Let's become a kimono savvy

I assisted a kimono lecture for interpreter guides who would like to explain more about kimonos to foreign tourists. Lecturer Satoko, whose mother is also a kimono lecturer, wore special sibori tye-dyeing kimono from her local town (I forgot the name but it was so beautiful!)

Audiences were quietly and seriously listening (this is typical Japanese manner) during the lecture part; kimono category, kaku status and history. However, when the question and answer session started, they were completely changed. Some of them brought uncertain origin kimonos and obis from their grand mothers. What these motifs are? Can I wear this, when and how? Is this OK for my age? How can I coordinate these???

On next lecture in June, we will make longer this family's old kimono part. To see old kimonos and feel their family history was so exciting for me, too.

Furoshiki Cloth Wrapping Magic Performance

My kitsuke mate Rie, who is awarded Furoshiki cloth performer, played at international goodwill party so I attended the party as one of her supporters.
International guests were so amazed to see she wrapped everything with just a square cloth.
From a succor ball to a pair of wine bottles and books, furoshiki cloth made them easy to carry.

Sakura is not pink but #fef4f4

Yes it's sakura season again so I wear pink. However, when I checked Traditional Japanese Color Names, I found there is sakura color #fef4f4 and pale sakura color, #fdeff2. I realized these sakura colors are much lighter than western pink.
These days, when we say "sakura pink," we image heavier pink than real sakura flowers. Interesting!