Okayama Korakuen, one of Japan's three most famous gardens.
Every autumn, the "Enyukai" Japanese Culture Festival is held.
Every autumn, the "Enyukai" Japanese Culture Festival is held.
Japanese performing arts using the Noh stage,
and experiences like drum playing and fan-tossing throughout the Kakumeikan hall,
it's the perfect event to enjoy a day in autumn dressed in a kimono.
and experiences like drum playing and fan-tossing throughout the Kakumeikan hall,
it's the perfect event to enjoy a day in autumn dressed in a kimono.
Amidst this,
Kojima, the textile town that Okayama boasts.
A kimono made from "the most suitable denim for a kimono,"
woven there.
Kojima, the textile town that Okayama boasts.
A kimono made from "the most suitable denim for a kimono,"
woven there.
Silk denim furisode
I was given the opportunity to showcase it.
Here's a look at the event:
⇩
The "silk denim" fabric used for this furisode
is produced by the denim company they work for.
To create a traditional garment, a kimono,
using fabric they themselves worked on, even if it's only part of the production.
is produced by the denim company they work for.
To create a traditional garment, a kimono,
using fabric they themselves worked on, even if it's only part of the production.
And, for this day,
they diligently learned how to wear a kimono,
dressed themselves, and stepped onto the Noh stage.
they diligently learned how to wear a kimono,
dressed themselves, and stepped onto the Noh stage.
How happy they must have been to receive applause from everyone.
How proud.
How proud.
In fact, this fashion show on the Noh stage
was not originally part of the program.
They were standing there as assistants to the presenter
for the "Kimono Three Awards" ceremony on the Noh stage.
That was their role.
for the "Kimono Three Awards" ceremony on the Noh stage.
That was their role.
Nevertheless, even if they were just assistants,
they believed it would be rude to the award recipients
so they learned how to wear a kimono,
acquired respectful manners,
and challenged themselves to face this important occasion,
they worked hard.
acquired respectful manners,
and challenged themselves to face this important occasion,
they worked hard.
Ms. Miho Nakayama, an announcer, who was watching up close
as they dressed themselves in furisode and tied their obi in the dressing room at Korakuen.
as they dressed themselves in furisode and tied their obi in the dressing room at Korakuen.
Perhaps she was surprised that they dressed themselves in furisode,
but she was very interested in the furisode they were wearing!
After I told Ms. Nakayama the story behind this furisode,
a fashion show on the Noh stage!
That's how it came about.
It was an unexpected turn of events,
but I am most pleased that it became a good opportunity for these young women, who will lead the next generation,
to feel pride in their work,
pride in their hometown,
and
pride in Japan.
but I am most pleased that it became a good opportunity for these young women, who will lead the next generation,
to feel pride in their work,
pride in their hometown,
and
pride in Japan.
And above all,
I believe that through learning to wear a kimono over the past few months,
they have gained a solid confidence in themselves.
As for myself,
I was happy to convey important things through kimonos,
and this unveiling made me truly excited for the future of "silk denim,"
a new denim with potential born in Kojima.
a new denim with potential born in Kojima.
