tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18286248414535791382024-03-14T02:26:03.348-07:00The Year In Kimono - 着物の一年The Year in Kimono is a year-long project to explore and understand the role of kimono, in modern Japanese fashion and to have greater awareness of what the eco-fashion movement can learn from this item made with a single bolt of fabric called, past down through the ages.The Year In Kimono - 着物の一年http://www.blogger.com/profile/11568768375436889336noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828624841453579138.post-25505945613199693182011-09-17T23:49:00.000-07:002011-09-29T06:45:41.538-07:00Sumo ー 相撲<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C-YgwU0Eca0/ToQVDoFtnSI/AAAAAAAAAWs/EafqyFViG2Q/s1600/off+to+sumo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C-YgwU0Eca0/ToQVDoFtnSI/AAAAAAAAAWs/EafqyFViG2Q/s400/off+to+sumo.JPG" width="333" /></a></div><br />
When I first came to Tokyo, in October 2007, it was for three months. My husband was working every day, and I don’t know how it happened, but I ended up watching the November tournament and I got hooked. <br />
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2007年の10月に初めて東京に来た時の滞在期間は三ヶ月。夫は毎日仕事で忙しく、どういう流れでそうなったのかははっきりわからないけど、気がついたら秋場所を見続けて、私はすっかり相撲にはまっていました。<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J8EzkAOz0zw/ToQVMiyfvcI/AAAAAAAAAW4/A5cCuNzXceY/s1600/Sumo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J8EzkAOz0zw/ToQVMiyfvcI/AAAAAAAAAW4/A5cCuNzXceY/s400/Sumo.JPG" width="348" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fBqoRQjNFUo/ToQVIv2aOLI/AAAAAAAAAWw/q5jCTRBvYwM/s1600/sumo+ring.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fBqoRQjNFUo/ToQVIv2aOLI/AAAAAAAAAWw/q5jCTRBvYwM/s400/sumo+ring.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
It might seem like a strange sport to fall in love with, but I love the ceremony, the athleticism, and most of all the various characters that make up the upper ranks of sumo (the white guy from Belarus, the two battling Mongolian champions, etc.) For each of those 15 days, 4:00 pm would find me in front of the television, watching the best 15 battle, round robin style, until the one with the most wins was awarded the Emperor’s Cup. <br />
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大好きになるには不思議なスポーツと思われるかもしれないけど、相撲の儀式、運動能力の高さ、そして何より上位にランクする力士のそれぞれの個性(ベラルーシ出身の白人や、二人のモンゴル人横綱の戦いなど)が大好きに。15日間の間、毎日16:00になると私はテレビの前に座り、総当たりとなる上位15の取組みを、勝者が天皇杯を持ち帰る日まで観戦し続けた。<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wk70N9U2ahM/ToQVK2s8lrI/AAAAAAAAAW0/j-S17dSywrU/s1600/sumo+wrestler.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wk70N9U2ahM/ToQVK2s8lrI/AAAAAAAAAW0/j-S17dSywrU/s400/sumo+wrestler.JPG" width="342" /></a></div><br />
Watching sumo on TV is fun; but getting the chance to watch it live is even better. It’s so exciting to hear the crowd cheer for their favourite wrestlers. You can even pass lower ranking sumo wrestlers in the hall after their matches. <br />
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テレビで相撲を見るのはもちろん楽しい。でも生で見るのはもっと楽しい。観客が応援する力士に声援を送るその歓声を聞くのは本当に興奮する。さらに、下位の力士となら彼らの試合後、廊下ですれ違うこともしばしば。The Year In Kimono - 着物の一年http://www.blogger.com/profile/11568768375436889336noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828624841453579138.post-63413928841630604252011-09-15T23:54:00.000-07:002012-06-10T20:39:39.906-07:00**New York City– ニューヨークにて<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MPn5--FoCag/ToQXSeOb0nI/AAAAAAAAAW8/ZDHjH8XrbSY/s1600/MG_8382high.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MPn5--FoCag/ToQXSeOb0nI/AAAAAAAAAW8/ZDHjH8XrbSY/s400/MG_8382high.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://blog1.kimonohiro.com/">MODE & CLASSIC NEW YORK</a> presents the spring / summer 2012 collection featuring Japanese traditional fabrics and Kimonos on the Opening Night of Brooklyn Fashion Weekend.<br />
は、日本の伝統的な生地や着物を中心とした2012年スプリング/サマーコレクションをブルックリン・ファッション・ウィークのオープニングナイトで発表。<br />
<br />
<br />
Time: Thursday, September 29, 2011<br />
Door opens 7:00PM Show 7:30PM<br />
日時: 2011年9月29日(木)<br />
開場:19:00 開演:19:30<br />
<br />
Location Industry City at Bush Terminal<br />
241 37th Street, Brooklyn NY 11232<br />
(Near 36 St. Subway Station, D N R Train)<br />
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Admission Free, RSVP required<br />
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RSVP: rsvp@bkfashionweekend.com<br />
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<a href="http://www.kimonohiro.com/index_eng.html">MODE & CLASSIC NEW YORK</a>The Year In Kimono - 着物の一年http://www.blogger.com/profile/11568768375436889336noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828624841453579138.post-53426083240297231702011-09-08T23:42:00.000-07:002011-09-29T06:44:14.771-07:00Reflections on Kimono - 着物について<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q43coSsI8eg/ToQTxMVyEVI/AAAAAAAAAWo/UUITPqeVzUw/s1600/Subway.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q43coSsI8eg/ToQTxMVyEVI/AAAAAAAAAWo/UUITPqeVzUw/s640/Subway.JPG" width="390" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Even though, in Tokyo, the summer heat is still here, August 31 marks the end of 'yukata season', and marks the time to get back into <b><i>hitoe</i></b> (single layer kimono). After looking so forward to yukata season, I have to say, it wasn't my favourite. One of the reasons was my lack of wardrobe options. One of my inspirations to begin this project was to explore the eco-fashion side of kimono. Kimono is a perfect example of eco-fashion; they are usually recycled, or passed down, and worn again and again. <b><i>Yukata (<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">lightweight summer cotton kimono)</span></span></i></b>, on the other hand, was impossible to find recycled (in my size), so as I had to buy a new one, I decided to limit my purchase to one. This meant that I wore the same yukata for 2 months, and to be honest, I found it tiresome. At least with kimono, I have 5 to choose from, and feel like I have some variety.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The second reason why yukata season was less exciting in reality, than in my dreams, had to do with the weather. It was soooo hot this summer, that every time I wore my yukata, I felt like I sweat so much, that I had to wash (and press) it for the next time. Does everyone also do this. For some reason, I was afraid to re-press without washing, and yet - I couldn't re-wear the yukata after wearing it all day without re-pressing it. It was a lot of work. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'MS 明朝';">東京ではまだまだ夏の暑さが続く中、</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">8</span><span style="font-family: 'MS 明朝';">月</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">31</span><span style="font-family: 'MS 明朝';">日をもって浴衣の季節は終わり、また一重の着物へと衣替え。浴衣の季節をあれだけ楽しみにしていたけど、正直に言うと、大好きとは言えなかった。その理由の一つは、選択肢の少なさにあったと思う。このプロジェクトを始めたきっかけの一つが、エコファッションとしての着物を探求すること。着物はある意味スローファッションのひとつ。多くの場合、着物はリサイクル、または次の世代に受け継がれ、何度も何度も着用され、それは正にエコファッション。でもリサイクルの浴衣(私のサイズの)を探すのは不可能だったため、新たに購入しなければならず、一着だけ購入することに。結果的に二ヶ月同じ浴衣を着続けるしかなかったので、正直少し飽きてしまった。少なくとも着物の場合は、五着ある中から選べるので、少しはバラエティがある気になる。そして、想像していたほど浴衣を楽しめなかった二つ目の理由が、天気。今年の夏は本当に暑くて、浴衣を着る度にすごく汗をかいて、毎回洗濯(アイロンも)しなければいけない気がしたんです。皆さんもそうですか?なぜか私は洗濯をしないでアイロンをかける気になれず、かといってアイロンをせずに一日着たものをまた着る気にもなれず。とにかく苦労しました。</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">So now we are back to <b><i>hitoe</i></b> season (the month of June and the month of September) and then, I'm quite excited, back to full kimono season in October.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'MS 明朝';"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'MS 明朝';">そしてやっとまた一重の季節(</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">6</span><span style="font-family: 'MS 明朝';">月と</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">9</span><span style="font-family: 'MS 明朝';">月)に戻り、</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">10</span><span style="font-family: 'MS 明朝';">月からは自分がこんなに待ち遠しく感じるとは思っていなかった着物の季節です。</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">_____<o:p></o:p></span></div>The Year In Kimono - 着物の一年http://www.blogger.com/profile/11568768375436889336noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828624841453579138.post-61173784732619428282011-09-03T07:40:00.000-07:002011-09-29T06:43:14.687-07:00The Sartorialist in Tokyo - ザ・サトリアリストが東京に<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cSl8Mtonj0I/ToQSEHahiHI/AAAAAAAAAWc/AHa9LpNKnQo/s1600/Sartorialist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cSl8Mtonj0I/ToQSEHahiHI/AAAAAAAAAWc/AHa9LpNKnQo/s640/Sartorialist.jpg" width="323" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k0aEEseFLaE/ToQSQi9JkvI/AAAAAAAAAWk/huBF_FpOnV4/s1600/Sartorialist3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k0aEEseFLaE/ToQSQi9JkvI/AAAAAAAAAWk/huBF_FpOnV4/s320/Sartorialist3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
If you love fashion, then he needs no introduction: New York blogger/photographer Scott Schuman pioneered fashion photography in blog form when he began <a href="http://www.thesartorialist.com/photos/on-the-street-aoyama-tokio-3/">The Sartorialist</a>, in 2005. He travels around the globe, taking pictures of people who dress in a way that catches his eye. This week he was in Tokyo - and these yukatas caught his eye....<br />
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ファッションが大好きな人には、彼は紹介するまでもない。NYのブロガー/写真家であるスコット・シューマンは、2005年に「<a href="http://www.thesartorialist.com/photos/on-the-street-aoyama-tokio-3/">ザ・サトリアリスト</a>」を始め、ブログという形態でファッションを紹介する先駆者として活躍。世界中を旅し、彼の目を引くようなお洒落をしている人を撮影し続けている。そして今週、彼は東京に滞在 – この浴衣姿が彼の目を引いたようです…<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cAGZVwsZOR0/ToQSQTwegTI/AAAAAAAAAWg/YRMD_U8GTpg/s1600/Sartorialist2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cAGZVwsZOR0/ToQSQTwegTI/AAAAAAAAAWg/YRMD_U8GTpg/s640/Sartorialist2.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><br />
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Trends spring from Schuman's blog... so perhaps we will soon see yukatas on the streets of New York or Paris!!<br />
