Tag: kimono

The kimono (着物) is a Japanese traditional garment worn by women, men and children.

Kimonos are T-shaped, straight-lined robes worn so that the hem falls to the ankle, with attached collars and long, wide sleeves. Kimonos are wrapped around the body, always with the left side over the right (except when dressing the dead for burial), and secured by a sash called an obi, which is tied at the back.

Kimonos are generally worn with traditional footwear (especially zouri or geta) and split-toe socks (tabi). They are also commonly worn with a hakama. The miko (shrine maiden) commonly wears a kimono with hakama and geta.

Today, kimonos are most often worn by women, and on special occasions. The formal kimono was replaced by the more convenient Western clothes and yukata as everyday wear.

Kimono is a language of symbolism. Most Japanese would know some of the basic rules, but a great majority of the messages and nuances are only readable to a devoted afficinando. A range of details in the dress, including sleeve length and shape, collar position, accessories, and any possible feature of the obi cover messages concerning the wearer's age, sex, marriage status, wealth, the occasion, relations, the season and personality.

In anime, an elderly character wearing kimono will likely represent the traditional ways, demanding respect as the iron-fisted matri- or patriarch of their family. Female characters wearing a kimono daily means that they will most likely follow the expected ideal of a Japanese person of their age, sex and position. An example is Sakuraba Aoi from Ai Yori Aoshi.

Sources: wiki & tvtropes