Kimono

I wore kimono for the first time today, for no reason other than the woman who cut may hair last week wanted to play dress up. While I was at her salon she showed me photographs of a student delegation that she styled in kimono. After discovering that I had never tried it, she invited me back today. It was so much fun! But I'm convinced that I will never, ever learn how to to do that by myself. I couldn't believe all the layers and obis and wraps, etc. It was a bit like what I imagine wearing a corset would be like. However I quickly grew accustomed to it.

Of course, I was surprised when she asked me to take a drive to show it off. We stopped at the yakuba (town office), elementary school, post office, and a few other places. Initially I felt self conscious...but you know me, it didn't take much for me to come out of my shell!

Later I became aware of some confusion regarding the reason for the kimono. A rumour passed through town that I got married today, ha ha! Truthfully, people only wear kimono for a few key purposes, marriage being the main one, so I can understand why people thought so. Hopefully I can clarify things soon!

Above: Notice how beautifully the obi (the belt) is wrapped in the back

Below: My blatant plug for her salon! :) Seriously, she's really good at cutting hair. She even studied in Paris...

My friends from the yakuba - look, there ARE some young people in Ikata! Hopefully, they'll all be at my next party...