New Kimono Textbook by Kinoshita Kimono Lab

The central theme of this book is “a kimono style that fits today’s lifestyle.”

Many people express that the biggest hurdle when deciding to wear a kimono or encountering something unfamiliar is the anxiety of wondering, “Am I doing this wrong?” Of course, as one grows to love kimonos, the desire to learn more naturally arises. Rather than being a rulebook that imposes rigid guidelines, this book respects tradition while offering practical information and perspectives that can help readers incorporate kimonos into modern fashion, acting as a supportive guide that says, “You can wear a kimono with just this book!”

The keyword “new kimono” in this book includes suggestions for revisiting certain rules, allowing for a lighter and more contemporary enjoyment of kimonos. Kimonos, which envelop the body, have always been a part of life, subject to trends and changes over time. Many of the established norms and conventions regarding kimonos, which became prevalent during Japan’s postwar period of rapid economic growth, have recently been re-examined even among kimono enthusiasts, with suggestions like “You can wear it this way now.”

This book gathers such real-life experiences from wearers and organizes them in a balanced way, considering today’s living environment and modern fashion sense, covering the following themes:

◎ Shifting from postwar seasonal wardrobe rules to dressing that suits today’s warmer climate
◎ Introducing comfortable and elegant dressing techniques, including the new standard “front-tied” obi
◎ Coordinating ideas that align with the casualization of Western fashion

The author, “Kinoshita Kimono Research Institute,” is recognized for its work in bridging kimono wearers with the providers of kimonos, and for pioneering a modern kimono field. This book aspires to resonate with readers by sharing the happiness that wearing kimonos can bring.