
German-born Tokyo designer Anji Salz wows with this home-made Space Invaders kimono, and she’ll show you how to make your very own, too!
Space Invaders was one of the first ever modern video games. Released in 1978, the Japanese arcade game has since become a pop cultural icon. So, what better home for the retro game’s cute pixelated mascot than printed onto another retro icon – a Japanese kimono!
That’s apparently the idea that popped into the head of German-born, Harajuku-based designer, fashion fanatic and self-professed kimono addict Anji Salz, who, equipped with her innate design talents, set about building the wicked cool garment by Frankensteining together two monochromatic kimonos into one katamigawari two-tone kimono. She then printed on a bunch of cool, Space Invaders patterns and, voila! The Space Invaders kimono was born.
すごい着物を着てる人がいたので、思わず声をかけて写真撮らせてもらった。髪の毛を緑色に染めた20代くらいのドイツの方。自分でデザインしたそうな。いやあ、すごいな。。 pic.twitter.com/3FTGkMIFpv
— matida194 (@matidanaruse) June 24, 2016
And this cool summer garment isn’t just a flimsy prop, either; Anji Salz actually came onto our radar after we saw a Japanese Twitter user post a photo of Salz sporting the kimono out on the town.
Not only that, but if you’re dying to have one to show off yourself, Salz has a detailed blog post with step-by-step instructions for making your very own. It even looks relatively easy!
I would have tried my hand at it and shared the results in this post, but my editor thinks I’m a liability around sharp objects like scissors and needles.
You can find Anji’s blog post on crafting your own Space Invaders kimono right here, with both Japanese and English text.
Source: Anji Salz
Images: Anji Salz, matidaruse@Twitter




Country kimono! Project completes set of over 200 designs for every nation at Tokyo Olympics【Pics】
Japanese sailor suit school uniform gets an upgrade with traditional kimono details
This Tokyo kimono and Tokyo Tower-view cafe experience will keep you cool in more ways than one
Starbucks Japan reopens Shinkansen platform store after redesigning it for speed
Family Mart Japan installs red-eyed “Monster Wolf” to keep bears away from convenience store
Japanese man’s gross conveyor belt sushi social media prank video gets him a 500,000-yen fine
Pikachu brings electric style to brand-new Pokémon G-Shock watch featuring every stater trio
Krispy Kreme Japan releases new fruit doughnuts…that taste better cold
The adorable, delicious joy of the Totoro cream puff gift box[Taste test]
Japanese sweets brand creates new drinkable Cigare and we’re totally here for it
Tokyo cops arrest foreigner for suspected visa violation, don’t know what new residence cards look like
Testing Japan’s latest food hack trend: Adding instant corn soup powder to popcorn[Taste test]
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Starbucks Japan creates special drink bottle bags, adorable stickers for all 47 prefectures[Pics]
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
“Phantom Egg Shop” opens in Japan, with a dozen rare Japanese varieties
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]