Journal of Student Research 2019

Journal of Student Research 134 subtle, impacted the fashion industry not only in Japan; but also, internationally through western influences and globalization. Although its influence is spreading, the art form of creating and wearing the traditional multilayered kimono is slowly dying (Demetriou, 2010).

Tradition and Modernization: the Survival of the Japanese Kimono

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Heian period (794 CE-1185 CE) male and female court clothing (Hogencamp, 2015).

Literature Review Before the kimono, traditionally men wore a kind of trousers with strings attached and a top that look like a coat; while women wore a form of dress that had a top like vest and a long skirt (Inoue, 1999). With the introduction of the kimono, the style of Japanese wear changed to include sleeves and collars. It was not until the later periods of Japanese history, starting with the Heian Era that the creative and manufacturing process of the kimono was born to represent the culture and Japanese craft. The main form of the kimono consists of the outer layer, undergarments, obi belt with the tie strings, ankle high zori socks, and specialized footwear called tabi . Kimono is only a general term for the garment, but many other types are depending on gender, events, age, and geographic; making it significant and unique to the category worn in (Ito, 2012). Kofun era (250 CE-538 CE) haniwa clay figure Left: A depiction of what women wore during the Kofun era (Giovannetti, n.d.). Right: A depiction of a king with a hawk during the Kofun era, representing men’s wear (Scott, n.d.).

From left to right: Male formal kimono (Montsuki), female formal kimono (Hikifurisode & Tomesode) (Shioizaki, 2018).

According to the Victoria and Albert Museum (2013), the traditional kimono created by one long roll of fabric that is about 36 cm wide by 11-meter-long is then cut into seven straight pieces.

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Table of Contents