With staid Japan as host, no silly shirts for APEC leaders
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31 Comments
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0
some14some
No surprise here...recent silly actions replace silly shirts !
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ilcub76
ergo... Japan has no culture?
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Pukey2
Apart from the very first meeting, they've all worn some sort of local attire for the photo-op. Only one country decided to go for business suits. One guess as to which country.
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Farmboy
Yukata and toy swords would be nice.
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Laguna
Correction: APEC IS kabuki theater.
0
Disillusioned
Japanese traditional uniform.
0
oberst
they should ALL dress up as Sumo wrestlers !!
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Alphaape
Here's a memo for the organizers, you are writing the schedule for the events, jsut adjust the times to make it fit. This minor statement pretty much sums up the thinking of the J-government, if it doesn't fit the schedule or plan, then it can't be done or it must be hurried through so that the schedule will remain.
How about a little free-wheeling and "going with the flow" for once. You have already screwed up everyone elses' schedule, may as well go for it.
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limboinjapan
ilcub76: "ergo... Japan has no culture?"
OK again more J-bashing.
Tell us oh great J-bashers what Japanese men's clothing would actually be practical?
Have you ever actually worn a men's Kimono with Hakama? They are not a quick on and off.
Japan has plenty of culture despite J-bashers opinion but a separate shirt and slacks are not part of it.
What would you suggest a "hapi" that would make all the APEC members look quite stupid and more like staff in an "izakaiya"!
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elbudamexicano
I think if they really want to look like a traditional Japanese sarariman, what ever dark colored suit must be with WHITE SOCKS, and maybe a pair of light brown shoes that kind of say, I am the kind of guy who just does not really care for GQ Magazine, the Paris or Milan collection.
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Frungy
Frankly I think this is a sensible and prudent decision. Kimono aren't 1-size-fits all, and to hand out real high-quality tailored kimonos to every APEC leader would be wasteful.
This "silly shirt" tradition has clearly escalated from a simple bomber jacket to expensive silk shirts etc. Japan had the balls to stand up and say, "Enough". I think they made the right decision and they're simply being diplomatic about not saying that they're not doing it because it's stupid, wasteful and they have other priorities than giving kimonos to every APEC leader (with their salaries they can afford their own!).
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ilcub76
As a matter of fact, I have. Putting it on takes a little time, but taking it off is quite fast.
I was not Japan-bashing, just making a sarcastic comment. Talk about hypersensitive!
0
Dewaashita
I don't think the clothing was silly.
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MrDog
No, I haven't. Because western people wearing traditional Japanese clothing look incredibly stupid.
I think this is a good thing. No reason to J-bash at all.
You can feel the wave, no, tsunami of embarrassment and uncomfort when you look at the past photos.
0
sf2k
aw, no hakama pants :( Like the pants
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Foggia
They should just put Happi on.
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thetruthhurts
Perhaps the reason why is because it is not very comfortable and thus unsuitable for a photo session.
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globalwatcher
No silly shirts?
Too bad, that has been the best thing in APEC meetings. LOL
0
cleo
Seems sensible. The government has been making a show of cutting waste, and there really is no need to spend time and money dressing these people up in something they will likely never wear again. Just give 'em a folding fan as a take-home gift.
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theyounglion
Are we supposed to accept the premise that the APEC leaders wearing the traditional clothes of the host countries is "silly" just because the writer of the article framed it that way? I happen to think the annual photos of world leaders shedding the stuffy, boring suit-and-tie outfit and donning traditional local attire are cool and something to look forward to. It also serves to humanize them a bit. It's really too bad that Japan has to be the spoilsport in this recent APEC tradition.
I seem to remember there is one day out of the year when Diet members are encouraged to shed the western duds and attend the day's session wearing traditional kimonos. A photo of those who do is usually published in a few newspapers and magazines. I enjoy seeing that too.
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GW
While there are no J-clothing being given out I have heard that each APEC leader has their very own maid dressed in full regalia for the duration of APEC, but I hear its all hush hush.........
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goddog
They will be wearing the traditional salary man suit.
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Sarge
A silly shirt is that multi-color lumberjack thing Hatoyama was wearing.
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porter
I wanted to see the unique shirts. It helps local business who sell clothes to the event. Further, it makes an otherwise boring and often confrantational meeting look like every body gets along.
Currency war leads to trade war which leads to real war.
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Jkanda
Some of these events turn out to be like a carnival. And sometimes it is so funny to see adults, representing their country or some huge organisation fight over the take-home gifts.
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globalwatcher
Am sure G20 leaders are happy to hear they do not have to wear Sumo Diapers!!
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genji17
Westerners just look silly in kimonos...good call
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the_sicilian
Agree Genji: Foreigners wearing traditional Japanese clothing looks silly.
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Jkanda
I am a fan of Hakama clad men. Really it is a great piece of clothing.
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tclh
No fun in Japan heh? Politicians are powerful people, they give instructions, orders for others to follow all day...so make them look a little bit funny once in a while is ok to ease their hard images.
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limboinjapan
With all the J-bashing here lately it is not possible for Japan to do anything without being criticized.
If Japan decided to give and dress the leaders in Kimonos and Hakama then this is what would have been written:
"This is stupid Japan can't get out of the Edo period" or " What a waist of the taxpayers money Kimonos and Hakamas are made to order and are way to expensive" or " Foreigners look stupid in Kimonos and Hakama great way of making all the leaders feel uncomfortable"
If Japan had gone with a "hapi" then we would have had these remarks:
" Great they will all look like izakaya staff " or " What is Japan thinking are they planning on also having them carry a "mikoshi" and run down the street".
If they went cheap and just went with a Yukata then the remarks would be:
" Great are they planning on visiting an "onsen" " or " Are they going to go to bed after the photo shoot" or " will there be a fireworks festival" etc...
I make no difference what Japan does you will always find something wrong.
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