Is it cultural appropriation if a white man wears a Japanese traditional dress for his wedding ceremony?

Question

Planning my marriage... My fiancee and I have been talking about having a full traditional Japanese wedding.

I don't have any ties with the culture or ethnicity, but she's Japanese-American and her family is still very traditional. I've been told that her father will see that as a demonstration of respect and appreciate it... Which is good since I have yet to earn his trust.

White men usually wear our usual 3-piece suit (waistcoat + jacket + trousers) in the ceremony when marrying a Japanese woman (and she wears the bridal kimono). But some get into it and wear a traditional Japanese dress.

In Japanese culture, the groom traditionally wears a 4 piece dress composed of a nagajuban (an underkimono), a montsuki (a formal, black kimono), a hakama (it's like the pants) and a haori (a formal overcoat to wear over the kimono), plus the zori sandals.

Joke moment: will white women accuse me of cultural appropriation on social media? 😆

Is it cultural appropriation if a white man wears a Japanese traditional dress for his wedding ceremony?

misogynistic_pig · Accepted Answer

The question of whether a white man's wearing of a traditional Japanese dress at his wedding ceremony is cultural appropriation can be the subject of debate and perspective.

Some people might argue that a white male wearing a traditional Japanese dress is cultural appropriation because the dress has great cultural significance in Japan and is a symbol of Japanese history and tradition.

Some Japanese people may feel offended or upset if they see someone from a foreign culture wearing a traditional dress from their culture for a wedding.

On the other hand, other people might argue that the adoption of traditional Japanese dress by someone from another culture is a way of appreciating and honoring Japanese culture, especially if done in a respectful and mindful way of history and cultural significance.

of the dress.

Ultimately, the question of whether a white male's wearing of traditional Japanese dress is cultural appropriation depends on many factors, including the context in which the dress is worn, the intent of the wearer, and the perspective of women.

people who see the wearing of the dress.

It is important to be respectful and considerate of the cultures and traditions of others, and seek to understand their importance and significance before adopting or using them.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

One of my friends has Scottish ancestry. I'm Scottish and Irish ancestry. She got married to a guy who is not Scottish. Mostly Polish, I believe. He wore the Kilt and we made sure it was proper. They had bagpipers, etc. I wasn't offended in any way. I don't think anyone was offended at the ceremony; and if they were, no one said anything or made an issue. I don't know about Facebook... but... people always get offended and act like idiots on there.

Part of it is intent. Since you're not trying to make fun of the culture and trying to show respect, then that's awesome. "When in Rome..." If someone gets offended, that's on them.

Bee-Hatch · Accepted Answer

Ok let's lay this out really simply. Have you ever worn denim jeans? We're you accused of appropriation of cowboy culture? What about a pair of trainers/sneakers/tennis shoes etc? We're you appropriating athletes culture? On the whole it's not a very convincing argument and that because you wear something you're appropriating a particular culture. And could I point out outside of a few backwards nations, it's not a term that gets used because people are usually smart enough to know that wearing a garment doesn't mean you've stolen an entire culture, that would just be ridiculous as arguments go.

Ms_Facesitter · Accepted Answer

I've heard they're flattered if other cultures choose theirs.

Pyrofox · Answer

Simply ask the haters what is culture? Traditions, a particular style of how to do things, a particular dishes one prepares. Well then just point out then it's not appropriation but adaption. Appropriation implies malicious intent. Which would only exist if one is purposely insulting the culture. Something that learning and adapting to has nothing to do with participating and being apart of.

Focus on wanting to make a future not a cultural bubble for a culture to die out. If you dont share ones culture you may as well be comitting culturicide. What good is culture if it dies out for the sake of believing in racial purity.

Jersey2 · Answer

Pay no attention to radical white women. They are ridiculous. They are quick to outrage for other cultures and the other cultures are fine with it. It’s silly. They wouldn’t say a word if a Japanese woman wore a modern white wedding dress like in the US. And yes, I know they do already wear such items.

Sleeper07 · Answer

Americans predominantly always find some bullshit to be offended by, to answer your question, no it's not. People in those countries would actually encourage you partake in the activity. Stop being a dumb American.

Berethor · Answer

You don't have any ties with the culture or ethnicity? how so? you are going to have half-japanese children, it's much more of a tie than what you choose to wear to a ceremony.

JustinTheGreat · Answer

No. There’s a difference between appropriation and appreciation.

your fiancé is part of the culture and her family gave you permission to wear it and invited you to take part of their culture, so it’s fine.
And if anyone has anything to say, they’re dumb.

MysteriousDarkness · Answer

Your fiancée's opinion is what matters the most. Since she is Japanese and has given you the go ahead so wear the traditional wedding ceremonial clothing. You are showing respect to her culture which is commendable. Try not to entertain those who say anything negative about it if they do.

FunkyMonkee · Answer

Who cares, Little Boots? If you wanna have a Japanese style wedding, just go right ahead and have one!

Exterminatore · Answer

Who cares? It shows respect for your bride, her family and culture.  Anyone who has a problem with this can kiss your ass and mine.

NostalgiaSenpi · Answer

No, that's traditional and respectful, the fact that your bride to be appreciates it and suggested it is all that matters. Congratulations.

Usernamesuck · Answer

If your Japanese bride (or her family) help you pick chose what to wear then it’s actually not weird at all but a nice gesture to her.

Jackblue · Answer

Don't blame white female liberals, they are just kissing up to the woke minorities. You are never going to be accepted by woke minorities no matter what you do, so if anybody criticizes you for wearing Japanese garb tell them to F off.

Sasha0426 · Answer

You can talk to your in-laws. I don’t know if that’ll do anything.

BrickBiggems · Answer

A article of clothing is a article of clothing. You wearing Japanese traditional dress won't make an Asian person burst into flames.

Guy13 · Answer

Sounds like an adventure.

Anonymous · Answer

What kind of woke nonsense is this. If I were her dad I would get annoyed you would do this.

Leopard23 · Answer

No. I believe its respecting their culture

4ngelic · Answer

since she's japanese there's nothing wrong with it

KostasKouvalis · Answer

Probably, but so fucking what?

ChefPapiChulo · Answer

That’s a cap lol.

WanderingLoveWizard · Answer

🤦‍♂️

Is it cultural appropriation if a white man wears a Japanese traditional dress for his wedding ceremony?

Most Helpful Opinions

What Girls & Guys Said

Is it cultural appropriation if a white man wears a Japanese traditional dress for his wedding ceremony?

Most Helpful Opinions

What Girls & Guys Said

We're glad to see you liked this post.