[MikeB]

I really don't know where some of the people on here are getting their information from. I was bought a yukata as a present from my Japanese girlfriend and she and all of her family love the idea of me wearing it for the Summer festivals. They regard it as a compliment, which I suppose is the logical thing to do. Certainly some people might regard it as a little strange but by far the greater number of people will appreciate the show of respect. I've worn it on a number of occasions and I've only ever received a positive reaction. Which is the same sort of reaction you get when you show you can eat Japanese food or speak Japanese, positive surprise.

Of course wearing that kind of dress is a little embarrassing as not many people wear it, but that would be no different to wearing a kilt in Scotland or any other form of traditional dress for that matter. When I expressed my embarrassment at wearing none all of my Japanese friends couldn't understand why I might feel like. Certainly nobody has ever expressed anger, and if they did, to be honest they would be the weird one, especially in a culture where any public display of anger is considered very strange indeed.

If you wear a yukata out to a Summer festival you will only get a positive reaction from most Japanese people. You may get a lot of attention, but it won't be negative, whether you like that attention or not is up to you. If you don't, don't wear it, if you find it fun or are indifferent then go for it. Please be aware that by far the biggest haters of Gaijin in Japan are other Gaijin (I'm the only gaijin in the villiage mentality), so if you get any stick it will more than likely be from them. The closest I had was an American telling me I looked stupid and that as his grandfather was Japanese and he looked mostly Asian he could wear one and I couldn't. Of course he couldn't speak any Japanese and had only been here for two weeks. If you're worried about those sorts of dicks it may be best to go with your girlfriend or boyfriend in the same dress or in a group of gaijin mates as I sometimes do. I can assure you that none of us are the otaku henna gaijin type.

Whoever that chap was who claimed that his two Japanese friends were getting angry with a gaijin for wearing a yukata was probably just making stuff up, got completely lost in translation or is hanging out with some serious weirdos. But most likely just making stuff up.

Enjoy getting dressed up for the Summer festivals!