👘 @stephruhle - As a journalist I deeply admire, I am called to call you in on your comment made tonight on your show. The phrase “open kimono & let’s go at it” is misogynistic, sexist, and racist. Its meaning to reveal information about the inner workings of a company or project to a prospective partner is salacious and creepy, as it invokes the Western myth of geisha. These photos are of me through the years celebrating my Japanese American heritage and culture; dancing with children; my mother, and alongside others, many who are not of Japanese heritage, inviting others in to dance together in the circles in honor of our Japanese heritage, our loved ones, and the magnificent ethnic tapestry that is America. We wear kimono/yukata (summer kimono)at the @niseiweek Japanese Festival, which begins this weekend in Little Tokyo Downtown LA. I was coincidentally posting about it when I heard you use the phrase tonight. And here I am fighting the stereotype perpetuated by it. We wear kimono/yukata because it is flattering on all figures; because it’s simple, yet beautiful and because we are proud to be able to wear it. And exactly, what do we have to hide when we wear them? Why ‘open kimono and let’s go at it?’ Why not ‘drop trousers and let’s go at it?’ So, I ask you, woman to woman, please do not use it. 🙏🏼