Overview
- On Jan. 11, Kitakyushu held its coming-of-age ceremony with many attendees in flamboyant coats and hakama.
- Miyabi says darker 'shibu-hade' palettes, notably black and silver, are most in demand this year.
- Social media is fueling orders that seek to outdo earlier cohorts, making outfits progressively flashier.
- Compared with a decade ago, coordinated group looks have shifted to individualized choices seen as self-expression.
- After previously urging conservative attire, the city now plans to use the distinctive style as cultural content, as Miyabi gains a New York fashion show invitation and interest from foreign visitors.