Kimono, Clothing Filled with the Traditional Beauty and Culture of Japan

Yukata is a type of kimono, and its shape and appearance are also similar.
The simple differences between them are summarized in the table below.

Furisode, which is included as a type of kimono, refers to a gorgeous outfit worn by unmarried women.
Its defining feature is its long sleeves, measuring 60 cm to 120 cm, which make its shape quite different from other kimono.
The long sleeves symbolize the beauty and elegance of young women, and furisode is often worn for special occasions such as Coming of Age Day ceremonies and weddings.
The longer the sleeves, the higher the formality, and based on sleeve length, furisode is divided into three types: large, medium, and small.
In addition, many accessories such as the obi and layered collar are used to enhance its beauty and bring out each wearer’s individuality.

The prototype of kimono is said to date back to the Yayoi period (around the 10th century BCE to around the middle of the 3rd century CE).
At that time, men wore kanpui, which involved wrapping cloth around the body, while women wore poncho-style kantoi garments, and these later evolved into clothing resembling pants and skirts to suit the era and climate.
In the Asuka period (592–710) and Nara period (710–794), when a clear class system was established, kosode was used as clothing for commoners and as undergarments for the upper classes.

In the Heian period (794–1185), kimono culture underwent major changes.
As various types of kimono were made using a technique called straight-line cutting, they became established in everyday life.
A sense of color and harmony also developed, and a culture of enjoying layered clothing and color combinations was born.
Garments worn by the upper classes were called osode, and their color schemes and designs also served as a status symbol showing rank.
The junihitoe, made by layering many colorful osode, is probably the best-known symbol of this.

During the Kamakura period (1185–1333) and Muromachi period (1333–1573), men also came to wear ornate kimono under the influence of samurai society.
At the same time, women’s kimono became simpler, and the idea that “kosode = kimono” spread widely.
This is when the word kimono was born, and it has continued in use to the present day.

In the Edo period (1603–1868), kimono spread beyond the upper classes.
However, since restrictions were placed on materials and colors according to social status, the differences between the wealthy and the common classes became quite noticeable.
It is said that commoners then began to enjoy fashion by putting effort into patterns, obi tying styles, and other details.
Expressing individuality and identity through original styling may feel similar to modern fashion as well.

From the Meiji period onward, when Japan was strongly influenced by Western culture, “Western clothing” gradually spread, also due to the issuance of the Clothing Edict.
At first, many people still spent their days in kimono, but after World War II, Western clothing became the main form of everyday wear.
As a result, kimono came to be seen as clothing for special occasions, leading to the modern understanding of them as traditional Japanese attire.

Uchikake is one of the bridal garments worn mainly by brides at weddings and belongs to first formal wear.
It is characterized by luxurious embroidery and elaborate patterns covering the whole garment, creating a sense of traditional beauty.
It is said to have originated from outer garments worn by samurai women in the Muromachi period for protection against the cold.
There are two types, shiromuku and iro-uchikake; the former is generally worn for the ceremony, and the latter for the wedding reception.

Kuromontsuki is one of the first formal kimono mainly worn for funerals and memorial services.
It can be worn by unmarried and married people alike, regardless of gender, though today it is often associated more strongly with men and is also called kuromofuku.
It features five family crests on an all-black fabric, placed on the back, both sides of the chest, and both sleeves, symbolizing family and lineage.
When worn, it is generally paired with a black fukuro obi and black accessories.

Furisode is one of the first formal kimono worn by unmarried women.
It is characterized by long sleeves measuring about 75 cm to 113 cm, and it comes in many varieties with colorful designs.
Depending on sleeve length, it is divided into ofurisode, chufurisode, and kofurisode, and each is used for different occasions.
Generally speaking, ofurisode is used as bridal wear, chufurisode for Coming of Age Day ceremonies and weddings, and kofurisode for everyday events.

Kurotomesode is one of the highest-ranking first formal kimono worn by married women.
Like kuromontsuki, it features five crests on black fabric, and its distinguishing feature is an ehaba pattern, a design that forms a single picture when spread out, drawn along the hem.
It is often worn by the mother of the bride or groom, or by the wife of a matchmaker, mainly at formal occasions such as weddings and receptions.

Irotomesode is basically the same as kurotomesode, except that the base color is dyed in a color other than black.
There are colorful varieties ranging from warm tones to cool tones, and the impression it gives changes depending on the base color.
There are no strict rules for choosing one, so it is selected based on personal taste, age, relationship to the family, and other factors.
Its formality also changes depending on the number of crests: five crests indicate first formal wear, while three or one crest indicates semi-formal wear.
It is often worn by unmarried women who are close relatives at weddings and receptions.
Semi-formal styles are also suitable for occasions such as parties and celebratory gatherings.

