts of romance in which people are judged solely by their physical appeal to the opposite sex, and a norm that people feel they must follow, joining hands with an extreme marketing strategy that uses fear to make people buy things. Recently there has been a call from the Japanese public to discourage advertisers online from showing unrealistic images/scenarios and these obvert body-shaming tactics. However, many people are choosing to overlook these ads claiming that there's no difference in these ads from what society feels in regards to the importance of your appearance and weight. With more people staying home due to COVID19 measures, there has been a rise in the use of Youtube meaning that more viewers (including children and young people) are being subjected to this body shaming on a regular basis.

Searching for the perfect plus size Japanese apron? If you're a US size large or up, you may have an easier time finding an apron online (opposed to heading to your nearest home goods store). Unlike the aprons that I grew up with (the ones that go over the head and tie at the waist), Japanese Aprons have a slightly different design. The straps criss-cross over the shoulders and are secured on the back of the apron (sometimes adjustable, sometimes not). That means that if there is not enough fabric to wrap entirely around your waist, you won't be able to attach the straps OR if they're not removable straps, you will find yourself in a restrictive mess of fabric. I often see people of all genders donning aprons during housework, cooking or gardening. They're designed to stay in place and guard your clothes, with minimal adjustments needed once you have it on. It's quite useful if you're working with your hands and don't want to dirty your clothes. As always, make sure you know your body measurements in centimeters, and then head over to Rakuten Japan. For aprons, I'm particularly fond of shopping at Nissen Smileland via Rakuten. There are so many cute designs and colors available in plus size, and the prices are always reasonable. I usually buy a 6L or 7L depending on the design, and they offer most items up to size 10L. The above apron costs 1,645 yen and also comes in black and white. I love the little frill and lace details. The body coverage is good, it stays in place and fits comfortably over larger chest sizes. If you're doing more than a little cooking or light cleaning, there are full-coverage designs. These are great when I need to do some garden work or am in spring cleaning mode. These aprons cover the entire body (aside from the arms) and secures at the side. The front and back of the body are totally shielded from dirt. (Also very useful if you work with small children!) This cutie comes in teal or navy and has a large pocket in the front. I like the material of this particular apron; the shell is a water-resistant material and the back is lined with fleece. It's great for keeping clean and warm. My favorite apron so far is this simple apron in Black. I'm a fan of how adjustable the back is. The elastic on the back gives a little more movement than the traditional criss-cross design. I usually choose darker colors when I'm cooking (I'm clumsy), and so far this material has held up well to the many spatters of curry and pasta sauce. And the little frill details are so cute! Nissen has way more designs, shapes, and colors for plus-size aprons (including full sleeve and cosplay maid-esque aprons), so be sure to check out the Nissen Smileland shop.

If you prefer a dark pallet with vintage, lolita-esque or spooky elements, these are must have plus size items for your 2022 Japanese wardrobe. Finding gothic inspired peices available in plus size can be a challenge in Japan, so we've scoured Rakuten, one of the biggest online shopping malls in Japan, and have found the cutest plus size gothic clothing available this season. Dresses (plus size 2L to 6L depending on the item, click an mage for more info) We're loving the comeback of knee length dresses in plus size fashion. These romantic dresses can be easily paired with casual or more formal accesories to create a look that can go from day to night. Tops (plus size 2L to 11L depending on the item, click an mage for more info) Skirts

It gets chilly in Japan! Check out what's been trending in plus-size outerwear for Winter 2021. Duffle Coats Shown Here: Punyus | ダッフルコート | ¥8,800 (sale) Long Trench Coats Shown Here: Clette | トレンチデザインロングコート | ¥7,320 Tan Anoraks Shown Here: Nissen | 大きいサイズ モッズコート | ~¥2,500 MA-1 Jackets Shown Here: Punyus | スーパービッグMA-1 | ¥8,800