Kimono Flea Market ICHIROYA's News Letter No.777
Dear Newsletter readers,
Hello, this is Mari.
Are you ready for Christmas and New Year?
What kind of dishes do you cook for holiday gathering?
Since I used to live in the U.S for long time, I cook American holiday dishes.
The typical dishes at my home include followings.
Are you ready for Christmas and New Year?
What kind of dishes do you cook for holiday gathering?
Since I used to live in the U.S for long time, I cook American holiday dishes.
The typical dishes at my home include followings.
- Roast beef
My boys, including my husband, are not big fans of turkey. So, I always cook
roast beef. More than that! there is no large enough oven to roast turkey in
Japan! So, that is another good excuse not to cook turkey.
My boys, including my husband, are not big fans of turkey. So, I always cook
roast beef. More than that! there is no large enough oven to roast turkey in
Japan! So, that is another good excuse not to cook turkey.
- Green bean casserole
This is the most popular dish at my home. 1 3qt baking dish is not enough for
my boys. I always bake 2 dishes. While we eat the first dish, I bake the second
dish. By the time we finish the first one, the second one is ready to be served.
Although they are not vegie-lovers at all, this is the special dish!
Unfortunately, Campbell's cream of mushroom soup can is not available at regular
super market in Japan. So, I make the dish from scratch with milk, butter and fresh
mushroom. Actually, it taste better than the one I use the canned soup.
This is the most popular dish at my home. 1 3qt baking dish is not enough for
my boys. I always bake 2 dishes. While we eat the first dish, I bake the second
dish. By the time we finish the first one, the second one is ready to be served.
Although they are not vegie-lovers at all, this is the special dish!
Unfortunately, Campbell's cream of mushroom soup can is not available at regular
super market in Japan. So, I make the dish from scratch with milk, butter and fresh
mushroom. Actually, it taste better than the one I use the canned soup.
- Sweet bread
Since my husband used to live in Hawaii, he loooooves Hawaiian sweet bread.
So, freshly baked sweet bread must be there. My boys eat the bread so fast!
30sec. after I took the bread out from the oven, they finish half of it.
Again, I need to bake 2.
Since my husband used to live in Hawaii, he loooooves Hawaiian sweet bread.
So, freshly baked sweet bread must be there. My boys eat the bread so fast!
30sec. after I took the bread out from the oven, they finish half of it.
Again, I need to bake 2.
These three are "must be served" dishes. Other than them, I randomly serve mac & cheese, green salad, creamed corn and so on. I will cook those dishes for Christmas, too. My oven will be so busy to bake all those dishes! I hope that I won't burn any of them.
As some of you may already know, we are working so hard on this unique obi project! Look at them! They are not traditional obi you know! Keep checking the following page, we will try to make more unique obi!
*Even if the obis are sold out, please contact us if you want them. We will make it for you.
https://www.ichiroya.com/sp/list.php?spid=S5bf5e56d9b5e4
https://www.ichiroya.com/sp/list.php?spid=S5bf5e56d9b5e4
Thank you for reading my newsletter! Happy holidays!
Kimono Flea Market ICHIROYA's News Letter No.776
Konnichiwa everyone! Ogenki desuka?
This is Yoko from Ichiroya. I hope that you are having a nice weekend. :)
This is Yoko from Ichiroya. I hope that you are having a nice weekend. :)
Have you noticed that we are having a huge markdown sale???
The price is incredibly tempting and you do not want to miss this opportunity!!
Please check our Final Sale category to view what is left!!
The price is incredibly tempting and you do not want to miss this opportunity!!
Please check our Final Sale category to view what is left!!
Also, our Kimonotte Side Project is still ongoing!! Our staff is working very hard to make this project unique and extravagant! Even an item says SOLD, we can still accept your order! Please feel free to contact us. 
It seems that the weather in Japan has decided to shift to Winter all of the sudden!
We had some warm days last week, but we are having awfully cold days this week. Totemo Samui desu!
I took out my Nenneko, Haramaki, Kotatsu, oil heater, neck and arm warmers on the same day. Now I am ready!
Good thing my beagle Marin keeps me warm on cold night! haha
I talked about Danjiri Matsuri in my last newsletter, and I would like to tell you how it went along with some crazy photos of people involved. I hope you enjoy!
Unlike last year, the weekend of Matsuri this year was perfect!!, a bit cold but sunny throughout the weekend.
I enjoyed cooking Oden, making Onigiri rice balls and Miso soup with ladies in my neighbor to provide the members of Danjiri. They pull the Danjiri float on foot all day, so a warm meal is a life saver to them.
