Kimono

In the case of kosode (kimono with short sleeves) that has been used since the Muromachi period, ‘awase’ means the one that has a lining without cotton padding, and it is distinguished from a padded kosode for winter use. What is Hitoe kimono? Hitoe is one kimono without lining of many kimonos forming juni-hitoe (twelve-layered […]

“Wagara” are traditional Japanese patterns. They are historic designs, each with a specific meaning, originally created for decorating traditional Japanese garments – kimono and yakata. The original pattern date back to the 8th century Heian period of Japan, and are largely inspired by nature. What do the patterns on kimono mean? Kimono Patterns―9. Ougi (Fan) […]

Seigaiha. Seigaiha literally means ‘blue sea and waves’. It was used to illustrate seas and oceans on maps. The water and waves also symbolise power and resistance, key elements of Japanese culture. The waves are drawn as layered concentric circles which create arches and overlap. What are Japanese patterns called? WagaraIn general, Wagara means a […]

Japanese peony The peony (botan) symbolizes bravery and honor. What flower represents protective? Verbascum is a symbol of courage, protection, and health. What is the sacred flower of Japan? Sakura (Japanese Cherry) Cherry blossoms are intrinsic to the national image of Japan, since cherry blossoms are the national flower of Japan. The blooms are light […]

The Shippo pattern has come to symbolize never-ending harmony and peace. In Japan, the crane, or Tsuru, symbolizes longevity and good fortune. It is often represented along with the tortoise, or Kame in Japanese. What does the Japanese wave pattern mean? The seigaiha or wave is a pattern of layered concentric circles creating arches, symbolic […]

Wagara. In general, Wagara means a Japanese pattern or design. These traditional and historic designs each have a very specific meaning and are often associated with a specific season or occasion. Many of these patterns date back thousands of years to as early as the 8th century and are mainly inspired by nature. What are […]

At night, by candlelight, as in the case of geisha, a woman’s face glimmered magically. Unpainted teeth would have looked unpleasantly yellow in contrast and the black lacquer helped hide the teeth, which may not have been in the best of shape. Black teeth were simply the norm. What does black teeth mean in Japan? […]

The sun on the Japanese flag is red, Shinto priests often wear at least some red, and Japanese festivals are often marked by their red decor and red and white curtains. Red in Japanese (Aka) Name Modern Early Japanese Ao Blue Vague What Colour is Japanese red? AkaiJapanese Colors as Adjectives English Japanese Romaji Red […]

Writing love in Japanese is represented as the kanji symbol 愛 which means love and affection. What symbolizes happiness in Japan? The Japanese crane (tsuru – 鶴) is a symbol of happiness, fidelity and longevity. Does Suki mean love? First of all, suki (好き). The latter can be used more lightly than the other three. […]

Nudity is compulsory at an onsen Nudity is mandatory at most onsens so get used to the idea. Some allow you to use a small modesty towel while walking to and from the hot spring but many forbid even this. There is little to be worried about. Can you wear clothes in an onsen? 2: […]

Red is the color of festivals and festival zones are marked by curtains with red and white stripes. The symbolic meaning of red is peace and the prosperity of the family. In Kabuki theater performances, red stripes on the actors’ faces means justice. Is the color red offensive in Japan? Red in Japanese Culture It […]

How To Tie an Obi: Hanhaba Bunko Style You can wear a hanhaba obi with a summer yukata. Measure about 45 cm from the end of the obi. Create a fold at a 45 degree angle and wrap the obi over the date-jime sash. Wrap the obi around your torso twice, tightening at each full […]

What is a Haori? A haori is a formal overcoat worn over kimono. Though they are most commonly found as jacket length, there are also full or floor length haori. Their usage varies depending on the wearer’s age and gender. What do you wrap around a kimono? If you are wearing a kimono in the […]

How to DIY it: Part your hair down the middle. Start on one side of your head and grab a one-inch section at the hairline. Twist the section back toward your ear, adding hair into the twist as you go. Stop just before you reach your ear and secure with a butterfly clip or two. […]

Giyuu “passed” the Final Selection at age 13, and Gotouge tells us in Taisho Secrets in volume 11 that the average length of time it takes to become a Pillar is five years, or if someone is quick, then about two years. How did Giyuu become a Hashira? Inosuke is quickly impressed with his strength […]

purity. The color white, or shiro in Japanese is considered a sacred color of the gods. It is the symbol of spiritual and physical purity. Since old times, the Emperor of Japan used to dress in white clothes for the main Shinto rituals. A bride’s dress and head covering for the traditional Shinto wedding is […]

How to Tie a Scarf: Kimono Wrap Step 1: Center a long rectangle scarf across your back (we used this one). Wrap the ends of the scarf over your arms and bring them forward. Step 2: Cross the ends of the scarf in front of your body. Step 3: Bring the ends around to the […]

Like most geisha, Tsukasa uses only a single professional name. In less than 20 minutes, Ishihara whipped her hair into a massive sculpture of double wings, the masterpiece held in place with human hair extensions, stiff wax, silk ribbons, felt and inner bindings of rope made of absorbent Japanese paper. What do geishas put in […]

Try using an elegant, lacy bow with something like a fake flower on it. As yukatas are elegant outfits, it’s helpful to have a fancy bow in place after securing your hair in a bun. You can either use a ribbon as a bow or go for a clip on barrette/bow. Can you wear makeup […]

Women would mix honey and acacia fruit and soak lint or cotton in the mixture. They inserted the lint or cotton into their vaginas before having sex, and the combination would kill some sperm before they reached the uterus. What would happen if a geisha became pregnant? She would tell the kenban and her okaasan […]