Traditional Japanese Clothing Essay

Traditional Japanese Clothing History:The word Kimono was not invented until the Meji Era (1868-1912). The style of the modern Kimono we see in Japan today was not created until the end of the Edo period. Traditional Japanese clothing has changed from 200bce to the 1989ce. The underclothing at this time was a kosode or small sleeves. It became outer clothing in later centuries and developed into the kimono.

In Ancient Japan, which was from 200bce to 200ce Japanese clothing copied the wealthy Chinese clothing from the Han, Sui, and Tang dynasties. The Nara period was from 710 to 794ce. The Japanese continued to copy the Chinese. There was a specific code that explained how clothing should be worn to be more Chinese such as tying their garments left over right. This code was called the Yoro Code and was based upon the Chinese Tang code.

The next period

There was urban growth which changed the coloration and design of the kimono’s art. The art was western in nature to reflect the westernization and industrialization of Japan.

Traditional Japanese Clothing Today: Kimonos are now mostly worn at formal events such as tea ceremony, weddings, funerals, or other formal events.

At Tea Ceremonies single women and female children wear furisode or colorful kimonos that have long sleeves and are tied with bright obis or sashes.

At weddings the bride wore a Shiromuku, a white kimono with an elaborate headpiece. The groom wears a black kimono made of habutee silk, a pleated skirt, hakama, and a black coat, haiuri. At weddings the male guests also wear white ties.

At funerals both female and male guests wear black kimonos. Male guests also wear black ties. Kimonos are tied right over left when the corpse is being prepared for burial.

In January there is a coming of age ceremony for 20 year old girls. The girls wear very vibrant kimonos and fur