Frequently Asked Questions

March 19th, 2022

Chopa – Your Kimono Source is a leading online provider of authentic Japanese Kimono and yukata since 1994.  We receive many inquiries and questions each day and thought it would be informative to share some of these on our Blog.  If you want to learn more about Kimono, yukata, and Happi Coats, see our FAQ section on our website.

WHY SHOP WITH US?

There are many reasons to shop with Chopa because we are your Kimono Source. First is our reputation. Entering our 29th year in business, we are a leading online retailer of authentic Japanese Kimono and Yukata. Our customers provide us with many referrals and repeat business.  That alone speaks for itself. Some love our large selection with over 100 styles, prints, and sizes available. Others appreciate our fast shipping, while some love Free Shipping anywhere in the USA on orders of $75.00 or more. Combining any of these services along with our home office being based in the USA, it’s easy to see why customers shop with us.

HOW DO I PLACE AN ORDER?

Shopping with us is easy, safe, and secure.  Just visit our online kimono store anytime, anywhere. Our Kimono Shop never closes and you can browse, shop, and purchase kimono and yukata 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SHIP A KIMONO?

Most orders ship within one business day and many ship the same day. We pride ourselves on fast shipping and work diligently to expedite orders. We are located in the Northwest Panhandle of Florida and ship six days per week. We are a professional, full-time business that understands the need for a quick turnaround of your order. Some companies only ship a few days per week. Others are located in other countries like Japan, Taiwan, Korea, or China. From the feedback we receive from customers, many of these foreign-based companies lie about quick shipping and fail to deliver promptly.

Common complaints we hear from customers buying a kimono from an Asian-based company are lack of service, the long shipping times, and the inability to receive a response or reply from those businesses.  This is something we deplore in any business and always respond to our customers quickly, timely, and responsibly. Another complaint we hear about buying from an overseas company is the difficulty of returning an item.  Most customers say it is impossible.

DO I HAVE TO REGISTER OR SET UP AN ACCOUNT ON YOUR SITE?

No.  We never force our customers to store information on our website.  There is an option to establish an account and some customers choose to do so, but it is not mandatory. It is offered simply as a convenience for our customers.  The majority of customers who opt-in for an account are frequent buyers of our fine robes.  They often gift them to their business customers, shop for theater groups or hospitality companies.  We have several customer groups that rent homes, condos, and beach retreats, and provide their vacation renters with complimentary kimonos, Yukata, and Happi Coats. The bottom line is that you can purchase robes as a guest or establish an online account. The choice is yours.

WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?

Chopa accepts MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and PayPal. If you use PayPal, you can also use American Express. We use state-of-the-art technology including SSL, Secure Socket Layer platforms. All information is encrypted and payment information is never stored on our servers or computers. We also accept mail orders via checks or money orders.  We do not accept cash and never advise customers to send credit card information through email or mail.

HOW MUCH IS SHIPPING?

Orders of $75.00 or more ship Free anywhere in the USA including Alaska and Hawaii. Orders less than $75.00 are charged a nominal fee of $6.95 for one robe. We also ship internationally and the cost is listed in the shopping cart at checkout. The amount varies depending on the country and weight of the package.

DO YOU CHARGE SALES TAX ON PURCHASES?

Yes, we collect sales tax on orders shipped within the state of Florida.  We do not collect taxes in other states. While sales tax isn’t collected in other states, this doesn’t mean that you may not owe sales tax. Many municipalities require purchasers to self-report and pay their own.  You can check with your state to determine if this is required.

WHY DON’T YOU CHARGE CUSTOMS, DUTIES, TAXES, and IMPORT FEES ON ORDERS LIKE OTHER COMPANIES DO?