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シューマンのブログからトレンドが生まれる…もしかしたら浴衣姿をNYやパリの街で見かける日も遠くないかも!!The Year In Kimono - 着物の一年http://www.blogger.com/profile/11568768375436889336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828624841453579138.post-2883790690513542312011-08-28T09:00:00.000-07:002011-09-29T06:44:43.293-07:00Reflections on Kimono - 着物について<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jlIkPtWeJ98/TlSbx1eKNfI/AAAAAAAAAVk/UwZSnZRd8qA/s1600/tamaki.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jlIkPtWeJ98/TlSbx1eKNfI/AAAAAAAAAVk/UwZSnZRd8qA/s400/tamaki.jpg" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">model: Tamaki Hiroshi - </span></span></span>玉木宏</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Remember back in June - I was <a href="http://www.theyearinkimono.com/2011/05/reflections-on-kimono_31.html">reflecting on how a kimono</a> is like a super-hero costume for generating kind comments and sentiments? Well, turns out I'm not the only one who recognizes this!<br />
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6月に私が『<a href="http://www.theyearinkimono.com/2011/05/reflections-on-kimono_31.html">着物がまるでスーパーヒーローの衣装のよう</a>』だと思ったのを覚えていますか?実はそう認識しているのは自分だけではないようなのです。<br />
<br />
Last week, a friend introduced me to a man in kimono; a very daper, well-heeled <b><i>man </i></b>in kimono. Turns out this <i>man-in-kimono</i> owns a kimono company in Kyoto, spent some time in Canada when he was younger, is about the same age as me. Needless to say, we had plenty to talk about. When we got to the topic of kimono - he has had similar experiences to mine - but better! He started wearing kimono full- time about 5 years ago and he said he has noticed that the service he gets (stores, shops, hotels, restaurants, etc.) is better by merely being in kimono. And he's not alone. He said some of his customers have reported being seated before other patrons in restaurants, getting better tables, even getting better cuts of sushi - all by wearing kimono.<br />
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先週、友達が着物を着た男性を紹介してくれました。とてもきりっとした、上品な、着物を着た<b><i>男の人</i></b>です。きけばこの<i>着物を着た男性</i>は京都に着物の会社を持ち、若い頃カナダに居た事があり、私と同い年くらいでした。言うまでもなく、私達は話が尽きませんでした。彼は五年ほど前から着物をフルタイムで着ていて、着物を着ているだけでお店、ホテル、レストランなどで受ける対応が断然良いと気付いたらしいのです。彼だけではありません。彼が言うには、彼のお客様の話だと着物を着るだけで、レストランで他の常連客より先に席に案内されたり、良い席に着かされたり、その上お寿司は魚の良い部分をもらえたりするというのです。<br />
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Now, the service is Japan is stellar. Really. Imagining it being better is difficult. But is it true? Is there a subtle industry deference to traditional dress? Are kimono wearers reaping secret benefits? If you're still not convinced to get out your kimono by the stories in this blog, aren't you at least tempted by the lure of a 'better piece of sushi?'<br />
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さて、日本のサービスは一流です。本当に。それがもっと良くなる事なんて想像できません。でも本当なのでしょうか?伝統的な着物に対して密かな企業的な優遇があるのでしょうか?着物を着る人達は実は物凄い得ばかりしているのでは?もしこのブログに出て来た話を読んでもまだ自分の着物を買いに行く気にならないのなら、少なくても「お寿司が格上げする」事に誘惑されませんか?The Year In Kimono - 着物の一年http://www.blogger.com/profile/11568768375436889336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828624841453579138.post-77912395468255443922011-08-21T22:14:00.000-07:002011-08-24T02:09:23.740-07:00Dressing Yourself (online resources) - 自分で着付け(オンライン資料)Many of the followers of this project live abroad, can't commit to taking <b><i>kitsuke</i></b> (kimono lessons), or merely need a quick refresher on 'how to get dressed. So today I'll share with you my favourite online resources (all in English):<br />
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このプロジェクトのフォロワーの殆どが海外に住んでいて、着付けレッスンに通えなかったり、着付けの手早いおさらいが必要です。そこで今日は私のお気に入りのオンライン資料(全て英語)を紹介したいと思います。<br />
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<b><u>Kimono / </u></b><u>着物:</u><br />
<br />
<object height="390" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/jpURUVT3Msk?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/jpURUVT3Msk?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480" height="390" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br />
<br />
Before I even found <a href="http://www.hakubi.net/">Hakubi Kimono School</a> - I was looking for online sources about kimono and kimono dressing. This video amazed me the first time I saw it and it has has been my inspiration - <b><i>she gets dressed (and ties her obi) in 6 minutes</i></b>! I'm still trying to be that fast!! (I'm down to about 15-20 minutes, now).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.hakubi.net/">ハクビ総合学院</a>を見つけるずいぶん前から私はインターネットで着物や着付けの資料を検索していました。このビデオは初めて観たときとても驚いて、それ以来私のインスピレーションとなりました—彼女はたった6分で着付け(帯締めまで)してしまうのです!私はまだその早さを目指しています!!(今は15〜20分位でできるようになりました)<br />
<br />
<object height="390" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qEfuLqcpXJQ?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qEfuLqcpXJQ?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480" height="390" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br />
<br />
This is also one of my favourites - whenever I need <b><i>Nagoya</i></b> (full-size) obi tying help, I turn to a Canadian (pure coincidence) who films this tutorial in her tea house in Canada. In a little over 5 minutes, she covers how to tie an <b><i>Nagoya</i></b> (full-size) obi.<br />
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これも私のお気に入りの一つです。名古屋帯が締められない時、このカナダ人女性(偶然にも)の茶屋で撮影されているチュートリアルに助けを求めます。5分ちょっとで名古屋帯の締め方をまとめています。<br />
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<b><u>Yukata / 浴衣:</u></b><br />
<b><u><br />
</u></b><br />
<object height="390" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/kCZtGi21ysM?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/kCZtGi21ysM?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480" height="390" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br />
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And now that we are in yukata-season, if you can't make it to our 'learn to wear yukata' <a href="http://www.theyearinkimono.com/2011/08/summer-kimono-event.html">Summer Kimono Event</a>, this online tutorial might help. A simple, how-to for yukata wearers.<br />
<br />
そして浴衣シーズンの今、私達の『夏の着物イベント』に参加できないのであれば、このオンラインチュートリアルが助けになると思います。浴衣を着る人の為のシンプルなガイドでうs。<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KVHY3Sm2F10/TkoJdcrP-oI/AAAAAAAAAVA/Se6vhkRC6P0/s1600/Hanhaba+obi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="357" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KVHY3Sm2F10/TkoJdcrP-oI/AAAAAAAAAVA/Se6vhkRC6P0/s400/Hanhaba+obi.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
And last but not least - before I learned how to tie <b><i>Nagoya</i></b> (full-size) obi, I used to turn to this <a href="http://www.shimazakura.com/how-to-tie-yukata-obi-s/81.htm">online instruction guide</a>. Now that we are in yukata season - this is great as a quick guide to <b><i>hanhaba</i></b> (half-size) obi bow.<br />
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最後になりましたが、私が名古屋帯を締められるようになる前に、<a href="http://www.shimazakura.com/how-to-tie-yukata-obi-s/81.htm">このオンラインマニュアル</a>を頼りにしていました。浴衣シーズンの今、これはとても使える半幅帯締めのガイドです。<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/QGgBJQSOjLI?rel=0" width="480"></iframe><br />
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And lastly, when all the fun is done here's a brief reminder of how to fold your yukata and/or kimono for the next time.<br />
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そして最後に、お楽しみの終わりは次回着る時の為の浴衣や着物のたたみ方です。The Year In Kimono - 着物の一年http://www.blogger.com/profile/11568768375436889336noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828624841453579138.post-59069626494847453182011-08-15T00:45:00.000-07:002011-08-15T00:46:52.940-07:00A special offer from Blue Man: 浴衣でご来場のお客様にオリジナルてぬぐいプレゼント!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jynvuluGuaY/TkjL4NAn75I/AAAAAAAAAU0/RlqpWAcwnZc/s1600/0811+Yukata.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jynvuluGuaY/TkjL4NAn75I/AAAAAAAAAU0/RlqpWAcwnZc/s400/0811+Yukata.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Everyone's going crazy for yukata - even <a href="http://blueman.jp/dir/contents/english/index.html">BlueMan</a> is getting in the mood! Anyone who goes to see the show (<a href="http://blueman.jp/dir/contents/english/index.html">currently in Roppongi</a>) <b><i>in yukata</i></b> (until August 31) will receive a complimentary tenugui*! Tenugui are perfect for making summer purses, like those <a href="http://www.theyearinkimono.com/2011/08/summer-handbags.html">shown here</a>.<br />
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季節感溢れる装いで人気の浴衣姿。六本木ブルーマンシアターでは、8月12日(金)か31日(水)の期間中、前売り券又は当日券でご来場の浴衣姿のお客様に、オリジナル豆絞り手ぬぐいをプレゼント!(先着順・手ぬぐいの種類はお選び頂けません)<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">*while supplies last.</span><br />
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The Year In Kimono - 着物の一年http://www.blogger.com/profile/11568768375436889336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828624841453579138.post-10740348058673177492011-08-11T06:25:00.000-07:002011-08-11T06:25:24.040-07:00Summer in Japan - 日本の夏<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p5j4LnkFBQ4/Tj6fS0vYBYI/AAAAAAAAAUI/PxZkFm7BQ3c/s1600/Nakameguro+Festival.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p5j4LnkFBQ4/Tj6fS0vYBYI/AAAAAAAAAUI/PxZkFm7BQ3c/s640/Nakameguro+Festival.JPG" width="388" /></a></div><br />
Summer time means festival time! This past weekend marked the Nakameguro Summer Festival - with street dancing and lots of fun! (even the rain couldn't stop the fun!)<br />
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夏といえばお祭り時です!週末に中目黒夏祭りが行われました。道路の上で踊りがあり、とても楽しかったです!(雨も全く気にならないほど!)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C__Ph1wHvXQ/Tj6fVO18yhI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/Vz3zYqGr7eI/s1600/on+the+street.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C__Ph1wHvXQ/Tj6fVO18yhI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/Vz3zYqGr7eI/s400/on+the+street.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R-H-KFJUk0E/Tj6fR2JlWcI/AAAAAAAAAUE/f9QGSZT2poo/s1600/Nakameguro+Festival+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="357" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R-H-KFJUk0E/Tj6fR2JlWcI/AAAAAAAAAUE/f9QGSZT2poo/s400/Nakameguro+Festival+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Everyone was out to enjoy the night, with food, drinks and dancing, it was perfect!<br />