Homongi is semi-formal wear worn widely in settings ranging from formal to casual, regardless of age or marital status.
Its defining feature is the flowing ehaba pattern drawn from the shoulders down to the hem.
Because its level of formality can be adjusted by the presence of a crest and by the pattern, it is highly versatile and is worn for a variety of occasions, including weddings, miyamairi shrine visits for newborns, Shichi-Go-San, entrance ceremonies, and tea gatherings.

Tsukesage is semi-formal wear made with more understated patterns, toning down the glamorous impression of homongi.
It often features a one-point motif on the left shoulder, and all the patterns face upward without crossing the seams.
Another feature is its flexibility in styling, as the choice of obi can make it suitable for either formal or casual occasions.
It is used by people of all ages for occasions such as entrance and graduation ceremonies, as well as outings like theater visits and meals.

Iromuji is plain semi-formal wear made by dyeing white fabric a single color other than black.
It gives a simple and understated overall impression, and its formality changes depending on the presence and number of crests.
When it has one or more crests, it is worn for formal occasions such as weddings and Shichi-Go-San, while without a crest it is worn as outing wear for casual settings such as meals and lessons.

Komon is everyday wear covered with fine patterns and motifs all over.
With a wide variety of dyeing techniques and designs, it allows you to casually enjoy the elegance and brilliance of kimono.
It is suitable for occasions when you want to dress up a little, such as concerts and shopping, as well as casual weddings.
However, because the atmosphere changes greatly depending on the pattern and design, it is better to consider the occasion, season, and your age when choosing one.

Tsumugi is everyday wear woven from tsumugi yarn, made by spinning floss silk from broken cocoons.
It is one of Japan’s traditional textiles and has also been designated an Important Intangible Cultural Property.
Because the yarn is twisted by hand, its thickness is uneven, creating a distinctive texture and soft fullness that make it especially appealing.
Its production methods also carry unique techniques and histories, and its individual character appears in designs that reflect local culture and natural surroundings.
It is durable and practical, and is often worn in daily life and for light outings.

Yukata is the most casual and popular summer everyday wear among kimono.
It is worn by both men and women as event clothing for occasions such as fireworks festivals and summer festivals, and it fits naturally into everyday life.
It is made of light fabric with excellent breathability and moisture absorption, and is characterized by bright, summery patterns.
Because it is also very easy to put on, it can be enjoyed in a wide range of styles.

Shochikubai is a pattern symbolizing longevity, vitality, and purity.
It combines pine, which stays green even in winter, bamboo, which grows straight, and plum, which blooms early in spring.
Because these plants endure the winter cold, they are also called the “Three Friends of Winter,” and in Japan this has been a beloved traditional design since the Muromachi period.
Known as an auspicious motif, it is favored for the New Year and celebratory occasions.

Mari is a spherical pattern based on temari handballs, and it carries wishes for a good marriage, family harmony, and a happy life that continues on.
The long thread used to make temari also has the meaning of “tying bonds” and “connecting ties.”
It is often used for girls’ festive kimono, celebratory wear, and as a protective motif for married women.
Because mari were also playthings of aristocrats in the Heian period, the pattern has a noble image and is favored for its elegance as well.

Sakura is a pattern associated with abundant harvests, prosperity, and richness.
Because it buds in spring, it is considered auspicious and is favored for many occasions, including Coming of Age Day ceremonies that celebrate a new beginning.
Its gorgeous and beautiful design is also extremely popular, and it comes in many variations, such as full-bloom sakura, fluttering petals, and combinations with other motifs.

Kumihimo is a pattern made by intricately braiding together multiple threads such as raw silk, silk thread, and gold or silver thread.
It requires delicate craftsmanship, and the combinations of colors and braiding methods create a wide variety of designs and distinctive textures.
Its decorative beauty enhances the splendor of kimono and creates a timeless charm.
Derived from the idea of “tying together,” it has many interpretations, such as connecting men and women, linking people, and continuity, but it strongly carries spiritual meanings such as bonds and ties.

The kikko pattern is a geometric design made by arranging hexagons continuously.
It is one of the auspicious motifs symbolizing longevity and prosperity, and its orderly beauty is striking.
It was named because the hexagons resemble a turtle’s shell, and there are many variations such as komochi kikko and Bishamon kikko.
It is especially favored for celebratory occasions such as miyamairi and weddings.