This question is common and the reason is that we have taken care of all import fees for you if you reside in the USA.  If you purchase a kimono or yukata from a business in Japan or another foreign country, you are subject to these costs. The package is an import and you are responsible for customs taxes, import duties, import fees, and other accessorial charges imposed by the government and the carrier for handling the cost of collecting.  Chopa is a direct importer and we pay all of these costs when we receive an order from one of our partners in Japan. This is another reason, customers like to shop with us. You won’t receive a surprise bill with your order. Our reputation stands on its own and we take the guesswork out of online kimono shopping. Shop with confidence when you shop with us.

Chopa makes online kimono shopping easy!

Kimono Shopping | www.chopa.com

Finding The Most Popular Kimonos

March 13th, 2022

TOP SELLING KIMONO and YUKATA FOR FEBRUARY, 2022.

Our customers are the pulse of our business.  When they visit our online Kimono Shop, they seek beautiful patterns, vivid colors, and unique styles. Customers also want a wide selection of sizes, reasonable pricing, and fast shipping from the USA.  There is a reason our customers have been shopping at our store since 1994. Because they find everything they want in one store, Chopa – Your Kimono Source.

Each month, we sit down and look back on what the Best Selling Japanese Kimono and Yukata robes were during the previous month. It is important as well as educational to see what was hot. One month it might be dragon prints, another period may include koi fish. Some patterns and styles are seasonal. For example, short-length kimono, or Happi Coats as they are called pick up steam and sell very well in Spring and Summer.  Many customers like the shorter-length robe to wear during the warmer months to stay cooler. Others wear them as coverups at the beach or pool.

A customer emailed us the other day asking where are our kimonos made.  We replied that all of our kimono and yukata robes are made in Japan.  We operate and are based in the USA however, so we can ship quickly from our main warehouse in Northwest Florida. Transit time normally takes 2-3 business days to anywhere in the USA. We hear of horror stories when people purchase a kimono from a vendor in Japan and how long it takes to arrive. We take the guesswork out of online Kimono shopping.  We are direct importers, cover all duties, taxes and also offer easy returns.

People realize after the fact, that when you order a kimono from a foreign country, you often receive a bill upon delivery for duties, taxes, customs fees, and any other auxiliary charges. Charges that were unexpected and not mentioned when they placed their order. This won’t happen if you shop with us in the USA.

Here are the TOP FIVE SELLING KIMONO AND YUKATA FOR FEBRUARY, 2022.

1: Yukata – Tree of Life.  The Tree of Life Yukata is frequently a top customer pick. This men’s yukata features a geometric print that dates back to 2000 B.C. The design is produced in a gray, black, and white-colored print. It is made of 100% cotton and is very distinctive when worn to a special event or ceremony.

2: Blue Koi Yukata. This Koi Yukata is selected by men and women. The blue and white print displays the elegant koi swimming in water. In Buddhism, koi represent courage. In Japan, these fish are considered to be symbolic of love and affection. Crafted in Japan of fine cotton with a shrink-resistant finish.

3: Yukata – Eternal Chain. Printed in a crisp blue and white pattern, the Eternal Chain forms a never-ending circle representing eternity. The chains are symbolic of life, hope, and, strength. The connectivity has no beginning or end and goes around in a circle forever.

4: Yukata – Navy Kagome. Kagome translates to the woven bamboo pattern. Printed in a dark navy blue and white palette, the artist designed beautiful bamboo silhouetted against subtle contrasting circles. The combination is reminiscent of old-world craftsmanship and simplicity.

5: Black Kimono Samurai Robe. This Japanese kimono provides the Zen you need after a long day at the office.  Sit back, relax and feel the calm in this lightweight, yet durable robe.  This kimono is perfect for attending ceremonies or simply relaxing at home. It is popular for meditating as well. Produced from 100% cotton broadcloth. This high-end fabric is densely woven and often used in fine dress shirts.

These five kimono and yukata were our customer favorites in February. You can view any or all of these by visiting our online store. We have new shipments arriving over the next two months and should have adequate supplies to carry us through the busier season.  A great big thank you goes out to all of our readers and customers for allowing us to share this information with you each month.  It’s a team effort. Our customers team with us and we announce the results.

Thanks for reading, now Get Your Kimono On!!

