New Japanese tartan

[CDNSushi]

What are the theories about why this is happening at this point in Japan's history?

Good question. I showed my department head this thread (he's Japanese, of course) and he's not sure either. He figures that it isn't necessarily a feminization thing, but rather a concerted effort on the part of companies to market the entire "cute" image to EVERYONE (men AND women) not just women... Well, when you really think about it -- it kinda makes sense. Why exclude HALF the population as potential customers when you can aim for the whole friggin' pie! It's a genius move by the shop that makes those bras. I went to the site today to show the original info. to my co-worker and their business has MUSHROOMED... You know, they were all probably sitting around the boardroom, talking about the recession saying, "We need to increase our market share on bra sales. How are we going to do that? Think people! Think outside the box! Bing! Got it! Convince MEN to buy em too!!"

Nonetheless, it's a fairly recent thing. You won't find many older Japanese men buying into this phenomenon -- it seems to be a younger generation thing. (Like men who have teddy bears hanging from their cellphones and walk around with clips in their hair). Some of my students definitely fall into that camp.

Like fetishizing kilt-wearing? I am there, dude.

I'm doing my part!

[Barry]

In the original BBC article a caption states "There are about 7,000 different tartans, several are used for kilts"

Several is it? I would think "many" or "most"! The board members here have consideraly more that several tartans among us. ( Hamish alone is heading to the 7,000 I think )

Anyway if Japanese people want to wear pastel pink kilts then why not. Chacun a son gout.