In Japan, there are two kinds of comfortable clothing: traditional and Western. The former, which includes the country’s national dress, is known as wafuku. On the other hand, the latter, which includes the kimono and Western clothing, is called youfuku.
Traditional Japan Clothing
The history of traditional Japanese fashion dates back to the Heian period, when various color palette techniques were developed. It also includes motifs drawn from various sources, such as Japanese literature and nature, and the use of silk for clothing.
Wafuku
“Wafuku” is a Japanese word that refers to traditional Japanese clothing, such as the kimono. The word “wafuku” literally means “Japanese clothing.”
The kimono is the most well-known type of wafuku and is typically made of silk or synthetic fabric. It is a long, T-shaped robe that is wrapped around the body and secured with a sash called an “obi.” Kimono come in a variety of colors, patterns, and designs, and they can range from simple and understated to highly decorative and ornate.
Wafuku also includes other types of traditional Japanese clothing, such as “haori,” which is a type of jacket that is worn over the kimono, and “zori,” which are sandals made of rice straw or fabric.
In addition to traditional clothing, the term “wafuku” can also refer to other aspects of traditional Japanese culture, such as food, art, and architecture. Despite the growing influence of Western culture in Japan, wafuku remains an important part of the country’s cultural heritage and is still widely appreciated and celebrated by Japanese people.
Kimino
One of the most popular forms of traditional Japanese clothing is the kimono. This garment refers to something that’s worn on the shoulders. Other types of clothing include those belonging to the Ainu people and the Ryukyuan. These include the traditional fabrics of the Bashfu and bingata communities.
Traditional clothing in Japan, also known as “kimono,” has a long history and is an important part of the country’s cultural heritage. The kimono is a type of robe that is wrapped around the body and is secured with a sash called an “obi.” It is typically made of silk or synthetic fabric and comes in a variety of colors, patterns, and designs.
One of the most recognizable types of kimono is the “uchiake,” which is a more casual, everyday kimono that is usually made of lighter, less expensive materials. Another type of kimono is the “tomesode,” which is a formal kimono that is worn by married women to formal events. It is typically black with intricate designs and patterns.
In addition to the kimono, traditional Japanese clothing also includes other items such as “geta,” which are wooden clogs that are worn with kimono, and “tabi,” which are split-toe socks.
Today, traditional Japanese clothing is still worn for special occasions and celebrations, such as weddings, tea ceremonies, and other traditional events. However, it is less commonly seen in everyday life and is often reserved for special events and performances. Nevertheless, the kimono remains an important part of Japan’s cultural heritage and continues to be an iconic symbol of the country.
Western Japan Clothing
Although modern Japanese fashion heavily involves Western clothing, many prominent designers such as Yohji Yamamoto and Issey Miyake have taken inspiration from traditional materials and ideas.
Their works have been exhibited all around the world, and they have contributed to the development of the fashion industry. Many designers have also contributed to the growth of the street fashion scene in Japan.
History of Western Japan Clothing
During the Second World War, many people in Japan were still wearing traditional clothing. However, since Western clothing became more affordable over time, it became more common for people to wear Western clothes as everyday clothes. Traditional clothes have also been associated with being expensive and difficult to wear.
Due to the increasing number of special events and ceremonies that are held in Japan, traditional clothes have become more prevalent. In addition to being worn for these events, the most common time that people would wear these clothes is during summer festivals. The most prominent groups that are known to wear these clothes are the sumo wrestlers, as well as the maiko and geisha.
The fascination with Japanese fashion has grown in the Western world due to how it represents a different culture. This was apparent during the 1860s when traditional clothes became very popular. They were then exported to the West and became very popular among fashion designers and artists.
Fascinated by the traditional clothes, the prevalence of stereotypes about Japanese culture, such as those associated with the “geisha girls,” became widespread during the Second World War.
Over time, various discussions about cultural appropriation have been held regarding the ways in which these clothes can be used to mock a certain culture. In 2016, an event known as Kimono Wednesday, which was held at the Museum of Arts in Boston, was a prominent example of this.
Conclusion
Regardless kimono being one of the traditional clothing, the most popular activity that travelers who travel to Japan look forward to is seeing the kimono. Although many people, such as geishas and sumo wrestlers, still wear this garment, it has since become less common. Nowadays, most Japanese people only wear it for formal events and festivals.