                         Eternal Chain Yukata

Follow Us On Social Media.

March 6th, 2022

Follow us. Pin Us. Tweet Us. Like Us. Read our latest Blog. In other words, keep in touch with us on social media.

Chopa.com has been a leading provider of authentic Japanese Kimono and yukata robes since 1994.  We pride ourselves on being a 100% Employee-owned company and providing excellent customer service.  We have a passion and nearly 29 years ago, we took that passion and turned it into one of the premiere kimono dealers on the web. Great selection, quality robes, and fast shipping from the USA.  Join us on Social media.

Chopa – Your Kimono Source maintains an opt-in customer email list and sends out periodical emails. It serves as a way to remind customers we are here and ready to serve up a brand new Japanese Kimono Yukata.  Besides the newsletter, we also use Social Media to stay in touch with existing or potential new customers.

Here are a few reasons it benefits you to ride along with us on this Japanese inspired social media journey:

Stay up-to-date with the latest news and products from Chopa. We love to publish announcements of new arrivals, new colors, prints, and patterns.  Social media is usually the first place we inform our customers. We also keep followers up to date with arrivals, delays, and ordering processes at our production facilities in Japan. This was very handy with the Covid Pandemic and continues today. Due to extended restrictions in certain areas, shipping is still very tricky to import into the USA.  Our partners also have difficulties or delays with printing fabrics. We posted a lot of updates pre-holiday about what to expect and when to order. This helped our customers immensely.

You can connect with us directly, ask questions, and provide feedback. If you have a question about something, email or text us for a prompt response, but if social media is your preferred communication, send us a note.

We invite customers to send in pictures of themselves wearing their favorite kimono or yukata.  If they approve, we include their social media handle and you can like and or follow them.  You can also ask questions and discover what other customers’ interests are.

You can see what others are saying about our kimono, yukata, and other products and services. Unless derogatory or offensive, we allow customer posts and comments. Chopa invites you to share our media pages with friends and family members that have the same interests. We can learn from each other.  We receive far more emails and texts than we do social media contacts, so help us spread the word and let people know we are here and to join us.

You can join in on online conversations and discussions about the Japanese Kimono, Chopa, and our industry. By engaging with us on social media, you create a two-way communication channel that allows you to stay informed while also giving feedback and voicing your opinion. It’s a win-win! Tell us about things you would like to see, new experiences you would be interested in.

Chopa also posts information on new products, flash sales, closeouts, discounts, and specials. If a fabric is discontinued and we are down to just a few kimono or yukata, we will mark them down to finish off the lot and enable our customers the opportunity to pick up a great deal.

Here is how to reach us on social media:

Facebook –  https://www.facebook.com/KimonoYukataStore

Twitter – https://twitter.com/kimonosource

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/your_kimono_source

Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/YourKimonoSource

Blog – https://www.chopa.com/blog

Social media can be a powerful tool for customers to stay in touch. It allows you to connect with us on a more personal level without high pressure sales tactics or expectations.  If you’re not following Chopa – Your Kimono Source on social media, what are you waiting for?  Join us today and be part of our Kimono family.

Follow Chopa.com on social media

You Ought To Be In Pictures!

February 27th, 2022

Want to be a Model or just look like one?

Has anyone ever told you that you should be in pictures?  Have you had a secret desire to be a model? Do you like posting images on Social Media?  Then read ahead and see what we have available for you.

Kimonos are a beautiful and unique aspect of Japanese culture. If you’re ever in Japan, it’s worth your time to wear one. And if you’re not in Japan, don’t worry – there are still ways to enjoy kimonos. Chopa – Your Kimono Source since 1994 has over 100 kimono, yukata, and short-length Happi Coats to choose from.

After you acquire one, where will you wear yours?  What will you do while wearing a beautiful robe? Some wear kimono lounging around the home or using it as a coverup after a bath or shower.  Others wear yukata as loungewear while catching up on their reading or emails. Some customers wear one while tending to light household choirs, while others binge-watch their favorite movies or TV series. Heading to a party or special event? Don’t leave home without your kimono.

