#acfkimono

[tanghanwa]

G.E.M. Series Naruto Shippuden Naruto & Sasuke Kabuki Ver.

The G.E.M. Series Naruto Shippuden Naruto & Sasuke Kabuki Ver. set celebrates a special illustration drawn by Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto tied to the live-action kabuki theatre adaption of the manga. These 9.1” figures of Sasuke and Naruto can be purchased separately or as a set and placed side-by-side. Fans who buy the set are treated to a spectacular gold and black nameplate stand that can hold both of them! The vivid kimono Naruto and Sasuke wear are like art paintings that suit their personalities. Each carries a katana in one hand, accompanied by a removable hat commonly worn during the samurai period of Japan. Both the matching katana and hats reflect the lifelong brotherly bond that these two share, while the mirrored poses allude to the duality of their ninja ways!

Asian Clothing Figurines Review

Asian Clothing: Japanese Kimono

Kimono Type: Kabuki Kimono: Tachiyaku

Accuracy Rating: 5/5

Explanation: Kabuki lovers, heads up! Here's an excellent reimagining of two anime characters as kabuki protagonists! It appears that they’re both characters from the play "Ukiyozuka Hiyoku no Inazuma.” Naruto appears to be Fuwa Banzaemon Shigekatsu, while Sasuke appears to be the character Nagoya Sanza. The Naruto/ Banzaemon character famously wears a flashy kimono with a clouds-and-lightning print, while the Sasuke/ Sanza character wears a signature swallows-in-the-rain printed kimono. The climax of the play is when both samurai encounter each other in the Yoshiwara and fight over the affections of the same oiran (i.e. high ranking courtesan). Check how the figurines' costumes compare to the original kabuki kimono below.

(Source: https://enmokudb.kabuki.ne.jp/phraseology/3633/)

I think these kabuki protagonists map well onto Naruto and Sasuke respectively. Naruto's character, Banzaemon, is considered a dandy, who dresses in flashy & eccentric styles; not unlike Naruto's signature neon orange outfit. The lightning motif connects back to Naruto via his father (Minato Namikaze) who perfected a lightning-based technique! Banzaemon's backstory features a lot of nefarious schemes, betrayals, and death; similar to Naruto's origin story. Sasuke's character, Sanza, is a character who has lost his home and family, much like Sasuke did. The swallows on his kimono connect back to Sasuke via his signature "chidori" technique, which translates to either "1,000 birds" or "plovers," a type of bird, as well as his Cursed Seal form, which gave him the ability to fly. Interestingly, Sanza is also infamous for having lots of women fawning over him and being considered quite handsome, which is also very true of Sasuke! Together, these characters also fit the overall themes of their stories because they're meant to be rivals! In the kabuki play, it's over a woman, which is one of the many rivalries Naruto & Sasuke shared in the anime. Overall, an amazing pair of figures for fans of both kabuki and Naruto!

[tanghanwa]

Portrait of Pirates One Piece Luffy Kabuki Edition (Re-run)

The spirited powerhouse Luffy is the newest addition to MegaHouse’s Portrait of Pirates line! From Oda Eiichiro’s One Piece, this figure reaches a height of 7.5” at 1/8th scale. His outrageous personality mixes perfectly with the theatrical spirit of Kabuki. With that exaggerated expression, swirling body paint, and traditional costume, you’ll feel as though you’ve landed a front row seat at the theater! A sleek black base and a wooden plaque add even more charm to this beautifully colored and intricately sculpted work of art. Also available: Portrait of Pirates One Piece Vinsmoke Reiju Limited Edition

Asian Clothing Figurines Review

Asian Clothing: Japanese Kimono

Kimono Type: Kabuki Kimono: Tachiyaku

Accuracy Rating: 5/5

Explanation: Kabuki lovers, pay attention! This is the most one-to-one representation of a traditional kabuki character I've ever seen! Luffy is meant to be the character Tadanobu Sato from the kabuki play, Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura. This character is actually a disguise worn by a kitsune (played by the same actor in a different costume) that uses it to get close to the mistress of Minamoto Yoshitune, who has a hand drum made from the skin of its kitsune parents. You can compare the figurine's costume to the kabuki character's original appearance below.