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みんなこの夜を楽しみに来ていて、食べ物や飲み物や踊りがあり、完璧でした!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xS9oR5bHhWg/Tj6fTwD_dOI/AAAAAAAAAUM/byDiPpYUpog/s1600/on+the+street+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xS9oR5bHhWg/Tj6fTwD_dOI/AAAAAAAAAUM/byDiPpYUpog/s400/on+the+street+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I was so excited to be dressed for the occasion. I even had my fan tucked into my obi! There's still plenty of summer and summer festivals left to enjoy (the <span>Noryo Bon Odori</span> festival and the Sumida River Fireworks are still to come!)<br />
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この機会にお洒落するのがとても楽しみでした。うちわを帯にさしてもみました!まだまだ楽しい夏とたくさんの夏祭りが残っています(麻布十番祭りと隅田川の花火大会はまだこれからです!)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pz2vLj47b0I/Tj6fV9q3bZI/AAAAAAAAAUU/4Ohk2kYjR_g/s1600/Yukata.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pz2vLj47b0I/Tj6fV9q3bZI/AAAAAAAAAUU/4Ohk2kYjR_g/s640/Yukata.JPG" width="339" /></a></div><br />
If you want to learn how to wear yukata, make sure to join our <a href="http://www.theyearinkimono.com/2011/08/summer-kimono-event.html">summer kimono event</a> on August 23rd. You need to r.s.v.p. by August 12th (you can do so by leaving your name in the comments section below) - hope to see you there!<br />
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浴衣の着付けを習いたければ、8月23日の夏の着物イベントに是非参加して下さい。予約は8月12日までです。(下のコメント部分に名前を残していただければ予約ができます)イベントでお会いしましょう!The Year In Kimono - 着物の一年http://www.blogger.com/profile/11568768375436889336noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828624841453579138.post-15796359513109931102011-08-08T19:40:00.000-07:002011-08-08T19:40:56.117-07:00TopShop introduces Kimono tops - トップショップが送る着物トップス<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z2ahkQqJLhU/Tj6qGmq_BtI/AAAAAAAAAUc/oPRNGtU2tEQ/s1600/Topshop+Kimono+tops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="325" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z2ahkQqJLhU/Tj6qGmq_BtI/AAAAAAAAAUc/oPRNGtU2tEQ/s400/Topshop+Kimono+tops.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Following our post last week about <a href="http://www.theyearinkimono.com/2011/07/perfect-sundress.html">yukata being a good alternative to sunscreen</a> and the perfect article of clothing to protect oneself from the sun, I just discovered U.K. high street retailer TopShop had the same thought. Topshop is selling three <a href="http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CatalogNavigationSearchResultCmd?catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&langId=-1&viewAllFlag=false&categoryId=316995&interstitial=true&intcmpid=W_HERO_HP_UK_WK49_TCT">specially selected sun safe kimono tops</a>, and will donate £10 from each sale to support <a href="http://www.teenagecancertrust.org/get-involved/as-a-company/our-partners/topshop/">Teenage Cancer Trust</a>. The idea being - young girls need to protect their skim from sun exposure, and why not do it stylishly with a kimono-inspired cover-up!<br />
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先週の『浴衣が日焼け止めの代わりになり、日差しよけに最適な服である』という記事に続き、イギリスの大型チェーン店、トップショップが同じ考えである事を発見しました。トップショップは日焼けに安全な着物トップスを三枚販売していて、各一枚の売り上げのうち、10ポンドをティーネイジ・キャンサー・トラストにむけられます。若い女の子達は肌を日差しから守らなければならないというのなら、どうせならお洒落に着物スタイルで着飾ってみてはどうでしょう!The Year In Kimono - 着物の一年http://www.blogger.com/profile/11568768375436889336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828624841453579138.post-80390789501516344712011-08-04T20:05:00.000-07:002011-08-05T07:43:18.615-07:00Summer Handbags – 夏のハンドバッグ<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TAnl3Ku7LZc/TjYYRMcT4GI/AAAAAAAAAT4/MBcT80cHonQ/s1600/Furoshiki+Bag2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TAnl3Ku7LZc/TjYYRMcT4GI/AAAAAAAAAT4/MBcT80cHonQ/s320/Furoshiki+Bag2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I have been waiting all year to be able to use this birthday present! In the package was a furoshiki (a square piece of fabric), two hoops and the directions to make this perfect summer handbag. Furoshiki are abundant here in Japan. Everyone has one (or 10) in their homes. They are the equivalent to an‘extra bottle of wine’ in North America; you never know when you need a hostess gift, a last minute present, or to have on hand for yourself. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family: 'MS 明朝';">私は一年中この誕生日プレゼントを使える機会を待っていました!小包の中には風呂敷、二つの輪っか、そして夏に最適なハンドバッグを作る説明書が入っていました。日本には風呂敷がたくさんあります。皆、一枚(十枚でも)家に持っています。北アメリカでいう「予備のワインボトル」でしょう—お客様へのお土産、急なプレゼントや、自分用に備えて持っているものです。</span><span style="font-family: 'MS 明朝';"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family: 'MS 明朝';"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x3PwBOFr85I/TjYYQhj5SKI/AAAAAAAAAT0/LRp31k8zfKM/s1600/Furoshiki+Bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x3PwBOFr85I/TjYYQhj5SKI/AAAAAAAAAT0/LRp31k8zfKM/s400/Furoshiki+Bag.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family: 'MS 明朝';"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family: 'MS 明朝';"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family: 'MS 明朝';"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal">And since Furoshiki are usually cotton and almost always colorful, once you have handles, it’s easy to make a quick summer purse that goes well with yukata!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family: 'MS 明朝';">風呂敷は通常コットン素材でいつもカラフルなので、取っ手さえあればあっという間に浴衣に合う、夏らしいバッグができます。</span><span style="font-family: 'MS 明朝';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>The Year In Kimono - 着物の一年http://www.blogger.com/profile/11568768375436889336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828624841453579138.post-32294270675466212172011-07-31T06:00:00.000-07:002011-08-09T01:15:55.862-07:00Summer Kimono Event - 夏の着物イベント<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CMpfQkuPrpE/TjY1Bj1sBJI/AAAAAAAAAT8/8CzJ9-EuL2E/s1600/summerkimonoevent-w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CMpfQkuPrpE/TjY1Bj1sBJI/AAAAAAAAAT8/8CzJ9-EuL2E/s640/summerkimonoevent-w.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>The Year In Kimono - 着物の一年http://www.blogger.com/profile/11568768375436889336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828624841453579138.post-85764073482506646962011-07-27T20:02:00.000-07:002011-08-09T01:17:13.227-07:00The perfect sundress – 格好のサンドレス<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QM_-odA00zk/TjYXeErJEfI/AAAAAAAAATs/FtEEkuDe8o4/s1600/Yukata+Pecha+Kucha.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QM_-odA00zk/TjYXeErJEfI/AAAAAAAAATs/FtEEkuDe8o4/s400/Yukata+Pecha+Kucha.JPG" width="257" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Summer is lovely, isn’t it? Great weather, great food, great occasions to spend time with friends, and great clothes. Before <i>The Year in Kimono</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> project– summer clothes always meant ‘sundresses’ to me. That single, lightweight garment, usually good for day or night, that you could just throw on and go. And I’m happy to find that a yukata is almost like that too. No socks, no padding, no nagajuban! It’s bliss! Of course, the padding is still supposed to be there, but what would summer be without breaking the rules just a little. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family: 'MS 明朝';">夏って素敵ですよね?良い天気に良い食べ物、友人たちと時間を過ごす機会、そして服。着物の一年プロジェクトが始まる前、夏服とは私にとって「サンドレス」でした。あの日中でも夜でも着られる、軽くて、たった一枚、さらりと着こなせるワンピースです。浴衣が同じようである事を知って私は嬉しいです。靴下も、パッディングも、長襦袢も無し!これは喜びです!もちろん、パディングはまだ使うべきですが、夏なんだし、少しルールを破ってみてもいいんじゃないでしょうか。</span><span style="font-family: 'MS 明朝';"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family: 'MS 明朝';"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pNop-bqxS2c/TjYXp372ESI/AAAAAAAAATw/GHMk-ZUykD4/s1600/a-housewife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pNop-bqxS2c/TjYXp372ESI/AAAAAAAAATw/GHMk-ZUykD4/s400/a-housewife.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family: 'MS 明朝';"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family: 'MS 明朝';"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family: 'MS 明朝';"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal">And I can see why Japanese women like yukata. Given how hot the summer sun is in Japan, and how prone it is to leaving sunspots, Japanese women often cover all exposed skin from the sun – which is exactly what a yukata does. Arms – covered, legs – covered, chest – covered! The only parts not covered by a yukata are: the tops of the feet – but they are usually protected by the shadow of the yukata, and the face.. but for that you can use a parasol. So if it was merely for fashion…. which look would you prefer?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family: 'MS 明朝';">何故日本人女性が浴衣を好むのか、私にはわかる気がします。日本の夏の日差しの暑さ、そしてその日差しによる日焼けの為、日本人女性は全身を肌を太陽から隠します—そしてこれは浴衣ができる事なのです。腕も隠れ、脚もかくれ、胸も隠れます。浴衣が隠せない場所は足の甲—と言っても、普段は浴衣の陰に隠れていますし、そして顔...でもそれは日傘を使えます。ファッションだけの為だったら...どちらのルックを好みますか?</span><span style="font-family: 'MS 明朝';"><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
The Year In Kimono - 着物の一年http://www.blogger.com/profile/11568768375436889336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828624841453579138.post-24318733960110450872011-07-20T00:13:00.000-07:002011-08-09T01:16:32.928-07:00Yukata, finally - やっと浴衣!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uOqqnKC0dm8/Ti5mb-i7zxI/AAAAAAAAASw/a536FI5gmAE/s1600/Kimono%2Bin%2BVietnam.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uOqqnKC0dm8/Ti5mb-i7zxI/AAAAAAAAASw/a536FI5gmAE/s400/Kimono%2Bin%2BVietnam.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
I'm back from my vacation in Vietnam. It was so much fun ! We had such a lovely time and enjoyed the food, the people and the culture. And although I didn't wear kimono - I did see kimono while I was there... in this ad! <br />
