Kimono
If you visit Japan, do not expect to see the streets full of “samurai, 侍” or “geisha, 芸者”. The lifestyle of Japanese has today become almost completely westernized. But beneath Japan’s fast-moving, ultra-modern exterior, its unique culture and customs, shaped by centuries of tradition, live on.
Japan’s traditional garment, the “kimono” , is well suited to the climate and natural features of the country. However, except on certain formal occasions, the only people who wear “kimono” nowadays are elderly people and those in certain traditional professions.
Kimono now are merely used by both men and women at weddings, and young women wear them at New Year or at Coming-of-Age ceremonies (“seijin shiki，成人式”).
People who normally wear kimono are:
- Traditional comic story tellers (rakugoka, 落語家)
- Sumo wrestlers (sumotori，すも取)
- Buddhist priests (obosan，お坊さん)
- Waitresses (nakai，仲居) in traditional Japanese restaurants or hotels (ryoutei（料亭） or ryokan（旅館）).
Since Japan has four distinct seasons, and the changes in temperature and humidity are large, so make sure you have the right clothes for the right season. The season’s characteristics and its suitable clothes are as follows:
- The summer months from July through September are very hot and humid, and schools take their longest holidays during August.
- Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) are the most comfortable seasons. The rainy season (tsuyu) is in June and July.
Winter is from December to the end of February. The air is very dry, but it is cold enough for snow in most parts of the country, especially in the north.
An event called “koromogae, 衣替え” or “change of clothing” takes place throughout Japan in June and October. In June, school pupils change from winter to summer uniform, and businessmen change from dark winter suits to
ligh-colored summer suits. In October, everybody changes back again.
Since the Japanese sumer is extremely humid, winter is clothes should be aired thoroughly before being put away. Mothballs are a good idea, too.
Storage of Kimono:
- Fold neatly and put in the special chest called “tansu“.
- Do not forget the champor pads
Yukata and sandals
The “yukata, 浴衣“ is a light cotton “kimono”. It is a very simple garment, unlike the “kimono” proper, and is a common sight on a summer evening and therefore it is also called in english, “summer cotton kimono”. Both men and women can wear “yukata”.
The “yukata” is ideal for relaxing in at home, for sleeping in, or for evening strolls. It is sometimes worn with a “haori” (half-coat).
When wearing the “yukata”, the left side should over the right one (right over the left is used for dressing corpses). There are no buttons or zips; the “yukata” is held togehtehr by an “obi, 帯“ or sash. Make sure “the obi” is tied neatly, and that the “yukata” does not flap open at the front.
Unless you want to be laughed at, wear “geta，下駄“ (high wooden sandals) or “zori” (straw sandals), not shoes, with your “yukata”.
Although there is generally no tipping in Japan, some people do give the attendants or cooks some money as a sign of appreciation when staying in the traditional Japanese inns known as ryokan or at traditional restaurants.
