Apparel and appearances are taken that seriously. For a moment I studied the face of the young man. Framed by lustrous, shoulder-length hair, the features evoked visions of royal courts, exquisite temples and old Japan. A photo album was in the works, we learned. It would make an appropriate gift only if the recipient would not be troubled by a picture of Kimura wearing pantyhose.
Japan has an ancient culture with a celebrated theater in which actors play female roles.
Sumo wrestlers are clad only in thongs, and classical prints depict men in the garment. Paranoia about clothes and their sexual classification was likely imported. In consequence the young lady can choose clothes that are comfortable, inexpensive and attractive enough that she can appear in a widely circulated publication as salesperson. Logical that clothes should reflect mainly the purpose to which they will be put. Pantyhose could never acquire the appeal for men that tee-shirts and jeans have for women.