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ベトンム旅行から帰ってきました。私は着物を着ることは出来ませんが、着物の看板を見つけとっても楽しかったです。<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6vOAONIeH2M/Ti5mhtwGHGI/AAAAAAAAAS4/CdXN2By60vc/s1600/LL%2BYukata.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6vOAONIeH2M/Ti5mhtwGHGI/AAAAAAAAAS4/CdXN2By60vc/s400/LL%2BYukata.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I've been struggling with my yukata search for a while, now. They are either too short or they fit 'just right' but I was warned they might shrink after the first washing. So, in desperation, late one night night I turned to the internet. After all, it had been successful for me with the <a href="http://www.theyearinkimono.com/2011/01/zori-have-arrived.html">zōri (traditonal kimono shoes)</a>, so why not with yukata? I was so excited - I found a company, with an English website, they had LL size yukatas, in cute patterns and for only about 4,000 yen ($45 USD). So I ordered one! It arrived after only 3 days, but arghhh - it is too short!<br />
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ゆかたを3週間かけてお店に出向いて探していましたが、どれも腕丈が短いか、洗うと短くなってしまうと言われてしまい、ちょっと残念に思いながらも夜中にインターネットで探してみました。そして、やっとサイズに合うLLのゆかたをを見つけました。とっても可愛く、4000円ととってもお得でした。すぐにオーダーして3日後に到着して絶句!うーーやっぱり短いやんか!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-990KHxWgNwo/Ti5mnnedH1I/AAAAAAAAATA/nQJPFb2EFcI/s1600/New%2BYukata.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-990KHxWgNwo/Ti5mnnedH1I/AAAAAAAAATA/nQJPFb2EFcI/s400/New%2BYukata.JPG" width="358" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QOZswn08JXk/TirHTD-oSLI/AAAAAAAAASg/U0CE8mILEuI/s1600/yukata.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QOZswn08JXk/TirHTD-oSLI/AAAAAAAAASg/U0CE8mILEuI/s640/yukata.JPG" width="334" /></a></div><br />
Then a friend offered to take me to a store they knew, in Shimokitazawa, and finally I found my yukata! The summer is in it's fullest, hottest wave and I <b><i>finally</i></b> have a yukata!!<br />
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友達が下北沢にゆかたを売っている店を知っているというので一緒に行ってもらい、やっとサイズの合うゆかたを買うことができました。ゆかたシーズンは半分終わってしまいましたが、これからはゆかたがあるので暑い夏も快適に過ごせます。The Year In Kimono - 着物の一年http://www.blogger.com/profile/11568768375436889336noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828624841453579138.post-45081302726794566572011-07-01T09:04:00.000-07:002011-08-09T01:15:07.970-07:00The half-way point - 中間点<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gdbu73zA2ts/TgIaU2wYLQI/AAAAAAAAARg/f7RA6CIQpzg/s1600/half%2Bway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gdbu73zA2ts/TgIaU2wYLQI/AAAAAAAAARg/f7RA6CIQpzg/s400/half%2Bway.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
How fast the times flies (when you're having fun)! I can't believe that I have reached the half-way point for <b><i>The Year in Kimono</i></b>! I'm about to take a little vacation (I'm off to Vietnam, and no - kimono is not in my suitcase... if Canada had trouble understanding, I don't think Vietnam would fare much better). While I leave you for two weeks - enjoy this recap of the adventure thus far:<br />
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「着物の一年」ももう半分が過ぎてしまいました!楽しい事をしてる時ってあっという間に時間が経ってしまうようですね!私はこれからベトナムへちょっと旅行へ行ってきます。(スーツケースに着物なし。カナダでもわかってもらえなかった着物の良さ、ベトナムでもダメかな。。。)2週間ほど沈黙が続きますが、今までの冒険の復習・リキャップをして待っててくださいね!。<br />
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<u>Breaking the Rules - ルールを破る</u>:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7hVAStqtwrw/TgIXsQQ1oyI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/cK5J-7QlJ0M/s1600/Biker%2Bboots%2Bto%2Bzori.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7hVAStqtwrw/TgIXsQQ1oyI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/cK5J-7QlJ0M/s400/Biker%2Bboots%2Bto%2Bzori.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
What started the 'breaking the rules' theme from the very beginning was lack of proper shoes. With less than 2 weeks from idea to go - I didn't have time to start the project with proper footwear, and thus... I started my first appearance in kimono already breaking the rules.<br />
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「ルールを破る」というテーマは、私がそもそも着物用のはきものを持っていなかったことから始まりました。このプロジェクトの発想から実際のスタートまでたった2週間しか時間がなかったので、スタート地点から実はルールを破っていました!<br />
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<u>A/r/e/c/o/l/e magazine - アレコレ雑誌:</u><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VSfAFoHsNgw/TgIX8rXs2II/AAAAAAAAARA/JQnhnz6x-1I/s1600/Arecole%2BMagazine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VSfAFoHsNgw/TgIX8rXs2II/AAAAAAAAARA/JQnhnz6x-1I/s1600/Arecole%2BMagazine.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nprRQ3cgS8c/TgRQsL2AvkI/AAAAAAAAASM/4Hs0p91n-mU/s1600/Kimono+.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nprRQ3cgS8c/TgRQsL2AvkI/AAAAAAAAASM/4Hs0p91n-mU/s400/Kimono+.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><br />
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Just a month after the project began, <a href="http://www.arecole.com/">A/r/e/c/o/l/e</a> magazine contacted me and asked me to contribute content in their segment dedicated to bloggers - in Japanese! This meant <b><i>The Year in Kimono</i></b> project was read by Japanese kimono aficionados before we even started to get noticed by English readers and press. Look for <b><i>The Year in Kimono<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> in Volumes 69-71.</span></span></i></b><br />
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「着物の一年」の誕生からたった1カ月後、雑誌「<a href="http://www.arecole.com/">アレコレ</a>」から連絡をいただき、雑誌のブロガーセクションに記事を載せませんかと聞かれました。しかも日本語で!ということは、英語の読者や外国プレスに気付かれる前にまず日本の着物ファン達の間で広がったのです。「アレコレ」の69‐71号に「着物の一年」が乗っていますので、どうぞ皆さんご覧になってください。<br />
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<u>Kimono School - 着物学校</u>:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nzpKcvV8yok/TgIcEdfY8VI/AAAAAAAAARo/jINz87Frktw/s1600/Kimono%2Bschool%2Bpassport.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nzpKcvV8yok/TgIcEdfY8VI/AAAAAAAAARo/jINz87Frktw/s400/Kimono%2Bschool%2Bpassport.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o73OWJqjLdg/TgIcOdSvixI/AAAAAAAAARw/4vwA2Wfa8ZQ/s1600/kimono%2Bschool%2Bpassport2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o73OWJqjLdg/TgIcOdSvixI/AAAAAAAAARw/4vwA2Wfa8ZQ/s400/kimono%2Bschool%2Bpassport2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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I was a little shocked when I first learned that the typical <i>kitsuke</i> (kimono wearing) course is 6 months(!!) - but it turned out to be one of the most cherished and fond memories I have of the project thus far.<br />
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着つけコースは普通6カ月もあるものだと知り、最初はびっくりしました!しかし、今となってはそれも貴重な経験と暖かい思い出、とてもうれしいです。<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SHW--AIfcDs/TgIcaHpEWcI/AAAAAAAAAR4/gmsxnWgSaJA/s1600/Kimono%2Bschool.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SHW--AIfcDs/TgIcaHpEWcI/AAAAAAAAAR4/gmsxnWgSaJA/s400/Kimono%2Bschool.JPG" width="225" /></a></div><br />
This is mostly due to my lovely teachers at <a href="http://www.hakubi.net/en/">Hakubi Kimono School</a>. Always patient and kind, they are my sartorial inspirations for this project - thank you!<br />
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きつけ教室をこんなに楽しめたのも、<a href="http://www.hakubi.net/en/">ハクビ着物学園</a>の先生方のおかげです。常に根気強く優しく教えてくださり、そしてこのプロジェクトのインスピレーションもいろいろいただきました。ありがとうございます。<br />
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<u>The Translators - 翻訳者:</u><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uk0sYvp-rU4/TgIZ6E_PkXI/AAAAAAAAARY/4vPOc1asyvE/s1600/Chi%2Band%2BElie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uk0sYvp-rU4/TgIZ6E_PkXI/AAAAAAAAARY/4vPOc1asyvE/s400/Chi%2Band%2BElie.jpg" width="369" /></a></div><br />
It was extremely important to me from day one to make this project bilingual (even though my Japanese level is low) so none of this would be possible without the translators! Thank you to Elie Yoo (Dec.-Feb.) and Chiyono Jaeger (Mar.-Jun. including the a/r/e/c/o/l/e submissions) for adding your Japanese words and voice to the first half of this project!<br />
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私は、最初からこのプロジェクトを絶対バイリンガルにすると決めていました。でも、私の日本語は初心者レベル。それでもここまで来られたのは翻訳者のおがけです!ありがとう、エリーユー(12月‐2月)。ありがとう、イエガー千代乃(「アレコレ」の記事も含め、3月‐6月)。日本語側の声になってくれて、ありがとうございます!<br />
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I'll be back in July - in the meantime, enjoy the blog and reading about <b><i>The Year in Kimono</i></b> - the first half.<br />
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7月に帰ってきます。それまでは、「着物の一年」の上半期について読んで楽しんでください!The Year In Kimono - 着物の一年http://www.blogger.com/profile/11568768375436889336noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828624841453579138.post-61315316241600886452011-06-26T18:23:00.000-07:002011-06-26T18:23:16.873-07:00Breaking the Rules: meet Shito Hisayo - ルールを破る:紫籐尚世<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ycBuyhkFZVM/TgINwvFBTjI/AAAAAAAAAQM/0kkIFrlST24/s1600/Shito%2BHisayo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ycBuyhkFZVM/TgINwvFBTjI/AAAAAAAAAQM/0kkIFrlST24/s400/Shito%2BHisayo.JPG" width="208" /></a></div><br />
My adventures in yukata hunting led me to the most beautiful kimono boutique in Omotesando and the chance to meet designer <a href="http://www.shito-hisayo.jp/">Shito Hisayo</a>, who started designing her eponymous line over 35 years ago. What makes the designer, and her collection, unique is her approach. Shying away from the traditional use of a single <i>tan</i> (bolt of fabric), Hasayo instead focuses on fabric, pattern and color in an effort to allow women to look slimmer through texture, lines and fabrics.<br />
