Kimonos 1 - General

Kimono is the national costume of Japan. We don't wear kimono everyday, just only on special occasions - like weddings, funerals, and other formal ceremonies.

Western clothes were introduced in the Meiji era (1868-1912). The Meiji government adopted a European style military uniform and decided that officials, mailmen, railroad workers wear western clothes to transform the country into a modern state. This trend spread to ordinary people.

A real (authentic) kimono is expensive (several hundred thousand yen or more (over $ several thousand) - even the highest price up to 10 million yen ($100,000), because it is made of silk.
It seems to be expensive, but a good kimono can be worn for life.

T shape (one design)

Traditionally, kimono is handed down from generation to generation.

Kimono is designed to fit all body type with only one basic design.
(see the right photo). The design has not changed for hundred of years. With a little bit of maintenance. it can be worn for years.