Unlike last year, the weekend of Matsuri this year was perfect!!, a bit cold but sunny throughout the weekend.
I enjoyed cooking Oden, making Onigiri rice balls and Miso soup with ladies in my neighbor to provide the members of Danjiri. They pull the Danjiri float on foot all day, so a warm meal is a life saver to them.
Danjiri is a traditional Matsuri. This Aki(Autumn) Matsuri has been in our town since the Edo era.
Danjiri appears mainly in festivals of western Japan and are roughly categorized into two types, 'hiki-danjiri' (a decorative float towed by festival participants) and 'katsugi-danjiri' (a decorative float shouldered by festival participants). Danjiri in our area seems to be Katsugi though there are wheels attached at the bottom.
Danjiri appears mainly in festivals of western Japan and are roughly categorized into two types, 'hiki-danjiri' (a decorative float towed by festival participants) and 'katsugi-danjiri' (a decorative float shouldered by festival participants). Danjiri in our area seems to be Katsugi though there are wheels attached at the bottom.
Since it involves carrying a huge wooden Danjiri on their shoulders most of the times, the participants are mainly young people in their late teens and early 20's.
For this special traditional day, some very young participants try to get as much as attention they can by putting heavy make up on and wearing their hair wild and colorful!!!
Can you tell what is on a boy's head at the top photo? You guessed it right! It is a chameleon!!! Can you believe his hair is dyed, not painted or colored in ink!! A lady who did his hair also did my daughter's hair. My daughter said she likes working with difficult request and making a challenge! Sugoi!
Well, this year is almost over.... soon it will be the year of the Boar. Are you ready to welcome the New Year??!!
Here are some items you can use for the New Year!! These auspicious motifs are perfect as the New Year display or Oshogatu outings.
Thank you so much for reading. Have a wonderful weekend!
Kimono Flea Market ICHIROYA's News Letter No.775
Dear Ichiroya newsletter readers,
Hello! This is Nagisa writing. How have you been? Have you heard the news about EXPO 2025 yet? Osaka has been selected as the host of it! That's incredible! As you know, EXPO was once held in Osaka in 1970. 77 countries attended and displayed pavilions under the theme of 'Progress and Harmony for Mankind'. I hear that the number of visitors were over 64 million! I think that it's a good opportunity not only to spread Japanese culture, but also to learn cultures came from overseas. I wasn't born yet at that time, but I often hear that 'We waited in the line for many hours to see the moon stone.' I don't know how excited they were, so I'm looking forward to Osaka EXPO 2025!
Though EXPO 2025 will be hold in Yumeshima, where is reclaimed island in Osaka city, I often go to EXPO park in Suita city where EXPO '70 was once held. I went there again last week, and it was the 4th time for me this year. I have no idea how many times I go to there for the last 10 years... Anyway, I go to the stadium close by the park to watch football game, and usually go straight home. However, I dropped in the inside of the park last time to see the projection mapping show! Fantastic and exotic images were projected on the Tower of the Sun with spectacular music! It was so amazing! Up till the day, I passed through the artistic work without stopping, but I couldn't help buying a lapel pin and a magnet of Taro Okamoto's art works for myself filled with emotion. The inner area of the tower has been opened to the public from March this year, so I want to go there someday!
When I see some warm lights such as projection mapping or illumination in downtown, I really feel Christmas is just around the corner. Then, I'd like to introduce you some Obis for this winter season from Kimonotte Brand Side Project!
We also so have some other unique Obis. Please check this page! I'm happy if you find favorite one...
The other day, I met a fabulous album suitable for cold winter. It is 'wizard' by Vick Blanka. One day, I heard his song from radio while I was working. I took to him as soon as I heard his song! I watched music videos on You Tube, got his albums, and when I realized it, I was in a CD store where the new album 'wizard' release event was about to hold. He was singing songs and also playing piano by himself. Beautiful falsetto voice and melody of piano... I was really touched by his live performance! Some people say, his song like MIKA singing Queen's song. If you like Queen or MIKA, you must listen to Vick Blanka! I recommend 'Slave of Love' to begin with. At the end of the event, he kindly shook hands with me. I've been filling with happiness even now, so I'm worried that I might drain his energy from his hand by the handshake at that time...
Thank you for reading till the end. I'm having fun this winter while listening to favorite music and watching football games. KG Fighters advances to the final dramatically, and Houston Texans is winning 9 games straight. Hope you have a good winter, too!
Kimono Flea Market ICHIROYA's News Letter No.774
Embroidery Kiku obi
Obi #436306 Kimono Flea Market Ichiroya
Dear Ichiroya newsletter readers
Hi, how are you doing? This is Mitsue writing.
