Your search for the perfect obi is nearly over!
When it comes to combining contemporary trends and technology with traditional culture, the people at Gofukuyasan Dot Com know what they’re doing. The company opened their online retail store in 2000 and since then they’ve offered a wide variety of traditional clothing items, such as kimono and jackets, to anyone with an internet connection. But the items that have captured the Internet’s attention recently are their obi, the wide sashes worn with kimono and yukata, thanks to their fun and unique prints.
As you might expect, the one getting the most attention right now is the one featuring these cute cat. We’re not sure when you’d wear this amazing obi, but we have a feeling that if you had one, you’d go out of your way to find a reason!
The obi is available for order now, but the company says it will take about a month to complete delivery. And it will set you back 12,960 yen (US$116), including tax, which is enough to make you think twice before ordering. But when you are ready to order, you can head over to Saku Laboratory, the site for Gofukuyasan Dot Com’s original brand. If you’re looking for overseas shipping, though, you’ll need to contact them in advance to set it up.
▼ And if you’re buying an obi, you might as well get a yukata to pair it with!
さく研究所: 新作浴衣。 キジトラとハチワレ猫の柄。脱力系。
— (有)ゴフクヤサン・ドットコム (@gofukuyasan) April 2, 2016
近日中にご予約受付開始します。 #kimono #yukata #neko pic.twitter.com/pYpjbRMZUQ
The yukata pictured above isn’t actually available yet, but according to the tweet, you’ll be able to order soon.
While you’re waiting, though, you might want to pick out another obi, like this one featuring a print of Utagawa Yoshibuji’s artwork.
歌川芳藤の化け猫柄京袋帯。 ご予約受付中。 https://t.co/gJe4TzRDJX #kimono #ukiyoe #猫 pic.twitter.com/HK06oFingM
— (有)ゴフクヤサン・ドットコム (@gofukuyasan) March 31, 2016
But maybe you’re looking for something a bit more modern. If you’re a fan of Minecraft or eight-bit graphics, this obi might be the perfect way to show off your love for gaming. It’s also a fair bit less expensive at 6,480 yen ($58.26), but they do mention that it could take up about 2 months to complete shipping.
モザイク柄の半幅帯。宣伝(https://t.co/KLUSgPKedY)を入れてかわりにちょっと安くしました。 フォントは昔のゲームっぽくしてみました。 https://t.co/q550Q7qyQZ pic.twitter.com/2tRSHVAn55
— (有)ゴフクヤサン・ドットコム (@gofukuyasan) March 13, 2016
And if you’re addicted to the internet like we are, this kimono/obi pair featuring prints of circuit boards and LAN cables might be just what you need!
基板の柄小紋 色替えしてみました。セオα浴衣、あわせ着物でご予約受付中。色違い、おび、小物も出す予定です。 https://t.co/fXOfNo3e2F #kimono pic.twitter.com/EwdpqWMnEE
— (有)ゴフクヤサン・ドットコム (@gofukuyasan) March 5, 2016
Should you be more of a space nerd than a computer nerd, Gofukuyasan can help you too! This obi features gorgeous prints of the now retired space shuttle.
おかげさまであと1本。シャトルの帯キタ。ダズル迷彩柄の着物、ギャラクシー帯揚げと組み合わせてみました。カオスw https://t.co/AcmmBOESsy https://t.co/T9FogMgjzv pic.twitter.com/Q9vubMNxCE
— (有)ゴフクヤサン・ドットコム (@gofukuyasan) April 4, 2016
And finally, if you spend most of your time daydreaming about aliens and interstellar space, this clearly is the obi you need. And there’s still plenty of time to order and get it before the summer festivals begin!
UFO柄の京袋帯。手先の方向を変えたらギャラクシー柄になります。 https://t.co/hPTpnDm5EQ pic.twitter.com/i0CB3T0vNq
— (有)ゴフクヤサン・ドットコム (@gofukuyasan) March 29, 2016
▼ You can get either a UFO version…
▼ …or a Milky Way version.
The hard part now isn’t just deciding which one to buy — you’ll also have to put it on. Fortunately, we can help you with that!
And if you’re looking for something even more extravagant, this cat obi is pretty much as purrfect as you can get without just snuggling with a pile of kittens.
Sources: Kai-You, Saku Laboratory, Twitter/@gofukuyasan
Images: Saku Laboratory
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