Kimono Interesting Facts

To understand the significance of the kimono in Japanese culture, it's important to know some of its interesting facts. From the color-coded significance used by ancestral Japanese clans to the method of wearing it properly, this article takes a deeper look at the fascinating world of the kimono. Read on to find out more interesting facts about one of Japan's most iconic pieces of clothing.

Kimonos are traditional Japanese clothing. The word "kimono" literally translates to "thing to wear," and they are usually worn by both men and women during ceremonies, formal occasions, and festivals throughout Japan. Here are several interesting facts about the kimono that you might find interesting:

Kimonos Can Be Worn By Both Men & Women

Unlike many cultures where clothing typically identifies a gender role within society; unlike many countries; men and women can both wear kimonos on special occasions meaning both males and females are seen wearing this distinctive form of clothing without differentiation between sexes and genders​ ​in social settings such ​as temples, shrines, etc​ around Japan​ today!

Origin of Kimono From China

Kimono is a traditional Japanese garment that has been around 300 CE, after being introduced by Chinese envoys. The Imperial Japanese court quickly adopted Chinese styles of dress and clothing, with evidence of the oldest samples of shibori tie-dyed fabric stored at the Shōsōin Temple being Chinese in origin, due to the limitations of Japan's ability to produce the fabrics at the time. The kimono shape has stayed mostly the same throughout time, although some families have changed certain aspects such as the color, pattern, and material depending on their lifestyle.

Must Wear a Kimono Left-Over-Right

Traditionally, wearing a kimono was a sign of respect for both ceremonial and everyday occasions in Japan. They are only wrapped around one's body from left-over-right similar to Chinese traditions as right-over-left are meant for the deceased.

No One Knows Why The Pillow At The Back Was For

There were different theories

1. The first is that after Japan introduced Hanfu, Buddhism also spread to Japan that time, and there was a kind of reverence for the clothes of missionaries, so the Japanese began to imitate the clothes of missionaries. They are also tied up with bows. And evolve it to wear a belt and put it behind, instead of putting it in front like a missionary.
2. According to legend, the Japanese seldom stayed at home at that time, so the population of Japan dropped sharply. To ensure population stability, women are required to carry a small pillow so that they can pass on the lineage anytime, anywhere
3. The hump in the kimono's back is visually beautiful, adding symmetry to its overall design and emphasizing gracefulness in motion when worn by its owner. It also serves as a guide for how to tie the colorful obi sash into place—ensuring that one’s outfit looks perfect every time.
4. Functionality: The shape provides support for women who wear them - allowing them to stand up straighter or carry heavier loads with more ease. Additionally, samurai during Japan’s feudal era used these cushions to protect their spines while wearing armor on top of their kimonos. This extra cushioning prevented discomfort in battle while providing shock absorption if they got hit with arrows or spears.

The Largest Kimono Was 18.36m (60.24 ft) by 16.35 m (53.64 ft)

Have you ever wondered what the largest kimono in the world looks like? On October 22, 2011, a masterpiece was created by Eiko Kobayashi and presented at Kimononoyakata Marusan in Fukushima, Iwaki, Japan. This enormous kimono measured 18.36 m (60.24 ft) wide and 16.35 m (53.64 ft) high - so big that it was intended to fit the robot "Gundam"! The process to create the incredible kimono took 15 workers a full year of dedication and hard work, with a laser measure being used to determine its size before it was raised by crane for adjudication. In this article, we will explore how this gigantic creation came to be as well as some of its impressive features.

Kimonos Are Worn in Several Different Seasons

Kimonos are often associated with summer wear because of their breezy kake-obi style tied obi, but there are different types of kimono that can be worn in different seasons. In the winter, people will wear an extra layer, such as a haori coat over their regular kimono. For example, the haori coat is often worn during tea ceremonies or weddings in Japan.

Every Region Has Its Own Traditional Kimono Style

In Japan’s four main islands (Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku, and Hokkaido) there is an indigenous population with traditional folk costumes or regional “happi” attire made from fabrics that reflect their regional culture. These regional costumes differ throughout the country for festive occasions like spring flower viewing or visiting a shrine for New Year's prayers. The most common type of traditional dress among the Ainu people is called the Nibutachi-Sarawagi-type and it has its own style of obi wrapping methods!

“Furisode” is a long-sleeved kimono only worn by single young ladies while “Houmongi” is an informal outing daywear often adorned with energetic designs. “Iromuji” are embroidered mono colors which can be more formal or casual according to its obi sash accompaniment; beltless black colors are dubbed "mofuku" which signify mourning attire; Uchikake boasts beautiful patterns fit for ceremonies like weddings or other celebrations; lastly Yukata is lightweight cotton recommended all year round as light summery wraps beside hot springs or firework festivals with sandals instead of tabi socks!

The Most Expensive Kimono Is Junihitoe

The most expensive kimono is the Junihitoe.

• Its name simply translates to "twelve-layer robe," and that's just what it is: a kimono with 12 layers in all, and the Junihitoe's layers are all pure silk, but the intricate pattern of each layer is only visible at the hem.
• These garments are, without a doubt, prohibitively costly and exceedingly rare. They're still a ton of weight. A Junihitoe will weigh up to 20 kilograms when fully clothed, including the counting in the under-robe and the coat that covers it all. It's very old, having been untouched for over a thousand years.
• This could explain why it is so costly. The Junihitoe is said to be beautiful because it has sheer layers of silk. A woman wearing this pricey kimono will almost certainly be a member of a powerful clan. It's no surprise that this is the most costly of all the kimonos. The price can be at least $100,000, as an authentic Japanese silk kimono yet still can be considered affordable by the Japanese.

The most expensive available kimono was from the Japanese brand Chiso and takes around 20 artisans over six months to make, and it can cost over $10,000.

Silk was traditionally used to make kimonos due to its luxurious feel on the skin as well as its high durability when compared to other fabrics.  The high cost of producing silk in Japan also makes them quite expensive compared to other materials such as cotton or polyester. However, it is worth noting that some cheaper synthetic silks have been created in recent years which could be more economical than natural silk options if you're looking for something more affordable!