Submit your photo and you might win prizes!!

For those that want to be in pictures, we have an option for you. Chopa is looking for customers that want to show the world how they wear their kimono or yukata. We invite you to send us your images wearing your robe.  If we select your image to use, you will be entered into our contests where you are eligible to win prizes and or cash awards.  Chopa will hold drawings where selected winners can win Kimono, Yukata, Happi Coats, Gift Certificates, and even cash prizes.

Chopa will use the images online either on their website or social media like Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. It’s a fun way to show our family of kimono lovers how they look, different styles, enjoying some fun times with friends and family and just being you. After all, what is better than being yourself? Chopa also sends occasional emails to customers advertising new styles, sales or random news we feel is worthwhile to share. Your image may be included in these emails.

Share your images with other customers!

If we select your image, we will contact you via email to verify your submission and approval to publish the photos.  Whether you wish your name to be listed in the images is completely up to you. We respect people’s privacy and won’t publish names without written approval. If you want to be tagged with your social media handle, we can do that.  You can also publish on your social media page and tag Chopa.

This idea has been submitted to us several times over the years. We love when our customers tell us what they want and feel this is a good time to launch this program.  Seeing real customers wearing their kimono and yukata in real-life environments is as good as it gets. Send your photos in today to info@chopa.com.

kimono photo contest

Be a Model, or just look like one!

Top Selling Kimono for January 2022

February 18th, 2022

Chopa is one of the leading online shops offering fine Japanese Kimono and Yukata robes. We like to provide our customers a list each month of what is popular right now.  There are many options available when choosing a kimono shop. Since we have been operating since 1994, we are confident that we offer some of the best choices out there.

Our goal has always been to enlighten and educate customers about the beauty and symbolism of Japanese Kimonos.  Whether you admire the cultural significance, the bright, vivid colors, the symbolic patterns, or the luxury and comfort these robes provide, we take the guesswork out of online kimono shopping.  Our fast shipping is just one component that sets us apart from the crowd.  Chopa is your Kimono Source and as such, we ship most orders within one business day. Many orders ship the same day if your order is placed early in the day. Most orders are delivered within 2-3 business days, weather permitting.

Chopa ships your order safely and securely from a warehouse in the Northwest Panhandle of Florida.  We do the importing for you and carry over 100 styles, colors, and patterns that are in stock and ready to ship. Orders of $75 or more ship Free anywhere in the USA, including Hawaii and Alaska. You avoid duties, taxes, and import fees when shopping with us.

Every week, we hear from customers expressing how happy they are to have found us.  Many come from referrals and word of mouth. They share stories with us about their previous experiences. To put it bluntly, they are not pretty stories.  People ordered directly from a dealer in Japan and were told shipping is quick, usually 3-5 days.  Reality is a wait of up to 30 days in many cases. Customers are told they could return it. An issue lies with translation issues. The purchaser doesn’t speak or write Japanese and the vendor doesn’t communicate in English. To this, we say good luck and recommend taking an aspirin for their headaches.

Other resulting issues are duties and taxes.  Their package arrives and they have presented a bill for $10, $15, or even $25 more for duties, taxes, customs clearance, and import fees.  Shoppers were never told about this. But if they don’t pay the costs, the carrier keeps the package and the customer is out. Sometimes these packages are submitted to customs. They are sold for liquidated damages and other times sent back to the shipper, who doesn’t issue a refund.

Frequently we hear about requests for returns being denied by the dealer.  Customers are told, the wrong size doesn’t qualify or 3 days is too long. Worse yet, they simply ignore emails and telephone calls. If a customer is granted a return approval, they are shocked when they go to the post office. Here, they discover that shipping a 2-pound package can cost $60 by Priority Mail. This cost is born by the customer, not the Japanese dealer.  We feel dealers operate this way because they discovered most customers will keep the robe instead of investing additional money into their losing investment already. It is sad but true.

