Japanese Fashion: Sakura Spring Edition!

There are numerous Japanese fashion styles to try out this spring! There’s something for everyone, from traditional kimono, looks to modern casual outfits to cosplay!

These styles appear new in spring to match the weather and setting. We’ll share Japanese fashion ideas and tactics for looking your best throughout the cherry blossom season!

A typical expression in Japanese for how you dress is ko-di or ko-de, borrowing words from the English word “coordination.” It matches your outfit to the season, place, or theme.

It’s similar to cosplay, except you don’t wholly imitate a character’s look. Fans of Detective Conan, for example, frequently “coordinate” with the anime by wearing all blue in unusual places.

Yukata and Hakama: Classic Japanese Fashion

The blooming of cherry blossoms marks the season of graduation and the start of work or school in Japan. College students typically graduate in mid-March while dressed in hakama or yukata. People often take pictures of themselves in these outfits under cherry blossoms!

Even if you’re not graduating, wearing a yukata during this time is still super fun. Usually, there are many rental services around where you can rent a yukata for a few hours or a day! Yukata can be worn all year round and often has unique colors or designs for each season or event.

The central motifs used in yukata to coordinate with spring are sakura, wisteria, and butterflies. These themes come in many colors, such as pink, red, and purple. Yukata also pair well with obi (belts) and colorful hair accessories.

Hakama is similar to yukata and is for special occasions such as graduations, shrine/temple duties, and traditional games like karuta. It is featured in the anime series Chihayafuru and has a range of colors and motifs. Springtime often sees people wearing pink, red, and purple hakama.

Outside traditional clothes, there are a few trendy items to wear during cherry blossom season. During March, the weather can be temperamental. Sometimes the temperature is around 50F (10 C), yet it can soar to 75F (23 C). Sobe, be sure to bring a jacket!

Cardigans

One item that can help in managing different temperatures is a cardigan. A cardigan is light enough to wear without getting too warm and has endless styling possibilities!

We recommend wearing a pink or white cardigan with a white dress to coordinate with the cherry blossoms. Another recommended way is to wear a white cardigan with top and blue jeans. A stylish way to wear it is over your shoulders, especially on a sunny day! 

A 2023 trend gaining traction is wearing a mini cardigan with a voluminous skirt. This look is classy and perfect whether you go out with friends or on a date! If you go for this look, you should wear sandals to complete the outfit! Some trending Japanese brands selling cardigans this season are Titivate, Mila Owen, Saison de Papillon, and Lily Brown. 

Cargo Pants

Cargo pants have started getting popular in Japan because of their versatility! Cargo pants can create stunning and mature silhouettes! Usually, the pants have several pockets, so you don’t have to carry a heavy bag around. They can also be handy when you want to sit on the ground and have a hanami party.

Recommended items to coordinate with cargo pants this season are logo-printed long-sleeve t-shirts and mini-handle bags. For those who want a more feminine silhouette, cargo skirts are also getting popular!

They can be worn interchangeably with cargo pants, depending on the situation! Some trending modern designers selling cargo pants this season are Journal Standard, Maison Club, GENXDER, and WeGo. 

Are you looking for cute accessories this spring? YumeTwins offers all that you need! YumeTwins sends all kinds of kawaii character goods – from Japanese plushies to stationery – right to your door so that you can enjoy your best kawaii lifestyle on your way!

Blazers

Blazers were trendy last year in spring in Japanese fashion trends, and it looks like it has continued this year too! This season, the blazer is a must-have, providing sleek silhouettes and a relaxing feel. These jackets also help with the transitioning weather and can help emphasize your pants or skirt!

Moreover, blazers can also help blend work and play together. It is suitable to wear while working or looking at beautiful spring scenery. You can wear them with jeans, dresses and even slacks! Some recommended Japanese brands selling blazers this season are: Noble, Uniqlo, and Day’s Closet. 

Japanese Fashion: Spring Colors!

Pink

As mentioned previously, pink is a trendy color to wear this season. By wearing pink, you can blend in with your surroundings, such as with the cherry blossoms! Other flowers bloom during this time, so it can also create some contrast.

In Japan, pink is not only worn by girls but also a popular color for boys! It is common for shops to sell unisex pink shirts for this reason. Girls can also find various pink dresses and skirts in the store.

Khaki

Khaki has become a popular color this season and is suitable for strikingly contrasting an outfit. Japanese brands offer a range of khaki-colored items, such as pants and jackets, with cargo pants becoming particularly popular. It is also famous for cosplay, with characters from Wotakoi and Kemono Jihen wearing khaki pants.

Blue

Last spring season saw many color block styles becoming fashionable, and it is here to stay! It is common in Japan to wear cream-colored clothes, so if you wear blue, you will stand out!

Many Japanese fashion shops currently sell items such as long blue dresses, blue jeans, pants, and tops. Spring brings beautiful blue skies, so you can coordinate perfectly with the weather and look super cute by wearing blue!

There are so many different ways to dress in spring. Coordinating your outfit with the beautiful cherry blossoms can be very fun! What Japanese fashion do you want to wear this spring? What are your favorite colors to wear? Let us know in the comments below!