A Kimono Adventure

Wow I cannot believe that I took part in this Kimono dressing demonstration back in October! The last few months have flown by at a pace almost impossible to keep up with but I survived!!

Kawaguchi Sensei, a famous Kimono dresser in Fuji, invited us to be models in her Kimono show. We didn't really have any clue what we would be expected to do..of course as someone once told us..if someone asks you to do something in Japan..just say yes! Of course, it is always true. No matter what, you always have a great time and a very memorable experience.

Prior to the show, we visited Kawaguchi Sensei's house and tried on our kimonos. She also showed us her impressive Kimono room that must contain hundreds of robes! We had tea and snacks and chatted with her in what little Japanese we have. She told us not to wear any make up on the day of the show and to arrive early in the morning for preparations. We were interested to see what would come of the day.

We arrived early on the day of the show to discover that not only would she be doing our make up, she would also be doing our hair! She gave us extra hair pieces to add volume and covered our faces in white make up and bright lipstick and eyeshadow. This was definitely not a great look on either of us but it is the tradition and it was fun!

I did not realize how complex the art of Kimono dressing is! It involves layers and layers of fabric and cotton to create the shape. The obi (belt with bow) is also very complicated. Kimono dressing is a skill, an art, something that takes years of practice to learn. The show involved the Sensei teaching women how to correctly tie obis at the community center. We stood in front of a crowd of women as she tied our obis and asked a multitude of questions to be translated for the audience. They were very interested in what we thought of the Kimono tradition and if we had a similar tradition in North America. Of course, we don't.

All in all, it was a wonderful experience. It was a privilege to be able to wear a Kimono that costs thousands of dollars and to discuss Kimonos and work with Kawaguchi Sensei. We also met many members of the community and participated in a short tea ceremony after the show. Another great day adventure in Japan.

The setting.

Mannequins

Hair Time!

Time to get dressed!

Leah's Fabric (left) from Kyoto
mine from Okinawa.

Teaching.

The audience.

Finished!

With Kawaguchi Sensei!

What a day!