In Japan, we clebrate two notable events in January. One is a clebration of New Years which is probably the biggest celebration of all in Japan. The family members get together and eat Osechi Ryori, the traditional Japnese New Years foods. Each ingredient or meal in Osechi Ryori has meanings to it with a hope […]
Category: Kimonos
Introducing traditional Japanese clothing
Today I’d like to introduce a few unique Obi styles for kimonos. Suehiro Musubi The Suehiro Musubi Obi style is used for the Furisode, a style of kimono distinguishable by its long sleeves that go right to the ground, to celebrate the significant point in a young woman’s life. It is one of the most […]
Summer Kimonos or Yukata As you may know, the summer heat in Japan is harsh…However, we still want to enjoy wearing kimonos even during the summer season. In the month of July and August, we wear kimonos made from thinner materials than a usual kimono which is often called “Usu-hitoe”. Like Yukata, the summer kimonos […]
What is Nijudaiko? Nijudaiko, a two-layered knot, is one of the Obi styles that you tie for the formal Kimono, such as Tomesode. Normally, you would use “Fukuro Obi”, the type of Obi that is much longer than the Nagoya Obi, to make Nijudaiko. In the picture below, I used the Fukuro Obi that has […]
What is Yukata? Yukata is a traditional casual wear mostly worn in the summer and usually made of cotton or synthetic fabric, which is different from Kimonos. In old days, Yukata was worn by people after taking a bath to cool down like we still do when we go to Onsen, a hot spring. You […]
What is Tomesode? Kuro (“Black”) Tomesode is the most elegant and formal kimono for married women. It is worn by married women at a formal ceremony such as a wedding party. If you go to a wedding ceremony in Japan, you may see the bride and groom’s mothers wear Kuro Tomesode. Kuro Tomesode refers to […]
What kind of flower is Kikyo? Japanese bellflower, Kikyo, is a vivid purple, five petal flower which is the symbol of unchanging love, honesty, and obedience. Kikyo is often used as patterns in Kimonos and Obi, a belt for Kimonos, and also used as family crests (“Kamon” in Japanese) which is called “Kikyo-Mon.” The flower […]
Do you know how many layers does a kimono for females have when wearing it for casual occasions? There are normally, three layers, including a kimono. Of course you need to wear Tabi socks and Obi (a belt for Kimonos), etc. when wearing Kimonos, but what you wear underneath a kimono is Hadajuban (underwear for […]
What is Obi? “Obi” is a type of belt, typically tied together rather than fastened with a buckle when wearing traditional Japanese clothes, Kimonos. Like normal clothes, you need to dress up appropriately and fit the occasion when wearing Kimonos. There are many different Kimono styles depending on seasons, occasions, etc. so a bit of […]