Pre-tied Obi: WANOHA
~Attaching wings to backs around the world~
(Patent Pending)
Obi sash “WANOHA” (patent pending)
I plan and sell Japanese attire using textiles from Okayama.
I also support special occasions as a kimono dresser and run kimono dressing classes,
where I convey the rationality of Japanese attire and the benefits of obi for core strength.
The reason I developed the “Tsukuri Obi - WANOHA” was for my future self.
I have been involved in kimono dressing for about 30 years.
Since giving up Western clothes during the pandemic, I have been living in traditional Japanese attire.
Recently, I've noticed that the strength in my fingertips has gradually weakened with age.
The words of an elderly person I once heard, "I stopped wearing kimonos because I couldn't tie the obi anymore," now deeply resonate with me.
I don't want to give up wearing kimonos. If there was a way to easily tie an obi by myself even as I age
—that's how “WANOHA” was born.
I have been living in traditional Japanese attire
since giving up Western clothing during the pandemic.
Recently, I have noticed a slight decline in the strength of my fingertips
as I have gotten older.
The words of an elderly person I once heard, “I stopped wearing kimono because I could no longer tie the obi,” now deeply resonate with me.
I don't want to give up kimono. If there were a way to tie the obi easily on my own even as I age—that's how “WANOHA” was born.
I usually enjoy creative knots with a half-width obi.
Obi tying is a means of self-expression.
Leveraging that skill and sensibility, I have achieved both a "hand-tied look" and
an "easy-to-wear structure."
Obi tying is a means of self-expression.
I have combined the technique and sensibility of hand-tied knots
with a structure that allows for easy wearing.
Features of WANOHA
- ・華やかな飾り結び in half-width obi
- ・Three-dimensional form that looks like a hand-tied obi
- ・Easy to put on by yourself
This obi was developed through repeated prototyping, assuming that I would be able to confidently continue wearing Japanese clothing in the future.
I hope this obi will help those who are struggling with obi and are about to give up on Japanese clothing.
This obi was developed through repeated prototyping, with the premise
that future users can confidently continue wearing traditional Japanese attire.
I hope it will assist those who are struggling with obi and considering
giving up on traditional Japanese attire.
Features of “WANOHA”
- • Elegant decorative knots using a half-width obi
• A three-dimensional form that feels like a hand-tied knot
• Easy to fit even when alone
In the future, we plan to apply this technology to children's kimono for Shichi-Go-San, coming-of-age ceremonies, and men's obi, among others.
There will be no future me lamenting, "My hands are no longer strong enough."
May this obi become a "WANOHA" that brings joy and freedom to all those who wish to continue enjoying Japanese attire.
In the future, we plan to expand our lineup beyond our original “Kojima Obi”
to include children's, coming-of-age ceremony, and men's obi.
There will be no future me lamenting, “I no longer have the strength in my hands.”
May this obi become a source of joy and freedom for those
who wish to continue enjoying traditional Japanese attire for years to come.
How to wear the "WANOHA" obi sash
How to wear the “WANOHA” obi sash
1 Put on your kimono and attach the obi-plate.
Put on your kimono and attach the obi-plate.
2 Bring the "WANOHA" around to the back and place it against your back.
Bring the “WANOHA”around to the back and place it against your back.
3 Fasten the Velcro in the center at the front of your stomach (above the obi-plate).
Fasten the Velcro in the center at the front of your stomach.
4 Tie the upper triple elastic cord at the front (lift "WANOHA" as if carrying a backpack and attach it to your back for stability).
Tie the upper triple elastic cord at the front. (Attaching it to your back like a backpack will stabilize it.)
5 Overlap the obi with the lower strap at the front of your body (either left or right can be on top).
Overlap the obi with the lower strap at the front of your body. (It does not matter which side of the obi is on top.)
6 Cross the lower strings at the back, bring them to the front, and tie them.
Cross the lower strings at the back, bring them to the front, and tie them.
7 Tuck the tied strings under the belt so they are not visible.
Tuck the tied strings under the belt so they are not visible.
※ You can also enjoy coordinating by folding down the front of the belt to show the reverse side.
You can also enjoy coordinating by folding down the front of the belt to show the reverse side.
※ This belt has 7 cm and 8 cm tucks on each side, so by undoing the tucks, you can adjust the waist size by up to 15 cm.
This belt has 7 cm and 8 cm tucks on each side, so by undoing the tucks, you can adjust the waist size by up to 15 cm.