Japanese Clothing: The Kimono

The Japanese culture has existed for thousands of years on the islands off the coast of Asia. The climate can vary dramatically from sub-tropic in the southernmost region to sub-arctic in the northernmost region. Japanese clothing has existed for just as long as the culture has, with minor modifications according to the needs of the people. Therefore, the kimono we see today is clearly a recognizable descendant of the kimono of 300 A.D.

The kimono is a garment made of silk. Yet,it is more than just a mere piece of clothing. It visible indication of the wearer's social class, wealth, and even marital status. Everyone from Geishas to the royal family wore kimono, and it once was the most common type of clothing in Japan. Today, however, Kimono are usually seen only at funerals, weddings, or other formal ceremonies.

Wearing a kimono is very serious business. It is not a garment one can simply slip over one's head and be on one's merry way in. To properly adorn a kimono, the wearer must have everything from special socks to a special handbag to carry around. The hair and make-up are also an integral part of kimono-wearing. These aspects must also be perfect. This probably arises from the focus on beauty and perfection during the Heian and Momoyama periods.

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