Despite the energy-conserving??campaign ¡ª inaugurated?in 2005 by former prime minister Junichiro Koizumi?¡ª?becoming a household word, according to a recent poll by?The Suit Company?.
What¡¯s a well-intentioned man to do? Well, how about taking the Cool Biz under your suit?
This past March innerwear maker Wacoal launched a new called Fundoshi NEXT (¤Õ¤ó¤É¤·NEXT). Fundoshi is as traditional as you can get with underwear in Japan. Before Western briefs arrived, they were the undergarment of choice. In public, they are a common sight at traditional festivals, and sumo wrestlers wear a more elaborate version. While there are several types of fundoshi, they all involve a strap and piece of cloth material. Looking a bit like a fat thong, the fundoshi exposes a large part of the buttocks.
Wacoal¡¯s spin on this tradition, which echoes the recent rage for , adopts the original fundoshi¡¯s breathability and sense of openness, while utilizing a modern design and quick-drying material. Combining the best of old and new, Wacoal is offering a revealing remedy to the summer heat.
This fundoshi revival is also spreading to woman¡¯s underwear. ?FFsee recently launched an playfully called Aifun (love + fundoshi) aimed at women. With the motto of ¡±sayonara sutoresu¡± (goodbye stress), they hope to give customers a more comfortable fit than typical panties. FFsee says that the less constricting?fundoshi will decrease swelling and improve skin quality.
A Japanese saying says, ¡°to know the new, look to the old¡± (¹Å¤¤òŒ¤¤ÍФ·¤¤òÖª¤ë). Call it old school, but these risque retro looks could leave you smiling cheek-to-cheek.
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