History of Kimono

Going back to the roots of the Japanese national costume; kimono, in the Jomon Era (14,000 - 300 BC), people wore a sack dress called kantoi, which was simply a cylindrical piece of cloth with holes.

In the latter half of the Yayoi Era (300BC - 250 AD), it became a two-part style, consisting of a jacket and underwear, with men wearing trousers and women wearing long skirts. Up to this point, it was an image like clothes.

During the Yamato Era (250 - 710 AD), clothing also became continental style due to the influence of China but In the latter half of the Nara Era (710 - 794AD) , loose silhouettes that fit the unique climate of Japan were born. Women wore long sleeves, and this can be said to be the original form of modern kimono.

During the Heian Era (794 - 1185 AD), more modern kimonos were born. Aristocratic girls wore junihitoe with many collars, while commoners wore simple a kimono with thin obi.

When we moved from the aristocratic society of the Heian Era to the samurai society, kimono became simpler, and the ease of movement began to be emphasized. The kosode, which had short sleeves, is the centerpiece, and the obi was also long and narrow and tied in front.

During the Azuchi-Momoyama Era (1568 - 1600 AD), luxurious kimonos with splendid patterns were created while keeping the shape of kosode. Not only nobles and samurai families, but also townspeople gradually started to wear flashy clothes to show off as merchants gained power.

In the Edo Era (1603 - 1868 AD), the power of townspeople grew stronger, and not only the materials and patterns of kimonos and obis, but also things such as how to tie obis, hairstyles, and craftsmanship of accessories were produced. It is also around this time that Yuzen and Nishijin textiles flourished. With the isolation of the country (Sakoku), it was further cultivated as a culture unique to Japan, and the foundation of modern kimono was established.

After the long Edo Era ended and Western clothes were introduced in the Meiji Era (1868 - 1912 AD), and Western lifestyle gradually took hold.

From around the middle of the Taisho Era (1912 - 1926 AD), people began to wear western clothes, but kimono became essential for important ceremonies and occassions, as well as a symbol of luxury.

—- Information provided by Kyoto Prefecture