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浴衣探しの冒険中、表参道である美しい着物ブティックの前を通りかかり、そのデザイナーで、35年前から着物デザインをしていらっしゃる、<a href="http://www.shito-hisayo.jp/">紫糖尚世</a>さんと直接お会いしました。デザイナーとしての彼女とそのコレクションを他とは一段違ったものにしているのは、彼女のアプローチの仕方です。1反の反物から1着の着物をつくるという常識から離れ、尚世さんは生地、柄、と色の組み合わせを意識し、現代の女性の体が最もきれいに見えるように着物をセンス良く工夫していらっしゃるのです。<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3E-p2LDJRxo/TgIQI0X0_0I/AAAAAAAAAQU/_5EgbZA4I-I/s1600/Shito%2BHisayo%2BKimono.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3E-p2LDJRxo/TgIQI0X0_0I/AAAAAAAAAQU/_5EgbZA4I-I/s400/Shito%2BHisayo%2BKimono.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Hand-made, attention is given to every detail of the kimono, including her own signature <i>nagajuban</i> (under kimono) which is lightweight and sleeveless (the extra layer is incorporated into the lower part of the kimono sleeve). This feature, as well as a very structured <i>eri</i> (collar), which lays down and allows the neck to look more elegant, are all secrets Hisayo employs to slim the wearer and let her appear at her most elegant best.<br />
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彼女の着物は、すべて細かいところまでこだわりがたくさんの手仕上げ。特にユニークなのは長襦袢。軽い生地で袖なしで仕立てられているので簡単に着られます。そしてなんと着物自体の袖口に長襦袢の生地が縫い付けられているのです。襟のデザインにも凝っていて、首回りをほっそりとみせてくれるようになっています。このように着る人の美しさをより引き出してくれるデザインの秘密を他にもいっぱい紹介していただきました。<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kbpEMxGnFqQ/TgIQj-xXi5I/AAAAAAAAAQc/N4WznPCatOE/s1600/Shito%2Baccessories.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kbpEMxGnFqQ/TgIQj-xXi5I/AAAAAAAAAQc/N4WznPCatOE/s400/Shito%2Baccessories.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ICfR64o2h9w/TgIQqs-epFI/AAAAAAAAAQk/62G1Imn6DuQ/s1600/Shito%2Baccessories2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ICfR64o2h9w/TgIQqs-epFI/AAAAAAAAAQk/62G1Imn6DuQ/s400/Shito%2Baccessories2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
When questioned about waste (traditionally a kimono is a 'zero-waste' garment - meaning that without patterning and cutting and by using a single tan - there is no fabric waste in the construction of kimono), Hisayo was quick to point out that each of her kimono <i>obi</i> comes with additional accent pieces, almost mini-obi, to complement the look and re-use extra fabric. Her gorgeous accessory line including geta and purses, in typical Japanese fashion, also uses excess fabric.<br />
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昔から着物のというのは1反の反物を使い切る無駄の少ない衣類です。尚世さんは反物の余った生地でミニ帯やアクセント小物を作ってしまって、無駄が出ないうえに全身コーディネートができるというわけです。下駄や巾着袋などもこうして余った生地や端切れをリユーズしています。<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aBujR6LWgcI/TgIQziTL7NI/AAAAAAAAAQs/LqE04cfBCwQ/s1600/Shito2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aBujR6LWgcI/TgIQziTL7NI/AAAAAAAAAQs/LqE04cfBCwQ/s400/Shito2.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br />
One of <a href="http://www.shito-hisayo.jp/">Hisayo's kimono or yukata</a> would be a gorgeous asset to any wardrobe (not mine, sadly - as this project is on a budget) - and she is the first kimono designer I've met who is breaking the rules and the result is gorgeous.<br />
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<a href="http://www.shito-hisayo.jp/">尚世さんの着物や浴衣</a>は誰のワードローブにも貴重な1枚になると思います。「着物の1年」は予算が限られていて非常に残念です。ルールを破って素晴らしい作品を制作している、初めて会ったデザイナーです。The Year In Kimono - 着物の一年http://www.blogger.com/profile/11568768375436889336noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828624841453579138.post-7572290743774785312011-06-25T07:38:00.000-07:002011-06-26T17:20:33.018-07:00Searching for Yukata - 浴衣探し<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xuICy3C1VQ0/TgIGZCTyZrI/AAAAAAAAAQE/BRmeUXz2aec/s1600/In%2BAsakusa.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xuICy3C1VQ0/TgIGZCTyZrI/AAAAAAAAAQE/BRmeUXz2aec/s640/In%2BAsakusa.JPG" width="414" /></a></div><br />
The count-down is on.... in a very short time, it will be <i>yukata</i> (lightweight, summer kimono) season! If you've followed this blog for a while, you know that since the beginning, I've been waiting for yukata season. Literally. From the very inception of this project I remember thinking "<i>how hard can it be to wear a kimono? besides, it won't be long until yukata season is here</i>" - those were the days when I thought yukata season started sometime around mid-March (oops!) But come the first of July, it's here, it's here!! And, of course, like all things kimono - I'm having trouble finding something that would fit. The standard "L" size yukata fits a woman up to 163 cms. (have I mentioned I'm 172 cms?) - which wouldn't be a problem except apparently yukata shrink. So the day found me back in Asakusa searching for an <i>ooki</i> (big) yukata. The search is still on.<br />
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あと少しで浴衣の時期になりますね!長期間このブログをフォローしていただいている方は、最初のころから楽しみにしていたってご存知なはずですね。本当に、このプロジェクトを思いついたその日から「着物を着るってそんな難しくないんじゃないかな。それに浴衣の季節までそんなに長くないし」と考えていました。だいたい浴衣シーズンは三月ころから始まると思いこんでいた私。7月1日からだったのね!ああ、やっと7月が来た。ところが着物探しではいつも起こってくる問題、私に合う浴衣がなかなか見つからないのです。基準のLサイズは、163センチまでの女性用だと言われています。私は172センチだって言ったかしら?まあ、それだけならなんとかなるのでるけど、浴衣って縮むらしいですね・・・そして結局、大きい浴衣を探しにまたまた浅草へと足が動きました。まだ探し中です。<br />
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If you live in the Tokyo area, and have caught "<i>The</i> <i>Year in Kimono</i>" bug - and want to give it a try, we are arranging an event in July (near Shibuya station). The event will include a lesson, a yukata and <i>obi</i> (sash) - everything you need (except footwear) for 6,000<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 15px;">¥</span>. You can join even if you have yukata and just want a refresher on how to dress yourself (just 2,100<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 15px;">¥)</span>! Leave a comment below and we will send you the details by the 10th of July.<br />
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あなたも東京に住んで「着物の1年」気分になりました?そんな皆さんへ、7月に渋谷駅の近くで皆様にも参加いただけるイベントを企画中ですよ。浴衣と帯付きの、着つけレッスンで6000円です。すでに浴衣をお持ちの方には、2100円で着つけ復習レッスンもあります。ご興味のある方、7月10日までにコメントを残していただけますとメールで詳細をお送りします。The Year In Kimono - 着物の一年http://www.blogger.com/profile/11568768375436889336noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828624841453579138.post-41733926459626933012011-06-20T05:10:00.000-07:002011-06-20T05:10:02.222-07:00Breaking the Rules part II - ルールを破る(パート2)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--y5-rIVX2hU/TfdQURyErUI/AAAAAAAAAPI/vYSEAzAA9wQ/s1600/Lascivious+Kimono.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--y5-rIVX2hU/TfdQURyErUI/AAAAAAAAAPI/vYSEAzAA9wQ/s400/Lascivious+Kimono.jpg" width="258" /></a></div><br />
I've written about it, and thought about it, and invited your comments about it and here it is - breaking the rules part II. Lots of fashionistas, when they think about kimono, think about romanticized images like the one above (taken from a U.K. lingerie site). But the true problem in buying a kimono and wearing it like above is the length. Kimono, if you are ever going to wear it in the fashion the Japanese do, needs the extra inches to 'double down' below the <i>obi </i>(sash) in order to look proper.<br />
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皆様、お待たせしました。「ルールを破る」で最初紹介したアイディアをまた考えて、皆様からいただいたご意見も読んで、パート2を書いてみました。(UK のランジェリーサイトで見つけた)上のイメージで想像がつくと思いますが、欧米のファショニスタ達が着物を考えると、変にやりすぎてしまう傾向があると思います。着物を写真ようなコンテンポラリースタイルで着る際に問題になってくるのは丈の長さです。日本式に着物を着るなら、帯の下からはみ出す、その余分な丈(おくみ)も必要です。<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Js_nYKA4YiA/TfdSskonwyI/AAAAAAAAAPM/8FkbUjcv-eM/s1600/The+overhang.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Js_nYKA4YiA/TfdSskonwyI/AAAAAAAAAPM/8FkbUjcv-eM/s320/The+overhang.JPG" width="303" /></a></div><br />
What started as necessity (kimono were handed-down through the family, so extra length from the <i>tan</i> (or bolt of kimono fabric) was 'rolled up' and saved for future (taller) generations) has become a necessary requirement for the look. So when you want to break the rules, you are restricted by the length of the kimono.<br />
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もともと母から娘へ手渡されていった着物、(もっと背の高い)次の世代が着られるように一反の長さは十分に長くとってありますが、その余分な生地を折って帯の下から見せるおくみも着物姿の特徴になっています。しかしこれがあると、ルールを破りたい時に丈の長さに困ってしまうのです。<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nMgxF86VWn4/TfdfdnzTSBI/AAAAAAAAAPk/Qg0j7qSVIu8/s1600/Breaking+the+rules5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nMgxF86VWn4/TfdfdnzTSBI/AAAAAAAAAPk/Qg0j7qSVIu8/s320/Breaking+the+rules5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
But, it was Saturday night, and I wanted to look that that picture above, so I added a necklace and tried to figure out what to do with all the extra fabric (usually hidden and bound by my <i>obi</i>).<br />
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けれどもある土曜日の夜、上記の写真のようなテイストで出かけたかったので、着物にネックレスを足し、どのように余分の生地を処理すればいいか色々試してみました…<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wX1ArPK_7tY/TfdcL2cCKEI/AAAAAAAAAPY/sI8Pxey8cms/s1600/Breaking+the+rules2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wX1ArPK_7tY/TfdcL2cCKEI/AAAAAAAAAPY/sI8Pxey8cms/s400/Breaking+the+rules2.JPG" width="271" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K7v_DeNQQRA/TfdcNciBVXI/AAAAAAAAAPg/DkXQmVyxWTY/s1600/Breaking+the+rules4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K7v_DeNQQRA/TfdcNciBVXI/AAAAAAAAAPg/DkXQmVyxWTY/s320/Breaking+the+rules4.JPG" width="262" /></a></div><br />
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And it didn't matter how many ways I tried, and how high my shoes were, which belt I added, it looked ridiculous! Verdict: you can't wear a kimono both ways. If you want that lingerie-site look, you need to get the kimono shortened. But know, once you shorten it - you won't be able to wear it in the traditional way. Sadly, in this case you can't have your cake and eat it too (but I'm still going to try)<br />
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しかし残念ながら、どんなに高いヒールをはいても、どんなベルトで引き上げても、どうやってみてもダメ!うまくいきません。結論:1つの着物を両スタイルに着れません。ランジェリーサイトの着方をしたければ、着物の丈を短くするしかありません。けれども、一旦切ってしまったらもう伝統的なスタイルには着られません。<br />
残念ですが、この場合は一つを選ぶしかないですね… まだまだ試行錯誤は続きます!The Year In Kimono - 着物の一年http://www.blogger.com/profile/11568768375436889336noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828624841453579138.post-62169902757375805172011-06-17T01:50:00.000-07:002011-06-17T01:53:59.284-07:00Learning to dress others - 着つけ師のお勉強<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SwBHHeYqNNA/TfdNfFZwtKI/AAAAAAAAAO4/vejeUyXCQeQ/s1600/Hargegi+with+Bunko.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="337" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SwBHHeYqNNA/TfdNfFZwtKI/AAAAAAAAAO4/vejeUyXCQeQ/s400/Hargegi+with+Bunko.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I've been at kimono school and wearing my own kimono since January! And I still love it. I played sports when I was younger, was a brownie then a girl guide, a camper then a camp counsellor, but nothing really compares to the community of kimono school. This is the first time in my whole life where I go to a 'secret girls' place' (no boys allowed) and play dress up, <i>every</i> week!<br />
