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Japanese society is still largely governed by traditional assumptions.
Asuka Otani, founder of the brand, is challenging those traditional attitudes with gender neutral underwear.
Regarding their gender nuetral underwear Asuka says, “In recent years the notion of men’s bras began to surface. Many people online, for example, call them strange or gross but I think people should be able to wear whatever they want, whether they are men or women, because it feels comfortable and they like it. We are starting the brand to enable that. I think normal Japanese underwear stores don’t offer that much variety, there’s a lot of florals, lace and pink. I’d like to have a place that has simpler, more neutral designs, which is also more approachable.
“The dolls are customisable and come with interchangeable hairstyles and outfits, so children can mix and match more traditionally “masculine” and “feminine” clothes. When talking about gender and sexuality in Japan, I feel like I’m being choked. There’s no direct or physical violence involved but you can’t speak about it and it’s distressing. I initially thought the bras would be mostly for women but I found that many larger men worry about their breasts showing. Some men don’t want their nipples to show. Many men don’t buy bras because they’re scared of what others might think.
“We want our product to be available internationally so they will be on sale online. We’re also collaborating with a Japanese department store chain to sell them there as well.
“The image of women in Japan, even in start-ups that just went public, women hold less than 5-10 percent of the important positions. In Japan we have the word “Kotobuki-Taisha”, it’s for when a woman marries and stops working at a company. Marrying and parenting belong together and stand for female happiness. That’s how many (people) here still think.”
Online Reporter
Londile Moyo