It is already December, so just a month is left this year. Incredible! People begin to hustle and bustle at this time of a year. I'm going to clean my house and do 'Danshari'. 'Danshari' means reducing unnecessary things and bring harmony in life. 'Dan' literally means cutting off, 'sha' means throwing away and 'ri' means separating from the deep attachment to things which are not need. It might be hard to do, but I have to do now. Ganbarimasu!
Anyway, have you ever heard of 'Kiku'(chrysanthemum)dolls?
Kiku dolls are one of art crafts performing life-sized figures with 'Kiku'(chrysanthemum) and leaves. Usually the clothes are made of them, and the head, arms and feet are made of plastics and other materials. It is said the origin is from late Edo period(1603-1867) in Edo (present Tokyo). The themes are from the historical stories or popular dramas of that time.
Hirakata city, north-east of Osaka prefecture had been famous for Kiku doll exhibition until 2005. It had continued for 96 years, but closed its history due to the aging and the lack of of the craftsman successor. Now displays of the Kiku doll which civic volunteers made are exhibited at parks near the city hall or along the main street to Kyoto. Kiku dolls are deeply rooted to the citizen as a civic culture, so displays will continue from now on.
My uncle had lived in Hirakata city for long time, so he often took me to the Kiku doll exhibition every years when I was a child. However, Kiku dolls were so scared to me! I didn't want to go there, so my face looked depressed in old photos. In this October, I went to Hirakata city and saw a few displays at a park. I was not scared any more, on the contrary I was very interested in the scenes of the Kiku dolls. This year's theme is 'Sego-don', a NHK drama of Saigo Takamori, which is broadcasted on TV now. He is famous for closing the Tokugawa Shogunate and the Meiji Restoration. If I were interested in history in my childhood, I would have enjoyed more. Oh, what a regretful!
This photo shows Kirino Toshiaki (a member of the Satsuma feudal clan) and Saigo Takamori. They were very close friends.
This photo shows Shimazu Kiku (consort of Nariakira), Shimazu Nariakira (11th feudal lord of the Satsuma feudal clan), Atsu-hime (adopted daughter of Nariakira and married to 13th Tokugawa shogunate later) and Saigo Kichinosuke (former name of Saigo Takamori).
I also saw Halloween display with 'Kiku'(chrysanthemum). It was so charming!
Today, I introduce some items with 'Kiku'(chrysanthemum) design.
Kimonotte original from vintage kimono design:
www.ichiroya.com
Thank you for reading, and have a nice day!
Kimono Flea Market ICHIROYA's News Letter No.772
Dear Ichiroya newsletter readers
Hi, how are you enjoying the weekend? This is Azusa writing.
Hi, how are you enjoying the weekend? This is Azusa writing.
It's getting more comfortable here, and it makes me want to eat a lot. In Japan, it is also said that fall is the best season for arts and entertainment. Recently I went to a piano recital of Evgeny Kissin, who came to Japan for the first time in four years. I'm a big fan of him. I gave him a standing ovation after the performance.
The concert was held in Yokohama Minato Mirai Hall. Have you heard of the city of Yokohama? It is a beautiful port town and a tourist spot. A lot of interesting facilities are assembled.
I also went to the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, which is a historic building built in the the Meiji Period(1868-1912) as a bonded warehouse. But it is now a popular shopping complex and there are a lot of stylish stores.
When I went there, it held a fair of special local products and various food booths gathering all over Japan. When I was walking through them, clerks said to me, "Please try it. It is delicious.", so I was doing samples one after another. I thought the green tea from Shizuoka was the best. Shizuoka is famous for green tea. Normally I can't taste the difference between one green tea or the other. No matter what I drink, I say "It's good.", but the green tea from Shizuoka tasted difference from the one I always drink, so I recommend that!
Why don't you try delicious green tea in kimono when visiting Japan?
Kimono Flea Market ICHIROYA's News Letter No.771
Dear ICHIROYA news letter readers
Konnichiwa, Ogenkidesuka? This is Iori writing.
"Autumn for arts"
In Japan, we say Fall is the best season for arts and entertainment.This is probably because it is the time of year when art galleries and exhibits are organized. School festivals or cultural festivals are held in autumn, too.
This time, let me write about my memory of this autumn.
My daughter has started learning 'Nihon Buyo'(Japanese Traditional Dance) since this June by the cultural program of the town where we live. This program was organized to spread traditional Japanese culture to successors of the next-generations.
