Authentische Kimono-Kultur erleben Anziehen, Gehen und Fangen

This was a wonderful and unforgettable experience. Sayoko is a a very friendly and beautiful person. She was so understanding and accommodating when I had to reschedule due to rain. I loved the beautiful selections of the Kimonos and umbrellas. She took great pics and made sure I liked them before moving on. The hair and makeup artist was also very nice and made sure I was satisfied with my look.

I spent yesterday learning how to properly wear, walk, and sit in a Japanese Kimono. This included training on the holding of the silk purse and silk umbrella for an upcoming wedding. I only scratched the surface of this remarkable Japanese clothing culture. The kimono is a symbol of longevity and good fortune. Specific motifs were used to indicate virtues or attributes of the wearer, or relate to the season or occasion such as weddings and festivals where it bestows good fortune on the wearer. I felt very lucky all put together properly in my kimono. Japanese kimono derived from the garments worn in China during the Wu dynasty. From 8th to 11th century, Japanese style of layering silk robes was established. The first-layer garment that was usually worn underneath all the robes is called kosode. Mine is white. Do you know the Japanese traditional theatre, “Noh”? Its origin goes back to 14th century and it was just like today’s popular musical. In the late 16th century, actors used kosode as Noh play costumes which were very gorgeous indeed -- decorated with great techniques of weaving, embroidery, dyeing. They became the origin of modern kimono. All performers are male in Noh. Men don kimonos with a jacket and wide-legged pants called hakama. Male kimono designs have more subdued patterns and colors. Women wear kimonos depending on the stages of the events in their lives. Single women and young women usually wear furisode, which are kimonos with long, flowing sleeves and vibrant designs. Worn underneath the kimono, the nagajuban can only be seen at the collar level. Ever since the 1700s, it has been the standard practice to tie the obi in the back, but this was not always the case. The kimono is a formal garment and it is therefore mandatory to wear white tabi socks in your geta or zori. The yukata is a light and casual version of the kimono, usually made of cotton and worn without a nagajuban. This garment is often worn on a casual date or during fireworks festivals that are organized each year in summer. It is very much frowned upon to wear a yukata to a formal event. I purchased two yukatas. I like that the materials is not so think and the bow is pre-tied. Wearing a kimono follows very precise rules and requires a lot of practice and learning. By the way, Japanese people have a special term for the art of wearing a kimono, called kitsuke.  I am in Kitsuke training - a type of apprentice. Not to be confused with a Geisha apprentice. As long as a kimono is worn out of respect and appreciation of the Japanese culture, it's perfectly fine to wear a kimono as a foreigner. I received many smiles and positive comments from Japanese ladies in the garden.

I spent yesterday learning how to properly wear, walk, and sit in a Japanese Kimono. This included training on the holding of the silk purse and silk umbrella for an upcoming wedding. I only scratched the surface of this remarkable Japanese clothing culture. The kimono is a symbol of longevity and good fortune. Specific motifs were used to indicate virtues or attributes of the wearer, or relate to the season or occasion such as weddings and festivals where it bestows good fortune on the wearer. I felt very lucky all put together properly in my kimono.