Nagoya obi

 

Nagoya obi is a simplified obi that is easier to tie than a fukuro obi.It is made to a length and width suitable for tying a single drum.

It was invented during the Taisho era and is easy to use even for those new to kimono.

Depending on the material and pattern, it can be worn for a wide range of occasions, from casual outings to semi-formal occasions.

It is shorter than a fukuro obi and is around 360cm long, which is just the right length for a single drum knot.

It is easy to tie and reduces the time and effort required for dressing.

There are 9-inch Nagoya obi (34cm wide) and 8-inch Nagoya obi (30cm wide). The difference is the width of the obi.

The next highest rank after the Fukuro obi is the Nagoya obi.

Nagoya obi are usually worn with plain kimono, tsukesage, and komon. They also go well with casual kimono such as tsumugi and omeshi.

I would like to enjoy wearing Japanese clothing with an easy-to-tie Nagoya obi.

Well, see you next time.

Fukuro obi

 

"Bag-like" refers to the way the outer and inner linings are connected in a tube-like shape.

There are two types of fukuro obi: "hon fukuro obi" and "nui fukuro obi."

Generally considered a formal obi, it is worn at formal ceremonies and celebrations such as weddings, Shichi-Go-San, entrance ceremonies, and graduation ceremonies.

Originally, the mainstream style was the "hon-fukuro obi," which was woven in a bag-like shape with the outer and lining fabrics connected.

Nowadays, many obi are produced in which the outer and inner linings are woven separately and the ends of the obi are sewn together later.

The bag-shaped weave. The pattern is on the inside.

After the weaving is complete, the pattern can be seen for the first time by turning the bag-shaped obi inside out.

As you can see, hon-fukuro obi is an extremely delicate fabric whose final result depends on the experience and intuition of the craftsman.

For these reasons, "nui-fukuro obi," which is easier to weave than "hon-fukuro obi," has gradually become more popular.

The advantage of a "honbukuro obi" is that there are no seams on either end of the obi, so it can be tied neatly without feeling stiff.

You might think that a sewn obi would be easier and cheaper to make, but that's not the case.

Some "sewn obi" are more expensive than "hon-bukuro obi" depending on whether they are handwoven or the pattern.

The length of a fukuro obi is approximately 420-450cm, and the standard width is 31cm.

Fukuro obi are very formal and expensive, so I use a rental shop when wearing formal attire.

Well, see you next time.

"Obi"

 

The obi is an essential part of wearing a kimono.

There are many rules regarding obi, such as the type, rank, and kimono that can be paired with them.

I would like to write about the types of obi.

For those of you who are new to kimono, you may be wondering what I am talking about.

It is said that "one kimono is worth three obi belts" and "a kimono is worth 1,000 ryo and an obi belt is worth 10,000 ryo."

The obi plays a very important role in a kimono.

The obi is sometimes called the second face of a kimono, and is a focal point.

To match properly and wear it correctly and stylishly, you need to pay attention not only to the type but also to the weave and pattern.

Nowadays, there are three main types of obi that are used.

[Fukuro Obi] For formal wear

[Nagoya Obi] For going out

[Half-width obi] For everyday wear and yukata

From next time, I will write about the characteristics of each. There are many ways to tie them.

Well, see you next time.

Hakama appearance

 

For university graduation ceremonies, you can wear either hakama or furisode, whichever you prefer.

When it comes to gorgeous attire that will brighten up a special occasion, the hakama is the standard.

However, many people seem to be unsure whether to choose hakama or furisode.

Hakama is a type of kimono, and refers to the bottom-like part worn on the lower body.

Hair ornaments: Since pollen is difficult to remove once it adheres to kimonos and hakama, avoid hair ornaments made with fresh flowers and use dried flowers instead.

Graduation ceremonies are formal events, so it is generally taboo to wear sneakers with hakama.

Avoid matching hakama with casual kimono such as wool, cotton, or yukata.

Formal visiting kimono and komon are common.

The hakama look makes you look active. It's dashing and I admire it.

Among the men, figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu wore a crested hakama at the People's Honor Award ceremony.

Yuzuru Hanyu is an Olympic gold medalist and I'm a big fan.

I have written a general overview about kimonos, and from next time I will write about Obi.

After that, I plan to write about the origin, size, etc.

Well, see you next time.

Yukata (yukata) kimono

 

Yukata is the lowest class of kimono.

Most of the fabrics are made of thin cotton, which is breathable and quick-drying.

The obi should be a half-width obi.

It is characterized by being worn directly on the skin without a nagajyuban (a type of undergarment).

Unlike other kimonos, there is no need to fold it up at the waist.

Another unique feature of yukata is that it is worn with geta instead of zori sandals.

It is often worn at summer festivals and fireworks displays.

In the past, it was worn after bathing or as sleepwear.

There are a wide variety of patterns, and I think it's a very fun kimono. 

I highly recommend it.

Well, see you next time.

Tsumugi kimono

 

Tsumugi is a type of kimono made from dyed woven fabric using tsumugi thread.

It is characterized by its strong and durable fabric.

Another feature is that many varieties, such as Yuki Tsumugi and Kumejima Tsumugi, are designated as Important Intangible Cultural Properties of Japan.

Like komon, it can be worn as everyday wear or as fashionable clothing.

For example, it is perfect for a dinner party with friends or a lesson.