In summary, you can see how we make this an easy choice to shop with us. One of our mottos is “We take the guesswork out of Kimono shopping” and once a customer shops with us, they realize how true it is.  We welcome you to go to our online Kimono Shop and see for yourself. Whether it’s men’s or women’s kimono or yukata or perhaps an outfit for your little Samurai or Princess, we have a large selection to choose from.

It seems like 2022 just began and we have now already blown through January and are over halfway through February.

Without further delays, here is our list of Top Selling Kimono and Yukata for January 2022:

  1. Tree of Life Yukata
  2. Dragon and Bamboo Yukata
  3. Navy Kagome Yukata
  4. Dragon and Hawk Yukata
  5. Yukata – Dragon & Mt Fuji Navy 

Chopa.com currently has two orders in production with smaller shipments arriving in mid-March and April. Our largest Spring order is expected to arrive from Japan in late April. The logistics staff continues to monitor shipping and supply chain issues.  We have been and will continue to use Air Freight for our future shipments. This is necessary until the Ports along both sides of the country catch up and fix their lengthy delays. While air is more costly than a cargo ship, we would rather absorb the cost and obtain our product quicker and more efficiently. Thank you for visiting our site and reading our Blogs.  Now Get Your Kimono On!!

                     Dragon and Hawk Yukata

Honored as Best Online Retailer – Kimono

February 10th, 2022

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chopa – Your Kimono Source, Receives 2022 Best of Panama City Beach Award Online Retailer for Kimono and Yukata

Panama City Beach Award Program Honors the Achievement

PANAMA CITY BEACH February 3, 2022 — Chopa – Your Kimono Source has been selected for the 2022 Best of Panama City Beach Award in the Online Retailer category by the Panama City Beach Award Program.

Each year, the Panama City Beach Award Program identifies companies that have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These local companies enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and their community. These exceptional companies help make the Panama City Beach area a great place to live, work and play.

Various sources of information are gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each year. The 2022 Panama City Beach Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Panama City Beach Award Program and data provided by third parties.

About Panama City Beach Award Program

The Panama City Beach Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Panama City Beach area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.

The Panama City Beach Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community’s contributions to the U.S. economy.

Chopa – Your Kimono Source is an online retailer specializing in authentic Japanese Kimono, Yukata and Short Length Happi Coats. Established in 1994, Chopa, a 100% employee-owned Company offers great customer service, a large selection, quality robes and some of the most competitive pricing in the industry.  Chopa only offers Japanese Kimono robes, made by known family operated manufacturers that pay fair wages and offer excellent working environments. Other dealers on Etsy and Amazon often offer Chinese kimono sometimes using slave or forced labor to achieve low cost robes and larger profits.

If you are seeking a USA based company with 28 years experience that ships quickly anywhere in the USA, then Chopa is for you.  Visit their online Kimono Shop at www.chopa.com

                       Japanese Kimonos

The Japanese Kimono and Symbolism of Colors

February 6th, 2022

In Japan, tradition is key. It’s a country that has been influenced by many cultures, including Western ones. The beautiful language of colors found throughout their culture has deep meaning and validation. Traditional colors still hold some significance today for those living in Japan and visiting alike, especially when it comes to art or dress designs. To this day, when it comes to kimono or yukata worn for special occasions like weddings or ceremonies, beliefs about certain colors and hues are taken very seriously.

There are specific hues which carry special meaning from this culture as they believe these particular shades will result in obtaining wishes and goals. For example, some believe there may not be just one color that will bring good fortune, but rather an entire spectrum from blue-green representing water ways, all the way through reds signifying fire.

Kimono colors can be interpreted in many ways. The most important color, according to Japanese culture is green which represents new beginnings and good fortune. The secondary colors are white for growth, blue for peace and red which symbolize love. These have ancient meanings along with other cultures around the world who share similar beliefs. Colors are considered being relevant for determining future events like marriage prospects among others things.

