Journal of Student Research 2019

Journal of Student Research

Tradition and Modernization: the Survival of the Japanese Kimono Methodology To answer the research question, what is the Japanese kimono and the outlook in the present world, the researcher used two types of research methods. Firstly, a documentary analysis was conducted using secondary sources such as historical documents based on the kimono. These secondary sources showed the evolvement of the kimono and the manufacturing process since it was difficult to see the process first hand. When analyzing the modern kimono industry and influence, secondary sources that consist of recent news articles within the last eight years are looked at. The other method used was observation. To further study the kimono, the researcher stayed in Nagasaki, Japan for five months and traveled to different parts of Japan to observe the interactions of society and the kimono. The observation consists of interacting with Japanese nationals who have used a kimono before and after the start of the 21st century. The observation also looked at the market by understanding what stores are doing to retain and gain customers. By doing so, two companies were chosen in the concluding research to represent the observation. Participants in the study consisted of Japanese citizens and foreigners who have experience with the kimono in Japan. There is no form of categorizing participants experience in any order. Participants interactions with the kimono are the focus used as an analysis of the garment. Participants are allowing for an understanding of the industry and the garment in modern Japan. Participants The procedure the researcher used was an analysis of textbooks, research journals, and historical data. This analysis gave origin, meaning and changes throughout Japan’s culture. This procedure allowed the researcher to understand how the kimono adapted to history, while still able to keep its foundation and value. Speaking to participants in this study while living in Japan surrounded by the Japanese culture gave an aesthetic appreciation, understanding, and comparison of how the western culture has influenced Japanese culture but has not entirely lost its traditional techniques and values in the fashion industry as depicted from a westerner’s viewpoint. By interacting first hand with the Japanese culture, a conclusion was able to be drawn based on what is seen and told from the Japanese perspective. Results & Discussion With the introduction of western clothing styles, the use of the kimono has dwindled as they were constricting, tedious, and impractical for work in the 21st Procedure

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that if one folds 1000 paper cranes and makes a wish on it, the wish will come true (Aung, 2015).

Plum- symbol of refinement and purity is “one of the first blossoms to open during the year and has always been closely associated with the coming of spring” (qtd in Aung, 2015, p 9). It is also a symbol and reminder of former lovers. Mountains- symbol of being unyielding and strength seen in traditional art and embroidered in men’s clothing (Museum, 2013). Clouds-symbol of elegance and high status, “in Buddhism, clouds signify the “Western Paradise” beyond earth; and in Shintoism, the spirits of the dead” (qtd in Museum, 2013, p 17). Gourd- symbolizing good luck, health and prosperity, is “often associated with divinity and found in many regional folk tales stemming from Taoist beliefs” (qtd in Aung, 2015, p 10). The symbol is originally from China. Waves- symbolizing flow and a free mind, power and reliance. According to Japanese art and design themes, waves continuously ebb and flow and so it also symbolizes having a great tactical ability (Museum, 2013). Koi- symbol of aspiration and perseverance, the Koi became a symbol based upon the story of the koi who swam upstream and climbed the waterfall to become a dragon as dragons themselves are a symbol of strength and power (Aung, 2015). Although the image is like ones seen in Chinese culture, the meaning behind them is formed based on Japanese culture. The symbols that derive from Chinese culture are the ones most related to Buddhism and Taoist beliefs as they came from China before implementing themselves into the Japanese culture (Museum, 2013). However, the symbols more specific to Japan, such as the sun, chrysanthemum, sakura, and others, come from the Shinto religion and aesthetic of nature as it corresponds with the cycle of life. As these symbols have been used since ancient times and brought into the 21st century, it is understandable that tradition, although lost through time, the motif is still preserved through these symbols as art, stories, superstitions, and beliefs.

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