The obi is matched with a Nagoya obi, a stylish bag obi, or a half-width obi, which are of the same rank as tsumugi.

It is not recommended to wear a high-class maru obi or fukuro obi.

I think that true kimono lovers will ultimately choose tsumugi kimonos.

It is a kimono that has been designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan.

The real thing costs several million yen. I'd love to wear one at least once.

Well, see you next time.

Komon kimono

 

Komon is a kimono with a pattern covering the entire fabric, and is of a lower rank than tsukesage or iro-muji.

This kimono is worn as everyday wear and is paired with a Nagoya obi or a half-width obi.

There are three typical patterns of komon.

* Edo Komon: A pattern so fine it looks like a solid color

* Kaga Komon: A large, gorgeous pattern

*Kyoto Komon: Patterns that often have a nature theme

I think komon kimonos are a bit of a stylish everyday wear.

I want to enjoy wearing kimono casually.

Well, see you next time.

Plain-colored kimono

 

Iromuji is a kimono made of white fabric dyed in only one color other than black.There is no pattern attached.

The rank of the fabric varies depending on whether or not it has a pattern called a "jimon" woven into the fabric itself.

If it has a crest, it is considered to be of the same rank as a formal formal kimono. It is common to wear a fukuro obi (sash).

If there is no crest, wearing a Fukuro obi will be of the same rank as a Tsukesage, and wearing a Nagoya obi will be of the same rank as a Komon.

"Each wearing occasion"

   * Solid-colored kimono with crest: for children's graduation ceremonies, entrance           ceremonies, Shichi-Go-San, shrine visits, etc.

   * Plain-colored kimono with no crest and a bag-shaped obi: for reunions, celebrations,     etc.

   * Muji kimono without crest and Nagoya obi: for dinner parties, theater, etc. Wearing around town.

It's also fun to choose an obi to go with this plain kimono.

Well, see you next time.

Tsukesage (attached kimono)

 

Tsukesage is a kimono with a single pattern on the left shoulder, and is the second highest rank after Homongi.

Wearing a Fukuro Obi will raise your status, while wearing a Nagoya Obi or a Stylish Fukuro Obi will lower your status.

Specifically, if you tie a fukuro obi, you can wear it to your child's graduation ceremony or Shichi-Go-San.

If you wear a Nagoya obi or a stylish fukuro obi, you can wear it to dinner parties or the theater.

It is often mistaken for a formal kimono, but unlike a formal kimono, the pattern on the tsukesage is separate and stands out as a unique accent.

However, unless you are in a formal setting, I think it's fine to not worry about it as long as it's not rude to the other person.

Well, see you next time.

Homongi (visiting kimono)

 

Homongi is the third most prestigious kimono after furisode and tomesode. The pattern of the kimono continues across the collar and sleeves.

Unlike Iro-tomesode, which only have patterns on the lower half of the body, this type has patterns on the upper half as well.

Since it is a high-class kimono, it is common to pair it with an equally high-class obi.

It can be worn for a wide range of occasions, from formal occasions such as weddings and graduation ceremonies to casual occasions such as dinner parties and theater performances.

Kimono has a long history, so there are many rules to follow.

But if you change your perspective, it's a fun ritual.

Being able to change kimonos to suit the occasion means you have more kimonos, which is great for women.

Well, see you next time.

”Black and colored kimono（tomesode-kimono）”

 

Tomesode is the first formal dress (the most prestigious) for married women in Japan, and is a short-sleeved kimono with a pattern (eba pattern) only on the hem.

It is mainly worn at weddings by the bride and groom's relatives, and is considered appropriate attire for formal celebrations.

Kurotomesode is formal attire for married women.

Iro-tomesode is a type of kimono made of fabric other than black, and can be worn by both unmarried and married women.

"Occasions to wear"

Weddings and receptions: These are the most common and appropriate occasions.

Family celebrations: In addition to weddings, it can also be worn at important family celebrations.

Celebrations are good, I like them.

Well, see you next time.

Bridal attire

 

Japanese bridal attire can be broadly divided into five types: wedding dress, colored dress, white kimono, colored uchikake, and hon-furisode/hiki-furisode.

"Wedding dress"

It is said that wedding dresses became popular after Queen Victoria of England wore one at her wedding in 1840.

They were introduced to Japan after the Meiji period.

"Colored Dress"

Many brides wear this as a change of color at the wedding reception, and it can completely change the look of their first outfit and wow everyone.

"Shiromuku" (White Wedding Kimono)

This is the most formal attire. It is especially popular among those planning a shrine ceremony or Japanese wedding.

The pure white represents the bride's innocence and purity, and it has the meaning of "being dyed in the color of her new husband's family."

"Iro-uchikake" (Colored Uchikake)

This formal attire is on the same level as a Shiromuku (white wedding kimono). Many brides wear it as a change of clothes.

The colorful and gorgeous iro-uchikake often features auspicious designs such as cranes, pine, bamboo, and plum blossoms. It's recommended to choose a pattern after learning about its beautiful meaning.

Furisode (long-sleeved kimono)

This is the first formal attire for unmarried women. For brides, their wedding is the last opportunity to wear a furisode.

Wearing a furisode purchased for you by your parents at your own wedding is a wonderful way to show your filial piety.

With the recent "Japan boom," dresses like these made from remade kimonos are gaining attention.

It's a very important day for you and your family.

I wish all couples a happy future.

Well, see you next time.