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自分の着物を着て、着物学校へ通うという習慣は1月からずっと続けてきましたが、今でも始めた頃と変わらず大好きです!幼いころはいつもスポーツに参加したり、ブラウニー、ガイド、キャンパー、そしてキャンプカウンセラーまでにもなりましたが、着物学校のコミュニティーとは比べものになりません。だってこれは、人生初めての、毎週ドレスアップする「内緒の女の子クラブ」なんですもん!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zDzTobhw1cY/TfdONITeX6I/AAAAAAAAAPA/v8jZHY8go1A/s1600/Kimono+School3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zDzTobhw1cY/TfdONITeX6I/AAAAAAAAAPA/v8jZHY8go1A/s400/Kimono+School3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I'm nearing the end of my course and I can dress myself so now its time to learn how to dress others. I've mentioned before how difficult tying an <i>obi</i> (the sash) behind your back can be. So you can imagine what it's like to tie an intricate or formal bow. Awwwk! You need help.<br />
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もう着物学校のコースの終わりが近づいてきました。自分の着付けはできるようになりましたので、最後に、人に着付けることを学んでいます。前にも言いましたが、自分の後ろにある帯を結ぶことはとても難しいです。なので正式な場に行く時の、華やかな帯をきれいに結ぶにはお手伝いが必要となってきます。<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3nopIitS7ok/TfdN1bF0ImI/AAAAAAAAAO8/uN7_gqgd1jM/s1600/Kimono+School.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3nopIitS7ok/TfdN1bF0ImI/AAAAAAAAAO8/uN7_gqgd1jM/s400/Kimono+School.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
That's when you need a dresser. Of course, I'll never be a dresser, but its been fun to relearn what I know when looking down at myself (or reaching behind myself) and what I have to relearn on someone (or something - lots of it is done on mannequin).<br />
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こういう時に着つけ師さんに助けてもらわなきゃいけませんね。私は着つけ師にはなれませんが、自分の後ろでやっていた結び方を、マネキンなど、見えるところでまた練習をできて楽しかったです。<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s17C--uNwBk/TfdOiA1ZOoI/AAAAAAAAAPE/2CUE3ENKZFY/s1600/Kimono+School2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s17C--uNwBk/TfdOiA1ZOoI/AAAAAAAAAPE/2CUE3ENKZFY/s400/Kimono+School2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
"Real" kimono dressers study for 3+ years! That's why if you've ever been dressed in a kimono - it happens in such a whirlwind. They are not only well practiced but studied. I will never be a 'dresser' and I'm sad to see my days in kimono school days coming to an end.<br />
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プロの着つけ師さん達は、3年以上勉強していらっしゃるそうです。あっという間に着つけができてしまうのはさすがですね!練習と経験をたっぷりお持ちなだけでなく、しっかり勉強されたからですね。私はそのような本格的な着つけ師にはなれませんが、着物学校の日々がそろそろ終わってしまうことは寂しいです。The Year In Kimono - 着物の一年http://www.blogger.com/profile/11568768375436889336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828624841453579138.post-49835034292358066522011-06-14T04:00:00.001-07:002011-06-17T01:51:45.722-07:00Marketing Messages - マーケティングについてこの記事では、英語で日本の着物や浴衣のマーケティング方法について書きたいと思います。<br />
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If you live in Japan, then at the end of last year, you saw these commercials for <i>kitsuke</i> (kimono classes). In the first commercial, they are admiring a kimono and the boyfriend says he thinks it would be great if she wore it when they meet his parents. She hesitates and it appears like she has forgotten how to properly wear a kimono, so she quickly phones the school to get some lessons.<br />
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The second commercial has her getting ready to go to her kimono lesson and the boyfriend commenting on how she seems a lot more excited than when she gets ready to go out with him. These commercials are for a different Kitsuke-school than the one I attend, but an example of the efforts to get girls/women back into kimono.<br />
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Here's a different tactic, a recent campaign shows web-based retailer CRAZE.jp offering the 'cool' Shibuya boys new summer yukata robes served up with a hilarious sales pitch.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Japanese Summer Yukata" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-28924" height="105" src="http://tokyofashion.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Summer-Japanese-Yukata-2011-05-28-001.jpg" style="background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(239, 239, 239); border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(239, 239, 239); border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(239, 239, 239); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; height: auto; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; max-width: 600px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px; vertical-align: baseline;" title="Japanese Summer Yukata" width="400" /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">A familiar face, 19-year old model Chihiro Saito – better known as “Chibo” – has been suited up in CRAZE’s 2011 yukata three-piece sets, all of which are priced at 11800 yen (about US$150). Each purchase includes a yukata robe, an obi belt, and wooden geta shoes.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Japanese Summer Yukata" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-28925" height="400" src="http://tokyofashion.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Summer-Japanese-Yukata-2011-05-28-002.jpg" style="background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(239,239,239); border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(239,239,239); border-right-width: 1px; border-top: rgb(239,239,239) 1px solid; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; height: auto; margin: 10px 0px 0px; max-width: 600px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px; vertical-align: baseline;" title="Japanese Summer Yukata" width="319" /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">Aside from the eye-catching leopard print and paisley patterns, what makes these items really stand out is the accompanying ad copy from CRAZE, which reads: "</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">Summer is the most important season for young people,” according to CRAZE. “Do you want to waste this once a year opportunity?” Turns out, the summer festival season is prime time for picking up girls. But even the most ardent of 'cool' guys is going to need a bit of “yukata magic” first to get a shot at the grand prize: summer lovin’.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Japanese Summer Yukata" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-28926" height="400" src="http://tokyofashion.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Summer-Japanese-Yukata-2011-05-28-003.jpg" style="background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(239,239,239); border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(239,239,239); border-right-width: 1px; border-top: rgb(239,239,239) 1px solid; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; height: auto; margin: 10px 0px 0px; max-width: 600px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px; vertical-align: baseline;" title="Japanese Summer Yukata" width="320" /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">Not one to be argued with, CRAZE continues, “The attraction of a yukata is unbelievable. A yukata has an adult sexiness that makes women swoon. The concept behind these items is ‘clothes that a Shibuya 'cool-girl' wants her boyfriend to wear’. We GUARANTEE that you can get a girl with it.”</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Japanese Summer Yukata" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-28927" height="400" src="http://tokyofashion.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Summer-Japanese-Yukata-2011-05-28-004.jpg" style="background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(239,239,239); border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(239,239,239); border-right-width: 1px; border-top: rgb(239,239,239) 1px solid; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; height: auto; margin: 10px 0px 0px; max-width: 600px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px; vertical-align: baseline;" title="Japanese Summer Yukata" width="319" /></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Okay, fine, but what about the yukata itself? Boys are briefly assured that “it is made of good fabric that breathes and keeps you cool even on hot and sweaty days. It is comfortable to wear and easy to enjoy at nighttime.”</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Then, CRAZE coldly assesses the target and moves in for the kill. “You must be worried, ‘Am I being too much of a dandy? Does it match my hairdo?’ Don’t worry. This yukata goes well with anything.”</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Source: Yukata story originally ran in </span></i><a href="http://tokyofashion.com/summer-yukata-robes-to-pick-up-japanese-girls-in/"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">TokyoFashion.com</span></i></a><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">. </span></i></div><div><br />
</div>The Year In Kimono - 着物の一年http://www.blogger.com/profile/11568768375436889336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828624841453579138.post-28144023430197213432011-06-09T23:49:00.000-07:002011-06-09T23:49:00.641-07:00Summer = new kimono - 夏=新しい着物<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D3nRGJmgd_k/Tec0O6b6lqI/AAAAAAAAAOk/Dt07sVpQ89w/s1600/Hitoe2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D3nRGJmgd_k/Tec0O6b6lqI/AAAAAAAAAOk/Dt07sVpQ89w/s320/Hitoe2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I love summer. It's one of my favourite seasons! In kimono fashion there are two versions of summer. <i>Hitoe</i> (single layer kimono) and <i>yukata</i> (cotton kimono). Hitoe is usually silk or polyester (not cotton), is unlined (hence the single-layer) and is worn like kimono (including with socks). It is worn in June and September, when the weather is mild but not too hot. It also has a lighter <i>obi</i> (sash). I found this one at <a href="http://www.sayuki.net/media/geisha-cut-into-kimono-market/">Sayuki-san's shop in Asakusa</a> and loved it for the origami crane design. It's polyester, so will be fine during the rainy season (which will be most of June).<br />
