My Introduction to the Kimono
Trip Start
May 26, 2010
1
12
24
Trip End
Jul 13, 2010
Tokyo, Kanto, Japan
Friday, June 18, 2010
Sayoko Tahara is a server in the Renewel Restaurant (in our apartment building). We see her every morning...I try my new verse of the day in Japanese on her and she speaks to me in some English and most Japanese. She offered to introduce me to the wearing of a kimono. What an honor to have someone offer to do this!
I put on a hadajuban and susoyoke (undergarments). Then the kimono. From the beginning to the final product, I ended up in 6 different type of belts/sashes/tighteners/straps. I just stood there, held my arms out and she did the rest. The obi is beautiful and red! Wrapping it, tightening it, straightening it, and making the bow took the most time. It is an art, filled with years and years of tradition.
I felt very regal and graceful (no...really!).
