Japanese Culture Experience
At the Japanese Culture Experience booth, visitors can rent yukata (light cotton kimono), try on yukata and have their picture taken, try calligraphy, origami at reasonable prices.
Yukata
Yukata is a casual cotton Kimono for the summer season. There are a variety of fabric patterns for Yukata, such as flowers, fireworks, gold fishes or Japanese summer scenery. Today, these Yukatas are mainly worn to the traditional Bon-Odori, fireworks and summer festivals.
Japanese calligraphy
Japanese calligraphy is the way of writing with brush and Sumi ink. Sho means writing and Do means the way of doing something. At our booth you can find a character you like and try to write it with a brush.
Origami is the traditional Japanese art of paper folding. We make various shapes with Origami, such as plants, animals, and other living things.
Today you can fold either shuriken (popular with children) or the most famous origami crane. The crane, which is called Orizuru in Japanese, is one of the most famous shapes in Origami. In Japanese legend, a person who folds one thousand origami cranes will be granted a wish.
Japanese Cultural Experience also offers a comprehensive range of other Japanese cultural activities, such as kimono rental, photography in a Japanese garden, Japanese cooking experience, and festival game set rental. For more information, please visit our HP, Facebook, and Instagram.
The Timeless Elegance of the Kimono
T
he kimono, Japan’s traditional garment, has captivated the world with its beauty and intricacy. A symbol of Japanese culture and history, the kimono’s evolution reflects the shifts in fashion, social norms, and artistic expression over centuries.
Origins and Evolution The word “kimono” literally means “thing to wear,” and its roots can be traced back to the Heian period (794-1185 AD), where the basic shape and straight seams were established, designed to be suitable for the layering of multiple robes. The T-shaped, ankle-length robes were originally worn by the aristocrats during this era, and the art of wearing a kimono, known as kitsuke, began to flourish.
Cultural Significance During the Edo period (1603-1868 AD), the kimono saw significant developments in styles, fabrics, and patterns, influenced heavily by the political and cultural climate of the time. It was during this period that strict sumptuary laws were enacted, regulating the fabric and styles according to one’s social status. Despite these restrictions, common people found ways to express themselves through discreet luxury, often visible only in the lining of their kimonos.
Artistic Expression The kimono is renowned for its wide range of materials and decoration techniques. Silk, the most prized fabric, is often adorned with intricate patterns created through various dyeing techniques such as yuzen and shibori. Each region of Japan developed its unique designs, reflecting local aesthetics and natural features. The motifs can represent seasons, specific events, or the personal status of the wearer.
Modern Day With the Meiji Restoration in 1868, Western clothing began to influence Japanese dress, leading to a decline in everyday kimono wearing. However, the kimono remains a vital part of Japanese ceremonies and special events, such as weddings, graduations, and tea ceremonies. Today, both traditional and contemporary designers are breathing new life into kimono fashion, blending historical elements with modern influences, ensuring the kimono remains relevant in contemporary fashion both in Japan and globally.
Legacy and Revival The kimono continues to be a source of inspiration for fashion designers around the world and is cherished as a cultural artifact that represents the pinnacle of Japanese aesthetics and craftsmanship. As appreciation for sustainable and artisanal clothing grows, so too does the interest in kimonos as both wearable art and collectible pieces.