(Source: https://hobby.dengeki.com/news/973412/)

The details are striking! Firstly, he's hitting the mie (or pose) very similar to the signature mie for the character. They also simulated the ipponguma-style kumadori makeup, which is often used for roles that are seen as strong and reliable, but also rough and rascally. Sounds like Luffy, doesn't it? Secondly, his kimono is tit-for-tat with the traditional costume! He wears a fringed men's kimono with the sleeves bound up using a nio-dasuki as a tasuki. The nio-dasuki (仁王襷) is the thick, purple-and-white braided cord that's often seen worn by guardian kings surrounding Buddhist dieties and sumo wrestlers; anyone wearing nio-dasuki is trying to evoke the power and majesty of those fierce Buddhist guardians. Lastly, he has the signature twin swords of a samurai with a maroon-colored sheath and bright green sageo (i.e. hanging cord) as well as the big sloppy bow for his obi musubi! The only real difference is that Luffy's kimono has a black background, while the original costume's is bright red. I find the difference negligible, however, since it still features the golden fringe design on the hem and the genji-guruma (源氏車, imperial cartwheels) motif throughout. Excellent figure for both fans of One Piece and kabuki!

[tanghanwa]

KonoSuba the Movie: Legend of Crimson Aqua: Oiran Ver. 1/7 Scale Figure

Aqua from the movie KonoSuba the Movie: Legend of Crimson has never looked sweeter! This 1/7 scale collectible of the water goddess has been sculpted by Matsuda Model (Fundoshi) and is 9.4" tall. Balanced with one leg up, her hopping pose is as lively as the oiran kimono she's wearing. The light blue kimono is decorated with an elegant tree peony pattern, and the shape and color of Aqua's translucent hagoromo scarf bring an airy feeling to the figure! And the wonderful goddess wouldn't be a goddess if she couldn't pull off her party trick, Nature's Beauty. Sprinkles of water come out of her trademark fan!

APRIL 2023

[tanghanwa]

Laid-Back Camp Season 2 Nadeshiko Kagamihara: Furisode Ver. 1/7 Scale Figure

From Furyu (F:NEX) with sculpting by Moineau comes Nadeshiko Kagamihara from the popular series Laid-Back Camp looking ready for her first shrine visit of the new year in a beautiful furisode! Sculpted in 1/7 scale at 8.5", Nadeshiko looks refined and elegant in her bright orange kimono as she holds a candied apple in one hand and a handbag in the other and gives a cute, excited smile. Her kimono has been sculpted to show off its fluttering hem and features an intricate, delicate pattern of Mt. Fuji in the early morning glow. Her hair ornaments, ribbons, and handbag have also been meticulously sculpted, and she stands on a stone base to complete the scene. Add her to your collection along with Rin Shima and enjoy their cuteness from every angle! Also Available: Laid-Back Camp Season 2 Rin Shima: Furisode Ver. 1/7 Scale Figure

APRIL 2023

[tanghanwa]

My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU Too! Iroha Isshiki: Kimono Ver. 1/7 Scale Figure

“What do you think, Senpai? Does it suit me?”WINGS is bringing My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU Too! fans a treat with this 1/7 scale figure release of the cutesy and clumsy Iroha Isshiki in a kimono! Measuring 8.7” tall and sculpted by YSD, Iroha looks radiant in her brightly colored kimono which features an ornate design and obi pattern as she sits on a bench with a tea set placed on the bench behind her and gives a warm smile. Be sure to display her in your collection together with Yukino and Yui in their kimonos!

APRIL 2023

[tanghanwa]

Hikaru no Go Fujiwara no Sai 1/7 Scale Figure

From the popular series Hikaru no Go comes a 1/7 scale figure that magnificently captures the Heian-era go player set on mastering the Hand of God, Fujiwara no Sai. The 9.1" figurine captures Sai in mid movement as his white robes flow around him and his long hair sways to the side behind him. His graceful pose and soft yet confident expression add to the figure’s highlights.

Asian Clothing Figurines Review

Asian Clothing: Japanese Kimono

Kimono Type: Heian Kimono: Kariginu-sugata

Accuracy Rating: 5/5

Explanation: Perfection! For a heian-period men’s kariginu-sugata, it’s perfect! This outfit consists of, put simply, white kosode & shitabakama (which serve as underwear), wine-colored akome, robin's-egg-blue-colored sashinuki (i.e. "puffy" hakama), and the white kariginu (big floppy kimono-like overrobe). He's also wearing a tate-eboshi (the tall black hat on his head) and appears to be dancing with a sensu-ogi (i.e. paper folding fan). 