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夏が大好きです。一番好きな季節かもしれない!着物の世界では、夏を2つの着物で表現します:一重と浴衣。一重の着物は大抵綿ではなく、ライニングのないシルクかポリエステルで創られてあり、足袋と合わせて、着物と同じように着ます。天気が暖かい時期、6月と9月に着ます。帯も普通の着物より薄いのを付けます。この一重着物は、<a href="http://www.sayuki.net/media/geisha-cut-into-kimono-market/">浅草にある Sayuki さんのお店</a>で見つけました。折紙の鶴のデザインが大好きです。ポリエステルなので、雨が降っても大丈夫です。The Year In Kimono - 着物の一年http://www.blogger.com/profile/11568768375436889336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828624841453579138.post-66677895522028031342011-06-07T22:35:00.000-07:002011-06-07T22:35:00.750-07:00Guest Post by Hiromi Asai - HiroさんのゲストポストThis blog project usually has two parts: I write about my activities and adventures in kimono and I also write "reflections on kimono" and ponder the world of kimono. I often wonder why kimono is in decline (<a href="http://www.theyearinkimono.com/2011/02/reflections-on-kimono_27.html">read here</a>) and if kimono can be styled or interpreted differently (<a href="http://www.theyearinkimono.com/2011/05/reflections-on-kimono.html">read here</a>).<br />
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普通は2つの流れでこのブログを書いています:着物を着ている時の私のアクティビティや冒険について。または、着物世界を考える「着物について」。現在、なぜ着物が低下しているかについてよく考えますし(<a href="http://www.theyearinkimono.com/2011/02/reflections-on-kimono_27.html">読む</a>)、着物の新しいスタイリングや解釈についてもよく考えます(<a href="http://www.theyearinkimono.com/2011/05/reflections-on-kimono.html"> 読む</a>)。<br />
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<a href="http://blog1.kimonohiro.com/">Hiromi Asai</a>, a kimono stylist from New York, graciously submitted the following -<br />
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ニューヨークで着物スタイリストとして活躍している、<a href="http://blog1.kimonohiro.com/">アサイヒロミ</a>(Hiro) さんが以下を提出して下さいました:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4wYhQPoljCA/TechNEj7gCI/AAAAAAAAAOI/tGn2ke3W2-M/s1600/_MG_1412FINAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4wYhQPoljCA/TechNEj7gCI/AAAAAAAAAOI/tGn2ke3W2-M/s400/_MG_1412FINAL.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><i>credit: MUNALUCHI Bridal Magazine, styled by Hiromi Asai</i></span></td></tr>
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<b>Liberate the Kimono</b><br />
Appeared in <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/12/opinion/12iht-edlet11.html?_r=1">LETTERS TO THE INTERNATIONAL HERALD TRIBUNE</a><br />
Published: March 11, 2011<br />
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Kumiko Makihara (“<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/04/opinion/04iht-edmakihara04.html">Kimono Lessons</a>,” Meanwhile, March 4) described the typical point of view regarding kimonos in Japan: Most Japanese people believe that the kimono is only a ceremonial dress and that there are strict rules on how and when to wear it.<br />
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And as Ms. Makihara writes, many Japanese people don’t know how to properly put on a kimono because they lack basic knowledge of the traditional culture.<br />
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Indeed, the kimono has a long history — more than 1,000 years — but most of the rules that the Japanese rely on today were established just 150 years ago, or less. The kimono has been worn much more freely for most of its history.<br />
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Unfortunately, the kimono market has been dramatically shrinking, in part because the Japanese seem attached to the rules that prevent wider use of the dress.<br />
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As a kimono fashion stylist, I would like the kimono to be recognized as a fashionable garment, not just a traditional or ceremonial dress. Today’s rules for kimono wearing certainly should be taught, and I teach them to my students, but the kimono should be worn without any inhibition.<br />
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The kimono should be recognized as a garment that is beyond cultural and ethnic boundaries. It is my hope that people will learn to enjoy wearing the kimono in a more relaxed manner.<br />
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Hiromi Asai, New York<br />
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着物は長い歴史の中で、日本で華開いた世界でも稀に見る優美なファッションです。<br />
文化や国境を越え、ファッションとして受け入れられる着物には表現の多様さがあり、世界のフォーマルウェアになると信じています。<br />
着物スタイリストとして、ファッションの発信地であるニューヨークから活動を開始しました。様々なテーマや世界観を着物で創造し、ファッションとしての着物を表現していきます。<br />
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芝居好きの母の影響で、幼いころから歌舞伎や和のお稽古事が身近な環境で育つ。<br />
大学では、歌舞伎を研究し、国立劇場演出家の織田紘二先生の授業で、歌舞伎の演出や時代衣裳、舞台衣裳にさらに興味を持つ。<br />
時代衣裳の演出について、着物にまつわる文化への理解と所作の勉強も深めたく、<br />
茶道(裏千家 靖国神社行雲亭 桜井宗梅先生)、日舞(西川流宗家 西川箕乃助先生)や能(京都観世流 橋本光史先生)に師事し、稽古を積む。<br />
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着物の技術を更に勉強する必要性を感じ、駒込和装学院にて、着付けの技術と和裁の技術を学ぶ。着物の着付け「一級講師(師範)」資格を取得後、プロの着物スタイリストとして活動を開始。<br />
時代衣装の着付を松竹衣裳の笹島寿美先生から学ぶ。<br />
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2008年夏から夫の仕事の関係でニューヨークに渡り、9月にKimono Hiro in NYを創業。<br />
海外から着物を見たとき、和がテーマの舞台や催し、特別な席など、限られたところでしか着物は着られないものだという概念が出来ていることを痛感。<br />
ファッションとしての着物の、素晴らしさや表現の多様さを広めたく、全米、全世界に向けて活動。<br />
着物スタイリストとして、いろんなテーマや世界観を着物で表現・創造していく作品作りを中心として活動中。The Year In Kimono - 着物の一年http://www.blogger.com/profile/11568768375436889336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828624841453579138.post-11853680310249724802011-06-06T22:29:00.000-07:002011-06-08T07:28:11.654-07:00Meeting the White Geisha - Sayukiさんと合いに<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LCeszrYFniI/TecssgTimcI/AAAAAAAAAOU/coPI3lLeShk/s1600/MEeting+the+white+geisha.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LCeszrYFniI/TecssgTimcI/AAAAAAAAAOU/coPI3lLeShk/s400/MEeting+the+white+geisha.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Last week I headed</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span>off to Asakusa to meet the 'White Giesha' - although it sounds like something out of a fairy tale, there really is a foreign geisha. Sayuki took an MBA at Oxford before turning to social anthropology, and specializing in Japanese culture. She has spent half of her life in Japan, graduating from Japanese high school, and then becoming the first white girl to enter Japan’s oldest university, Keio.<br />
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先週、白人の芸者さんと合いに浅草に行きました。物語のように聞こえますが、本当に外国人の芸者がいます。オックスフォード大学にて MBA を取得し、日本文化を中心とした社会人類学を研究されているそうです。人生の半分位は日本で過ごし、日本の高校を卒業した後、京王大学に入学した初外国人だったそうです。<br />
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Sayuki has lectured at a number of universities around the world, and has published several books on Japanese culture. She is also an anthropological film director with credits on NHK, BBC, National Geographic Channel programmes.<br />
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Sayuki さんは世界中の大学で講義したり、日本文化についての本も出版されました。NHK, BBC, ナショナルジオグラフィクチャンネルで放送されたことのあるような社会人類学の映画監督でもある女性です。<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">And she's opened her own <a href="http://www.sayuki.net/">shop in Asakusa</a>, one of the oldest and most traditional neighbourhoods in Tokyo. I wanted to find out how long it takes a geisha to get dressed, see how many kimonos she owns and see if I could get a </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">hitoe</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> (single-layer) kimono to wear for June and September.</span></span><br />
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そして今は東京で最も古くて伝統的な近所の一つ、浅草でお店をオープンされました。芸者さんが着付けするのにどのくらいの時間が掛かるのか、また着物を何着持っているのかを知りたかったです。6月と9月に着る一重の着物も探しに行きました。<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FUPADaUJkII/Tecs5cWQTMI/AAAAAAAAAOY/BfEjKfma61A/s1600/Sayuki-san.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FUPADaUJkII/Tecs5cWQTMI/AAAAAAAAAOY/BfEjKfma61A/s400/Sayuki-san.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">The <a href="http://www.sayuki.net/">store</a> has lots to draw kimono fans, both Japanese and foreign. </span></span>Kimono Beginners can buy a "full set" of underwear including footwear for 15,000 yen at the shop. Then If you add a recycled kimono and a recycled obi from 2000 yen upwards you have a full set of kimono for around 20,000 - 30,000. Sayuki and her team can dress you in the shop and teach you how to do it, and you can take your full kimono outfit home with you. It is common for groups to head to the shop and then to all go out to lunch together at a tea-house.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">外国人にも日本人にも魅力的なお店だと思いました。着物ビギナーにとっては、着物と帯から草履までの「一式セット」がとても便利だと思います。リサイクル品であれば、2万円程度で買えます。紗幸さんと彼女のチームが、お店で着付けを教えてくれますし、そのまま町や家に帰れます。グループ団で訪問する場合は、お店での着付け後、皆で茶店によってお食事をすることもできるそうです。</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Sayuki's tsukeobi: the geisha obi that you can tie yourself in 3 minutes. Anyone can bring their own obis to the shop and get them made into a tsukeobi for 3150 yen (Sayuki says this is helpful because 100% of Japanese women have obis at home though only 8% can now tie them). <span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">She also says this is her secret to getting fully dressed in under 10 minutes!</span></span></div><div><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">紗幸の付け帯:たった3分で結べる芸者さんの帯。自分の帯をお店に持って行けば、3150円で付け帯に加工してもらってそのまま家の持って帰れます。Sayuki さんによると、日本の女性は全員家に帯がありますが、8%しか結ぶことができないそうです。この帯は、紗幸さんの10分以下の着付け時間のヒミツでもあるそうです!</div><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Lastly, anyone can send Sayuki-san a box of the kimono they have at home that they may have inherited and don't know what to do with, and Sayuki and her team can provide advice on what you have, what you need to add, and coordinate some new ensembles for you. All ways to make kimono wearing as easy as possible.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">最後に、相続した着物をお持ちの方も多いと思いますが、お持ちの着物を紗幸さんに送れば、彼女からそれをどのように着ればいいか、またコーディネートのアドバイスも貰えるのです。なるべく着物を着やすくしてくれる、すべてのことを。</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5by6YjIrJoQ/Tecuu0fautI/AAAAAAAAAOc/5THt0-q4rYs/s1600/getting+suited+in+hitoe.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5by6YjIrJoQ/Tecuu0fautI/AAAAAAAAAOc/5THt0-q4rYs/s400/getting+suited+in+hitoe.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Under her watchful eye, I was suited up in a <i>hitoe</i> (single layer) kimono, including summer underwear, <i>obi </i>(sash), <i>obijime</i> (sash tie) and <i>obia</i><i>ge </i>(silk scarf) for about 15,000 yen.<br />
