25 Impossibly Beautiful Japanese Bras You'll Fall in Love With

One of the most fascinating things I ever learned about the lingerie industry is that different countries carry different products. That is, even if the same umbrella company has a presence in multiple places (like Wacoal or Triumph), what's available to buy in each country can (and likely will) vary.

When you say that aloud, it makes perfect sense. After all, the American preference for beige, contour cup, t-shirt bras isn't a universal one (thank goodness). Every nation's culture, demographics, and history influences its most popular products.

And while US bra-wearers, by and large, actively avoid cut-and-sew bras, lace, embroidery and bright colors, other countries are far more comfortable with lingerie that has a little personality. And one of my favorite areas to browse is Japanese lingerie.

I don't think of myself as an especially frou-frou or frilly sort of person. I like pink well enough, I suppose. And florals are always nice to have. But these bras speak to me on a level I can't quite explain. Perhaps their inaccessible nature is part of the appeal.

After all, I'll likely never be able to purchase these Japanese bras (especially since Kaori's Closet closed in New York). But maybe, just maybe, one day the United States will be able to move beyond those ubiquitous foam domes and into the bright, brand new world of lingerie that feels like jewelry. But in the meantime, maybe I should pay a little visit to Shirohato.

What do you think of these Japanese bras? Would you wear one? And which is your favorite?