The underwear layer is only visible at his neck (as it should be), while the remaining layers are easily distinguished by color. The red akome and white kariginu are both osode style, meaning that the opening where the hand exits the sleeve is completely open. Even the strings on the edges of the kariginu sleeves are accurate to historical garments! He's also styled the kariginu correctly where the front is bloused over a belt and the back is worn long. Tate-eboshi are usually worn over a hairstyle called motodori, which is essentially a tall thin man-bun, but wearing it over long loose hair was possible with the attachment of strings to tie it under the chin. High marks all around!

[tanghanwa]

My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU Climax Yui Yuigahama: White Kimono Ver. 1/7 Scale Figure

From Furyu (F:NEX) and designed by Design Coco comes this 1/7 scale figure of Yui Yuigahama from My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU Climax. Measuring 9.4”, she smiles sweetly holding a bouquet in her hand as she gracefully poses in a beautiful white and pink kimono that flows behind her with matching hair ornaments, Japanese knotwork details, and high-heel sandals with tabi socks. Her dress has a gorgeous sculpted texture of traditional Japanese-inspired patterns as well as a pearlescent finish. The multicolored bouquet she holds has also been beautifully completed in its shaded paintwork and intricate sculpting. Let her bring beauty and grace to your collection! 💐

Asian Clothing Figurines Review

Asian Clothing: Japanese Kimono

Kimono Type: Hanayomeishou Kimono: Shirouchikake & Irokakeshita

Accuracy Rating: 4/5

Explanation: Very nice! The pink and white color scheme gives the impression of sweetness and femininity. The kimono has an accurate number of layers; the white nagajuban, the pink kakeshita (i.e. hanayome furisode), and white furisode uchikake are all visible. The base woven patterns on the pink kakeshita and uchikake are excellent, which convey a sense of high quality and richness. The deep pink futokorogatana (i.e. katana pouch) & hakoseko (i.e. wedding purse) tucked into her obi & collars are necessary wedding accessories and the pink obiage tied in a good luck knot is great attention to detail. The pink platform heeled zori are a lovely modern touch as well as the giant hanakanzashi and her modern floral bouquet. The only real negatives are that neither the uchikake nor the kakeshita have the thickly padded hems that are essential to both those garments. Otherwise, a stunning outfit!

[tanghanwa]

Ichibansho Figure One Piece Boa Hancock (Hana)

From Bandai comes this Ichibansho Figure of "Pirate Empress" Boa Hancock from One Piece. Measuring 9", she stands in a floral kimono with a sheer layer over the top as she brushes back her hair decorated with pink hair adornments. Of course, she is also wearing her iconic gold snake earrings. As usual, she looks like the most beautiful woman in the world. Add the "Snake Princess" to your collection! 🐍 Also Available: Ichibansho Figure One Piece Monkey D. Luffy (Dynamism of Ha) Ichibansho Figure One Piece Roronoa Zoro (Dynamism of Ha) Ichibansho Figure One Piece Sanji (Dynamism of Ha) Ichibansho Figure One Piece Portgas D. Ace (Dynamism of Ha) Ichibansho Figure One Piece Trafalgar Law (Dynamism of Ha) Ichibansho Figure One Piece Shanks (Dynamism of Ha) Ichibansho Figure One Piece Eustass Kid (Dynamism of Ha) Ichibansho Figure One Piece Komurasaki (Hana)

Asian Clothing Figurines Review

Asian Clothing: Japanese Kimono

Kimono Type: Yuukaku Kimono: Furisode-Shinzo

Accuracy Rating: 3.5/5

Explanation: On first glance, this figurine looks quite good for a furisode-shinzo, but I’m afraid the devil is in the details. Her kimono has a gorgeous pattern and a striking sakura pink padded trailing hem. The same pink nagajuban shows at the collar and sleeve openings. However, that nagajuban seems to disappear below the waist; there should be another layer opening around her legs. The collar is on her shoulders (as it should be), but should be placed farther away from her neck. Her sheer overkimono is a lovely touch! 

The obi musubi is correct for her rank and has a pretty, contrasting geometric pattern to visually balance the soft stripes & roses from her kimono. For a shinzo, her wearing of tabi and raised geta is questionable. In the Yoshiwara, shinzo before 1760 weren’t sexually available to clients, but they were afterwards. I would find it strange for her to be wearing tabi (which imply she’s unavailable) with raised koma geta (which seems to display her unavailability). Not to mention, she’s clearly a grown woman, which makes it weird to think she hasn’t already taken on clients or, at the very least, already lost her virginity i.e. respectability.

Lastly, her hair is obviously not accurate for a furisode-shinzo, even if she were off duty. Her weird pink shidare strands on either side of her head also look strange.