The colors red and white are prominent in Japan. Both represent happiness, joyfulness as well an occasion for celebration such like weddings or birthdays. Events that bring people together to celebrate life events with family members who love them unconditionally.

The color red is important in Japanese culture. It’s often used to represent passion and joy. The first thing people think about when they see the vivid shade are cherries since those fruits have an association with love-related stories. In general, the color red carries with it many different meanings, but generally speaking this it represents strength through passion generated through self-sacrifice.

White also has multiple meanings and associations. White signifies surrender or peace and stands for purity, truth and honesty. It symbolizes beginnings from nothing, like a blank page yet also represents death and mourning.

The color green is a popular choice for clothes in Japan and it’s because the country loves plants, foliage and nature. The country celebrates greenery day because they love the land for its lush green vegetation. Whether it is trees or grass; this includes all things natural in life including green tea. In addition, it is holds significance for prosperity, wealth and luck or good fortune.

The color blue has many meanings in Japan. It is often associated with coolness, passivity and loyalty which are all seen as positive traits. Blue is also considered a color associated with luck.

No color is as auspicious for wealth and value than gold and silver. The color of wealth and power, gold has been a popular choice for centuries. These two elements are used to connotate great significance and prestige. It provides an elegant touch that can be found in many different patterns and works of art. Gold and silver are often used to create a rich symphony of color.

Black is a prized choice in Japan.  The blackness of the Kimono is often used to represent elegance or darkness. For example, it can be seen as a symbol for widowed women who have lost their spouse by death. The coloration also carries other connotations such classy garments reserved only for special occasions. The black color is often used in Japanese Kimono to represent power and elegance.

The black fabric of a kimono is often used to represent femininity and beauty in Japan. The color’s deep shade was originally created as an alternative for cherry blossom flowers, which were not available during winter months. Today, people wear them with pride even if there are no longer seasons where you can indulge your senses at their fullest extent.

Yellow is a popular color in Japan. It’s the Greece of colors, sunny and smiling. Japanese people have a special relationship with the color yellow. In Japan, this bright and cheerful tone can be seen in flowers as well as clothes for both children and adults alike. It is also associated with gardening. The color of sunshine and nature in Japan, yellow is associated with happiness.

Pink is a hue widely used in kimono for hundreds of years. It’s not just any old color, but rather it symbolizes femininity and elegance which are two things associated with women in Japanese culture. Pink is the color of romance and femininity. It’s also a symbol of healing to comfort women.

Of course there are more colors available and you can find a kimono or yukata in about any shade you desire.  Consider the Kimono palette the rainbow. Each color is special and the mixing or blending and pairing of colors provide additional significance in the Kimono culture. Wear your kimono proudly and if seeking a kimono gift, consider what traits the individual has and try pairing those with corresponding colors.  While it isn’t necessary to follow this guide, it deepens the meaning and cultural significance. Get Your Kimono On!! You can search over 100 different styles, colors and patterns of authentic Japanese Kimono and Yukata for men, women and kids at Your Kimono Source, www.chopa.com

 

Color palette of kimonos

Kimono Colors

Buying a Kimono From an Employee Owned Business.

January 30th, 2022

An employee-owned business is a company in which the employees own a significant or entire portion of the business. This type of ownership is becoming more and more popular, as employees see the benefits of owning a piece of their workplace and career. Here are some key reasons why you should shop for Kimonos and Yukatas from an employee-owned business,

An employee-owned business is operated and controlled by its employees. Employees take ownership through stock, stock options, profit sharing and other methods. Some of the many benefits of employee-owned businesses include higher productivity and job satisfaction, lower employee turnover, and better sustainability. Employee ownership gives employees a stake in the success of their own company and future.

Employee-owned businesses are different from traditional businesses in a few ways. First, profits are shared among all employees, not just executives and upper management. Second, everyone has a voice in decisions made about the business. Third, employees can earn a livable wage and benefits. In most traditional businesses many staff only receive minimum wage. With many consumers opting to purchase Fair Trade products which ensure foreign workers receive fair and livable wages, an employee owned business represents the same thought process in the USA.

