Coming of Age

Some posts ago, I showed you a display of furisode in a shop window.

Long-sleeved kimono

Furisode is a special type of kimono with long sleeves that young, unmarried women wear, usually on seijin-no-hi - known as Coming of Age day. Last January, I was lucky to be passing the cultural centre in Himeji on this public holiday.

What's going on?

Gathered on the steps of the Culture Centre

The girls are immaculately dressed

These kimono are so expensive that they are usually rented or borrowed for the day. The girls said it took hours of preparation - including dress, hair, makeup and nails and most went to salons for professional assistance. They were trendy, gorgeous and happy to pose - despite the cold.

Cute is a fluffy shawl


The obi are fabulous -
and there's so many ways to tie them

The boys are in a traditional kimono too...


..but some just wore suits

It truly was a treat to see these young people dressed up in their mix of traditional and contemporary style, excited to be embarking the year as a fully-fledged adult in Japanese society.

Until next time,
Monica x

Wedding Wow Friday

Another week ends and again, another display of dresses. Actually it's been raining this week and the shop was closed for several days, so I've only one dress to share - but it doesn't disappoint.

Back to traditional white...


...with frills, of course

I thought I'd also show you another window display a few shops up from the bridal salon. These are kimonos called furisode because they have sleeves that extend to the length of the dress. They are only worn by young, unmarried women, usually on their coming-of-age day in mid January.

I think these furisode are for rental for $2000

I'll definitely share the gorgeous kimonos worn at this year's local coming-of-age ceremony in the coming posts.

Until then,
Monica

Community Cheer

Saturday we left our Sports Day rehearsal early to attend a welcome party hosted by the members of the local Community Centre. It was a chance for the new American ALTs to introduce themselves, but we also joined in on the festivities. And there were some!

First we were treated to an operatic performance.

She sang in Japanese, German and English

Her finale was Amazing Grace

And then for an impromptu Samba jam led by one of Kobe's finest teachers.

Getting rhythm - woo, woo!

And finally, we all dressed in kimonos for a fashion parade.

We chose kimonos and lovely ladies dressed us


Here's me from behind ...


... and my speccy obi close up

me and Jody ...


... and me and Chris


On parade - how embarrassment!

All in a day's work, really.

Until then,
Monica