Yes We Kan! - Appears on Japanese T-Shirts

Monday 14th of June 2010 02:17:06 PM

Yes We Kan! - Appears on Japanese T-Shirts

It is amazing how people always turn to t-shirts to make a statement. The lowly t-shirt is comfortable clothing but it often serves as a message board too. Japan is a good example. In Japan, t-shirts printed with “Yes We Kan” began appearing in Tokyo stores. The slogan is a take-off on an English language saying that is used to send an inspirational message: Yes We Can!

The twist on the t-shirt saying refers to the hopes placed in the new Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan. A member of the Democratic Party, Kan is seen as the country’s best hope right now for turning around the nation’s poor economy. Japan has been rocked with political problems too like many other countries. The collapse of the global economy has taken many political leaders down with it and Mr. Kan represents the post-recession hopes.

Printed t-shirts have been used for decades to make political statements. Anti-war, anti-candidate, and anti-political party statements have shown up on tees and sweatshirts because whoever you run into is going to get the message. Of course, not all slogans are “anti” and have more positive overtones – like the “Yes We Kan” t-shirts.

The political and economic problems in Japan and many other countries have made people feel helpless. Wearing clothing with a message is empowering and makes people feel as if some in the world are actually learning what they have to say on the matter. Supporters of Mr. Kan are tired of the political turmoil with Kan being the fifth Prime Minister elected by Parliament in a little over four years. Kan’s goal is to lower the government’s debt and restore people’s trust in the government. Kan is determined to avoid the mistakes his 4 predecessors made by running a scandal free government.

If you are feeling like a lone wolf pushed out by the economic disaster and no one is listening, try donning a printed t-shirt or sweatshirt. Just don’t be surprised by all the attention you get!