When a company is employee-owned, all staff have a personal stake in making sure it succeeds. This means that they’re more likely to take care of their customers, offer high-quality products and fair pricing.  Owners have incentive to provide value to their customers, since their livelihood depends on it. Employee ownership not only helps the company and its employees, but it also helps communities as a whole. Employee-owned businesses are more likely to stay in the community, hire locally, and support other local businesses.

Employee-owned businesses not only give back to their employees, but they also care about their customers and the environment. Everyone wants to succeed and this success trickles down to others in each community. The profits stay in the community. And that means more money for schools, parks, and other local resources. So if you’re looking to support the local community process or shop local, consider buying from an employee-owned business. You’ll be helping to keep a community strong and thriving. Thriving communities are more family oriented, respected, engaged, grateful and in turn this helps keep crime low.  It’s a win-win-win formula.

Chopa – Your Kimono Source became a full employee-owned business in 2005. For the past 17 years we have grown stronger, provided more value to customers, excelled in service, selection, shipping and customer satisfaction. Our owners meet regularly to discuss events, customer service, comments and we plan together in a way that only a family can. As a 100% employee-owned firm, we have never been happier and don’t believe we would ever look back. Everyone, especially our customers benefit from this arrangement. We consider our customers family as well.

If you’re looking for a way to support local communities, get quality products and added value at the same time, consider buying from an employee-owned business!  Chopa is proud to be employee owned.  We thrive because of it.  Join us and shop our online store for the kimono you need and more importantly, the kimono you deserve.  Now Get Your Kimono On!

                       Beautiful Kimonos

The Colors and Symbolism of the Japanese Kimono

January 23rd, 2022

Kimono is a word that has been in use since at least the 12th century. Kimono translates as the “thing to wear.”  This ancient garment originated as an article of dress for Japanese women and girls. Soon it became popular all over Japan and Asia. This was due to its beauty, which was symbolized by long flowing skirts associated with femininity during this era when society really wasn’t progressing too much past old traditions.

Kimonos are much more than just beautiful clothing; they represent an era of elegance and culture. They have been worn by emperors, courtesans and geishas. All those who desired to make their mark on history through fashion for over 1000 years. The kimono’s rich history can be seen through every aspect from how people wear them today.

Dating back over ten decades to the present day, it continues on as one of Japan’s most iconic garments. Not only does this cloth provide comfort for its wearers, but also brings about pleasure through wear or simply seeing others in their beautiful outfits.  Some people can be mistaken on how valuable these items these items really are in culture and history.

Kimonos are a form of traditional Japanese clothing that can be worn at any time. The patterns and motifs have symbolic meanings related to the seasons. For instance, bamboo branches for winter or plum and cherry blossoms representing springtime in Japan. Plant imagery is often used for springtime celebrations in Japan because plants often grow quickly after being planted. The colors and patterns represent different seasons.

Kimonos are not just a symbol of Japanese culture, but also have deep personal meaning. The colors worn reflect their personality and attitude towards life in addition to what it means for them on an individual level. In modern society, people can easily attach meaning onto any object or person based off surface-level information alone. They often miss getting the story being told, much less why this particular piece matters so much more than others. Wearing kimonos with specific patterns tells a tale every time. When someone sees how beautifully designed each pattern actually is, they better understand the careful consideration put into making sure no detail went overlooked during construction and design.

The colors of kimonos have deep meanings. The most prominent being blue, which signifies sky and ocean in Japanese culture. Blue also means loyalty. Red is used to ward off evil spirits from coming near you or entering your home through some other means. For example, if someone walks past while looking depressed. Pink symbolizes youthfulness. It also holds the idea that older ladies will become young again when they die. This is because their spirit remains inside this material world for all eternity until it finds its true place. This hopefully happens sooner rather than later, according to Buddhist beliefs about life after death.

