Summertime is here, break out your yukata!

It was the summer of 1995, and my friends and I were finishing up our year long exchange. On one of the last days of class, we all decided to dress up in yukata for Tanabata. The strange thing was that everyone had one, I couldn't believe it. After classes were finished for the day, a friend and I set out for Tokyo Tower which was one of the things I wanted to do before leaving Japan. The thing was we went there wearing our yukata, and as if foreigners didn't get enough stares, pretty much everyone around us was wondering what the heck we were doing. It was a great time, and a great memory for me.

I took my yukata back home with me after leaving Japan, and even at university I found myself wearing it every once in a while, such as at Japanese events or cultural fashion shows. It was really nice to have a wearable piece of Japanese culture when I was back in the US. Do any of you already own a yukata? Are there events where you can wear yukata in your hometown?

If you don't already own one (or want another), beNippon carries yukata in many different designs and colors. We also carry the accessories that you'll need to complete your outfit such as obi and geta. Order now, and have your very own yukata for the whole summer! They're great to wear during the summer festivals and fireworks displays.

To end, we have the lovely Yukina Kinoshita who has been doing yukata commercials for retailing giant Aeon for the past couple years. These commercials really make me feel summer is here!