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紗幸さんの指揮によって夏用の襦袢に一重の着物、帯、帯締め、そして帯下げまで付けていただきました。全部で15000円位でした。</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OPtrJGzlRIw/TecvoAenf-I/AAAAAAAAAOg/s1Y0vESSD0M/s1600/Hitoe.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OPtrJGzlRIw/TecvoAenf-I/AAAAAAAAAOg/s1Y0vESSD0M/s400/Hitoe.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">This makes my 6th kimono (one for every month of the project) now. As for <a href="http://www.sayuki.net/">Sayuki-san</a> - as a geisha she requires so many more. She has around 100!<br />
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これで私の着物コレクションの6着目になります!このプロジェクトの月と一致しますね。しかし芸者の 紗幸さんはもっともっと必要です。100枚位持っているそうです!</div>The Year In Kimono - 着物の一年http://www.blogger.com/profile/11568768375436889336noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828624841453579138.post-14974464523302725972011-06-03T10:00:00.000-07:002011-06-03T10:00:27.550-07:00Reflections on Kimono - 着物について<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Lnv2S8a-oE/Td9HMMaKfAI/AAAAAAAAAN8/Qizf4tXrWpY/s1600/superhero.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="351" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Lnv2S8a-oE/Td9HMMaKfAI/AAAAAAAAAN8/Qizf4tXrWpY/s400/superhero.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
So imagine this; you've been to the doctor and to the gym and now you are rushing to put on your kimono to go grocery shopping before it rains but you can't get your <i>otaiko masubi</i> (drum bow) right. Perspiration is breaking out on your upper lip, you are so frustrated you might cry and you think "if I don't get it this time, I give up." And then like magic, it all comes together, you walk outside and people start to smile at you and greet you and say things like "oh, so beautiful!"<br />
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想像してみてください。お医者さんのところに行って、ジムに行って、雨が降って来る前にスーパーに行けるよう、慌てて着物を着ようとしているが、お太鼓結びがなかなかうまく行かない。上唇に汗が出てきて、フラストレーションが溢れてきて、もう泣き出しそうな状態で「今度失敗したらもう諦める!」という状況。すると魔法のようになんとかなって、外に出ると人が笑顔を向けてくれたり、「あら、素敵」などとすれ違いに言ってくれる。<br />
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The transformation was so sudden, my husband remarked "this kimono is like a super-hero costume! You put it on, and immediately you become 'beauty woman'! You just need a super-power!" Alright, I'm not exactly a super-hero, but he is right. Regardless of how hard it is to get the kimono perfect sometimes or how tired I feel, the Japanese reactions always buoy me and really lift my spirits. (If you missed it, you can read about the opposite effect kimono has on Canadians <a href="http://www.theyearinkimono.com/2011/04/kimono-in-canada-part-ii-2.html">here</a>.)<br />
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この変身があまりに急で、主人が「この着物、ヘロインの衣装みたいじゃない?!着たとたんに『ビューティーウーマン』になるね。スーパーパワーも必要じゃない?」とある日言いました。まあ、スーパーヒーローからはかなり遠いけれど、主人の言葉に真実もあります。どんなに疲れていて、着付けがうまく行かなくてイライラしていても、着付けさえ終えて、日本人の反応(カナダ人の反応はこちら)を感じると、すぐに気分が上達します。<br />
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Yesterday I heard comments like / 昨日はこういう言葉を頂きました:<br />
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"You are beautiful, even from behind!" Which sounds funny as I write it, but I knew she meant that I had gotten my <i>otaiko masubi</i> (drum bow) right. 「後ろから見てもきれいですね!」書くとちょっと可笑しいですが、帯の結び方がきれいにできたという意味だと分かりました。<br />
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"Edo Blue makes me happy!" 「江戸ブルー大好き!」<br />
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"So beautiful!" 「美しい!」<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-48DPth5C_-Q/Td9HNiqVBfI/AAAAAAAAAOE/MNBXT5ydZG8/s1600/Superhero3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-48DPth5C_-Q/Td9HNiqVBfI/AAAAAAAAAOE/MNBXT5ydZG8/s400/Superhero3.JPG" width="355" /></a></div><br />
So, it's all got my husband wondering. Two things, actually. Firstly, he wonders if the same thing would happen if he were to put on kimono. Would people rush up to him and say "oh, so handsome!"<br />
And secondly, if there is a 'super-hero'/ beauty costume in Western culture? One where the moment you put it on you go from being a tired, run-of-the-mill person - to eye-catching! Do we have one? I don't think so.<br />
Oh, kimono - how lovely you truly are!<br />
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主人も考え始めたそうです。2つのことを。1つは、もし彼が着物姿で街に出たら同じような反応を招くかどうかを。擦れ違いに人々が「なんとハンサム!」などと言ってくれるかどうか。<br />
そして、欧米にはこのような「スーパーヒーロ」衣装はあるのかどうかを。着た途端に、疲れた普通の人が、人目を引くような存在に変身するような服。あるかしら?ないと思います。<br />
着物って、なんと素晴らしいもの!The Year In Kimono - 着物の一年http://www.blogger.com/profile/11568768375436889336noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828624841453579138.post-22219498124538416602011-05-29T22:45:00.000-07:002011-05-31T23:03:14.158-07:00Grocery Shopping - 食品買い物<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zB1K6bJa6GM/Td8-ASyF7CI/AAAAAAAAANw/-VHS9mErsQQ/s1600/On+the+subway.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="342" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zB1K6bJa6GM/Td8-ASyF7CI/AAAAAAAAANw/-VHS9mErsQQ/s400/On+the+subway.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>People often ask me: 'do you wear kimono <i>every</i> day?" And I have to answer: "no, not every day." And the reason is this... my life is busy, and sometimes kimono doesn't always work for a modern, urban woman's lifestyle. For example - some days I work at a different location from my home, stop off and do yoga, then meet up with some friends in a smokey <i>izakya</i> (Japanese bar). Kimono works well in the beginning of the day, but as the day goes on, it gets more complicated; the yoga studio is small - where would I fold my kimono before yoga class begins, the bar is smokey - the kimono would have to be cleaned before I wore it again. So I have to answer: "no, not every day."<br />
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「毎日着物を着ているの?」とよく聞かれます。すると、「いいえ、毎日は着ないね」と答えなければなりません。その理由は次の通りです。私は忙しい毎日を過ごしていまして、着物はモダーンで都会的な女性のライフスタイルと会わない場合もあるからです。時々外で仕事をしたり、ヨガのレッスンにも通ったり、夜には煙りっぽい居酒屋で友達と会ったりもしています。このようなスケジュールの日には、着物はお昼ぐらいまで邪魔にならず大丈夫ですが、その後から難しくなってきてしまいます。ヨガのスタジオの着替え質は狭くて度々着物を畳んでまた着付けしなければならないこととか、煙っぽいところにいると次着る前に洗わなければならないことなど、色々な問題があります。このため、「毎日は着ないね」と答えざるを得ない。<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cgb2PCaWoYU/Td8-C3WjZSI/AAAAAAAAAN4/ZJYj-zdfhx4/s1600/Produce+aisle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cgb2PCaWoYU/Td8-C3WjZSI/AAAAAAAAAN4/ZJYj-zdfhx4/s400/Produce+aisle.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
And when I meet women in kimono, I ask them the same question. And then if they say yes, I ask them "even to the grocery store?" I don't know why I have fixated on this, the most mundane of chores, but it's my test. Firstly, you have to leave the house. There are two safe bets on what occassion works for kimono; you are going 'out' and it's occassion wear or you put it on every morning like most people put on their clothes (without thinking about it) and that's it. But for some reason, this idea of wearing it grocery shopping marks the test. And most women answer: "no, not for grocery shopping."<br />
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私も着物を着ている女性に合うと同じ質問を聞きます。そしてもし答えが「はい」だと、「スーパーにも着ますか?」と聞く癖があります。なぜかこの場面がいつも頭に浮かぶのです。私の中のテストかな。まずは、家を出なきゃいけない。着物姿で出かける理由は大体2つあります:特別なイベントのためか、普段着で着ている人はいつも通りに。しかしなぜか、スーパーまでにも着物姿で行く人は私の中のテストに合格します。でも、ほとんどの女性は「いや、スーパーには着ないな」と答えます。<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5kcF0mGFrcY/Td8-Br_mpyI/AAAAAAAAAN0/d3pThDjToDk/s1600/Produce+aisle+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5kcF0mGFrcY/Td8-Br_mpyI/AAAAAAAAAN0/d3pThDjToDk/s400/Produce+aisle+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
So I decided to try it. I was out, I was in kimono, and it was my grocery day. Kimono is great for shopping - but it's the after shopping part where kimono doesn't quite work. Luckily, my photographer (my husband) also carries the bags!<br />
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なので、やってみよう!と思いました。食品買い物の日に、着物を着て、スーパーへ行きました。買い物中、着物は良かったですが、その後から少し難しくなりましたな。でも、(私の主人でもある)写真家のおかげで家まで運ぶことは何とかなりました!The Year In Kimono - 着物の一年http://www.blogger.com/profile/11568768375436889336noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828624841453579138.post-49014119535858173642011-05-24T00:04:00.000-07:002011-05-24T00:04:00.502-07:00Kimono Seasons - 着物の季節<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUzzbK5Yhow/TdfJf5CExKI/AAAAAAAAANs/ZWQVHD5nYxI/s1600/season.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUzzbK5Yhow/TdfJf5CExKI/AAAAAAAAANs/ZWQVHD5nYxI/s640/season.jpg" width="318" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
I had it wrong.... I still can't get the kimono calendar right. I was so looking forward to wearing <i>yukata</i> (a lightweight, cotton kimono) which I thought I could starting in June. But...I had it wrong. Currently I wear a double-layer <i>nagajuban </i><i>(</i>the under kimono) and a double-layer kimono. Now that it's May, I can change to single-layer nagajuban. And I can change to a single-layer kimono in June. I can't wear yukata until July and August. But it is 29°C today - I don't know how I will make it to July!<br />
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また間違えてしまいました!私、着物のカレンダーはまだマスターできていないな。浴衣を着れるようになるのが楽しみすぎで、6月ぐらいから着れるのかと思っていました。しかし、そうは行きませんよね。今までは二重の長襦袢と二重の着物を着ていました。5月になってから1枚の長襦袢にチェンジしました。そして、6月になったら1枚の着物にチェンジできます。でも浴衣は7月か8月まで我慢だ!なのに今日は既に29°Cです。いったいどうすれば7月まで持てるのかしら!The Year In Kimono - 着物の一年http://www.blogger.com/profile/11568768375436889336noreply@blogger.com0