Today, the kimono is worn more than ever. They’re commonly seen at social gatherings like meeting with friends or attending graduation parties. Students will often dress up their graduate uniforms with an elegant Kimono to make them feel more adult-like while enjoying this ancient tradition. Kimono can also be used for more formal occasions such as a marriage and at a tea ceremony where it’s expected that you wear your finest attire.

No matter what the occasion or what your mood, it is fairly easy to locate a kimono or yukata robe that will match your needs and desires. Customers of Chopa – Your Kimono Source often purchase several. Some wear them while lounging at home, some wear them to special events, parties and festivals. Chopa offers over 100 different styles, colors and patterns in many sizes for men, women and kids. Their online Kimono Shop is open 24 hours a day for your shopping convenience. Shipping is always quick as most orders ship within one business day. Visit their shop today at www.chopa.com.

kimono yukata shop

Kimono History

Top Selling Kimono for December 2021

January 17th, 2022

Looking for the best-selling Kimono for December 2021? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of the top kimonos and yukatas based on sales data from our online store. Whether you’re looking for a new kimono to wear to your next party or simply want to add a stylish piece to your wardrobe, we’ve got you covered. So, without further ado, here are the top five best-selling kimonos and yukatas for December 2021!

  1. Yukata – Dragon & Mt. Fuji, Navy
  2. Kimono – Embroidered Samurai
  3. Yukata – Navy Kagome
  4. Yukata – Dragon and Bamboo
  5. Kimono – Royal Cranes

Our December 2021 best selling Kimono list is a quick snapshot of what was popular among men and women. Whether buying a Japanese robe for yourself or as a gift, many customer do both. Of course purchases during December are not just for Christmas. We saw a lot of birthday messages as well as anniversary notes and simple acts of love. Our list includes a variety of colors and styles, so there is sure to be something for everyone!

December was our busiest month of the year and we are happy to say a very satisfying and productive month.  The wonderful staff at Chopa spent many hours, days and weeks planning for the holiday period to assure we had plenty of choices, styles and sizes available on our Kimono menu. Realize that Chopa – Your Kimono Source offers over 100 different prints, styles and designs, so it isn’t an easy task putting it all together.

The secret to our success is that we began this adventure back in 1994 and as we enter our 28th year in business, we have learned more than a thing or two. We put it all together and continue to perform like a well oiled machine. AS our motto states, We take the guesswork out of online Kimono Shopping.

2021 ended with a bang and some rest for our staff. Now what? Well, 2022 looks to be just as bright. Our buyers have been working hard behind the scenes putting together some new patterns and colors. Some exclusive and some will be for a limited time only. Business is continuing to be challenging in many areas including shipping, costs and our network across Japan. The Covid pandemic continues to play havoc in other countries like it has here.

We were saddened to learn of the passing of several designers in Japan that were behind some of the most outstanding patterns we have sold in years. These fine artists fell victims to Covid and some of their work will now be retired forever. Our hearts and prayers go out to those lost and their families and friends that grieve. We grieve with you and for all who have lost loved ones to Covid.

As we sail into the new year, many people are getting past the Holidays, time off, parties and year end celebrations. Many also are starting to think about their future holiday shopping needs. Valentines Day is less than a month away. Easter arrives April 22nd. Nothing says Spring like a fresh yukata or kimono robes in pretty pastels of yellow or light greens and blues. Birthdays happen throughout the year as do anniversaries.

Early Summer holds many graduations as well as Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Before you know it, the beach season will be here and that means Happi Coats are popular and in high demand. Many customers wear these as coverups at the beach and pool. We li ke them to wear around the house while lounging or hanging out on the patio with a good book, cup of our favorite beverage and maybe some tunes in the air.

If you’re looking for a unique gift that is sure to please, a kimono may be just what you’re looking for. Whether you’re looking for something traditional or modern, there’s sure to be a kimono that fits your needs.  We hope you find this information helpful and informative. Thank you for reading! Now go Get Your Kimono On!! See our entire line at www.chopa.com.

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