In Japan, fashion trends seem to come and go almost before you notice them. With summer rapidly approaching, many people are already planning their summer swimwear. One of this year’s most popular bikinis is a bit of a departure from last year’s styles, and it might just make you do a double-take.
This year the “high waist boom” is hitting hard, and now it’s hitting swimwear. The hottest new trend is the high-waisted bikini (gaudy print optional).
▼ That’s right, kids, the beach will be granny panties as far as the eye can see.
The bikini is just the latest addition to the trend. Last year the hemlines were rising with the economy, but it looks like this year it’s the waistband.
▼ This cut seems strangely familiar, though.
▼ Oh, come on! I thought we were done with this in the 90s!
▼ They get even higher. Really, these shorts are just a few inches away from being a romper.
▼ Either that or someone didn’t realize that the Mom Jeans skit was a joke.
So what do you think the next trend will be? Bloomer bikinis? 1880’s style “swim costumes”? Or will we go back to a time when nudity wasn’t a big deal and just skip swimwear altogether?
Source: Hachima Kikou
Images: Twitter, Ameblo, Hachima Kikou, YouTube, Hulu
Japanese Twitter users weigh in on the high-waist bikini debate
What happens when a guy goes to a Japanese women’s swimsuit store and asks for their best bikini?
Can the “Beijing Bikini” help Tokyo bear the boiling heat during next year’s Games?
Virtual pantie flash part of Japan’s new schoolgirl-inspired swimsuit’s sailor style【Photos】
One Piece official lingerie and bikinis: further proof that the pirate anime is for grown-ups too
Ramen restaurant in top Tokyo tourist neighborhood skips price gouging, but how does it taste?
Drinkable pixels: 7-Eleven Japan creates new convenience store juice with “pixels” inside
Public restrooms in Osaka to get in-stall video screens with ads
Can you make butter by running with a pouch filled with cream? Let’s find out[Taste test]
Ghibli Museum building becomes a cuddly cushion
An overnight trip on the Sunrise Izumo, Japan’s awesome Tokyo-Shimane sleeper train【Photos】
Studio Ghibli releases the My Neighbour Totoro tea caddy, with a magical self-closing lid
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Japan now has a “for foreign tourists only” Mt. Fuji sightseeing train[Video]
Studio Ghibli music boxes bring anime music from My Neighbour Totoro into your home
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
Nine amazing off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom spots in Japan for yaezakura and shidarezakura
Stunning central Japan wisteria festival is like a purple fantasy straight out of a Ghibli movie
When will the cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Japan this year?[Forecast]
Studio Ghibli unveils new Rollbahn notebook in honour of Howl’s Moving Castle
Studio Ghibli adds new anime tumblers to its cool streetwear brand in Japan
Universal Studios’ Sailor Moon theme park attraction is finally coming to America
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Anime artist illustrates the differences between Japanese fashion now and ten years ago
Looking for baby names? The most popular ones in Japan this year are…