Hello, I am Yoshi from NILS Japanese language school. We would like to introduce Japanese traditional culture. Today’s topic is kimono 着物 which are only worn on special occasions such as during the New Year’s season and for receptions. But many of our students are much interested in kimono.

The kimono has been Japan’s traditional item of dress worn by both men and women since the middle of the 7th century. It is similar to an ankle-length gown with long, wide sleeves. When you put on a kimono, you wrap it across the chest and secure it at the waist with cords and a broad sash called an obi 帯.
There are various kinds of kimono, which differ in color, pattern of fabric, and sleeve-length. You need to make the right choice about which kimono to choose according to the traditinoal rules of how and when to wear your kimono. For example, the furisode 振袖 type of kimono is exclusively for unmarried women and the tomesode 留袖 is for married women.
Today, we wear Western clothes in our everyday life, but the kimono is still popular as an item of special attire at ceremonies and parties.

[Furisode 振袖 (left)] A luxurious kimono with long sleeves for unmarried young women. It is worn on the Coming-of-Age ceremony and at weddings or parties.

[Tomesode 留袖 (right)] The most formal kimono for married women. It is worn on ceremonial occasions such as weddings and other celebratory occasions.



March 13th News, from NILS Japanese language school.