So here's the first of many Japanese vocabulary words I will be using: yukata.
What is a yukata you may ask?
A yukata is sometimes confused with its formal, heavy, and very expensive relative, the kimono. They are worn during the summer when Japan experiences weather that is described as mushi atsui or comparative to a monsoon weather with bugs, humidity, and heat. A yukata is not only more accessible to people that love the Japanese culture (a yukata runs from $60+) , it is also more manageable in hot weather since it is made of a lightweight cotton.
They were first worn in the Heian era in Japan by nobleman to protect themselves from the heat and sweat and because it was not customary to be unclothed outside of the bath. Though the word yukata translates to "bathing clothes" in Japanese, this ensemble is not restricted for the home. Sumo wrestlers and Kabuki performers also wear yukata everyday. Other places you can find people dressed in this robe are at festivals and outdoor, summer events.
What's the difference between a yukata and a nemaki yukata?
A yukata is not lined and a nemaki is. It is also used for wearing at home rather than outside. The sleeves are usually straight-shaped and they are not colored as brilliantly as a yukata. They are usually secured in place using a simple sash rather than an obi. (Keep reading to find out what an obi is!)
What's age got to do with it?
What I found to be interesting is that in Japan, certain colors of yukata can signify an individual's age. As you age, you are expected to wear more conservative colors and patterns. Men's yukata are usually just darker regardless of the age of the wearer.
What is another alternative to a yukata?
Another popular form of yukata is the happi-coat. In the past, they were used as a uniform for labor jobs or professionals such as firefighters, chefs, and servants.
Happi coats are usually made of cotton and are available in a variety of styles and colors today featuring designs such as family crests, business logos, or scenery. It is distinguished from a yukata due to its length: knee-high size. Today, they are almost exclusively worn as an alternative to a yukata during festivals accompanied with a hachimaki. They can be worn open or with a koshi-imo sash.
How is a yukata worn and with what accessories?
A man's yukata usually has shorter sleeves (10 cm) than a woman's (20 cm). In order to wear a yukata, you need a juban (or something that can be worn under your robe), a yukata, 2 koshi-imo sashes, an obi, and a pair of geta.
A juban is a cotton undergarment worn under the yukata.
The yukata is the outer robe.
A koshi-imo sash is worn to keep the yukata in place.
The geta are the special shoes worn with the yukata.
An obi is the the band worn around the waist that serves as the cherry on top to your beautiful Japanese ensemble!
Step 1: Put on your juban or some sort of undergarments. (Keep in mind that if your yukata is a light color, you will probably want to wear something underneath that isn't too dark so it will not be seen.)
Step 2: Put your yukata on. Don't be worried if it is too long as you will be using sashes to keep them in the perfect place for your body. Also when putting on your yukata, make sure to wrap the left side of the robe over the right side. (Wrapping the right side over the left is how Japanese prepare bodies for funerals!)
Step 3: Tie one of the koshi-imo sashes once you have adjusted the length of your yukata in place. Then, take a moment to smooth out any wrinkles and tie the second sash when you have found the desired waist width. (Try to tie the sash firmly and as tight as you can wear it comfortably. If the sashes are in place, that will ensure no outfit malfunctions and will allow your obi to easily be tied on top.)
Step 4: You have two options with an obi: a pre-made one or one that is DIY (do it yourself). I prefer the pre-made obi as it is already beautifully shaped and very simple and quick to put on.
Step 5: Put on your geta and accessorize! Here's some ways you can add some flair to your ensemble...
A kinchaku is a carrying bag for your cell-phone, wallet, etc.
A sankakkei fan can be multi-functional for cooling yourself down and for ondo dancing.
Kanzashi is an ornate hair piece that can be easily clipped or pinned.
And there you have it! You're all dressed and ready to go to the obon, japanese festival! ^_^
For those of you in Long Beach, CA that are looking to learn more about the Japanese culture and have an opportunity to wear your yukata, here's the website for the first annual Cherry Blossom and Anime Festival as well as the event on Facebook. After all of the hard work and planning, it will be rewarding to see it all come to life. I will be attending decked out in my yukata as the "Cherry Blossom Queen" with the beautiful, "Anime Queen" Noriko at the event!
Stay tuned for pictures of myself, Noriko, as well as other attendees of the festival in my next blog! (:
Also, here's some other links if you're interested in more information...
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Thanks for reading, everyone!
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I also have started a "like" page for my modeling here: https://www.facebook.com/MidoriEsmeralda. New post will be up soon, so stay classy!
XOXO Midori
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