This is a half-year program and the students take a part in the cultural festival in November. At first, my daughter asked me what the 'Nihon Buyo' is, so I showed it to her on the Youtube. Then she said "I want to do this!! I want to dance like this in pretty kimono!!" It was the first time that she wants to learn something.
So, she started to take the Japanese traditional dance class once a week.
Usually, a teacher gives one-on-one lessons to a student, but there are some students in the class of this program. My daughter was the youngest student in the class and older girls were kind to her. She really enjoyed dancing.
The way to dance of Nihon Buyo is very slow and hard to take rhythm.
Besides, the six years old girl could concentrate on something for only 15 minuets! She always runs around the room and the Yukata (she wears Yukata at lessons) is opened in front....oh no... However, the teacher is very kind and knows how to catch children's interesting. She teaches them how to sit, bow and walk in correct manner before dance.
My daughter gradually came to like dancing.
Finally, the day has come.
Kids got dressed in Kimono, put on makeup and done their pretty hair. They looked so excited in pretty kimono because they usually wear Yukata at lessons. My daughter wore a pre-tied Obi, which I used for my 7 years old child's celebration. It is easy to tie and looks gorgeous! Of course, she ran, ate and jumped in kimono though, it was easy to re-tie.
The stage was large. She has never stood on such a big stage. Lots of people were sitting in front of her and looking at her. She must got nervous in such occasion. My heart was beating fast, too. However, she did very good. Their stage was over, and I was relieved very much. All kid's dances were so cute. Their teachers also danced and that was wonderful!! It was too bad that taking pictures was prohibited.
There are two more lessons in this program. She keeps dancing at home almost everyday and I am happy that she likes it.
I saw some dancers wore Susohiki-kimono at the stage.
The way to dance with the bottom hem trailing on the the floor was beautiful.
I introduce some Susohiki Kimono , gorgeous Obi and accessories.
Vintage Kimonos and obi are also good for display!
Kimono
Obi
Folding fan for dancing
Thank you for reading till the end.
Have a nice weekend!
●ICHIROYAニュースレター 第145号●
Photo from Sheila Kimono Style
SHEILA KIMONO STYLE：かもめの本棚 online
こちらが彼女の去年出版された力作 SOCIAL LIFE OF KIMONO
日本語訳が早く出ますように・・・と待つばかりです。
ニューヨークのFIT（ニューヨーク州立ファッション工科大学）のテキストに採用されるような力作の著者がなぜ今度は写真集を？
「英語では a picture paints a thousand words（一枚の写真は千の言葉にも匹敵する）といいますが、着物の美しさは言葉ではどんなにしても語り尽くせないのです。だからこのフォトブックをつくろうとおもったのです」とシーラさんは語っています。
自分の持ち物の着物を着て、自分のホームグラウンドとも言える馴染みの場所で自然体で微笑むシーラさんを、お友達でもある写真家のトッド・フォングさんがカメラにおさめています。
わたしゃなんて言ったって振袖でスウィングしているトップの写真が大好き！輝く笑顔とはこのことかしらと思います。
着物が大好きな気持ちがこれ一枚でつたわります。
あ、そうそう、この振袖を含めて、イチロウヤで見つけていただいた帯を多数コーデしてこの本の中でお召しいただいています。え？こんなに素敵な帯だったっけ？と思わず写真と見比べて、うーんこう着てもらうとやっぱりいいなあと ブツブツ言いながら各ページを見ていました。
ほぼ毎日着物を着ているシーラさん、季節のコーデをたのしみ、時にはしっとり、時にはロックに、時にはファンキーに。明治のものから現代ものまで・・・小物合わせもエンジョイしています。
こういった生活感のあるシーンも：
着物がだんだん着られなくなっていくのも仕方のないことね・・・はあ とため息を付く人が大半のなか、シーラさんは「私はトレンド・ハンターよ」と公言しています。
「着物が｀美術品’みたいにならないように、ファッションとして生き残るには、今のライフスタイル、キモノ・エンドユーザーたちの動向、つまり｀流行（トレンド）’をつかまなきゃ」
と彼女は言っています。リサーチもして、フォトブックもだして、そして彼女が今続けているプロジェクトは、こちら・・・20代から50代までの女性50人を対象にお家を訪れてのその方の着物のタンスの中身についての聞き取り調査です。
その着物がやってきた背景、着物について困っていること、その着物にまつわるストーリーを丁寧に聞き取りしているのです
【The Kimono Closet 箪笥びらき】のサイト
着物産業は年々衰退していて 年間の売上がいくらいくらで・・・といった統計は耳にしますが、個人の声を集める調査はおそらくないのでは？実際の話、着物に何がおきているのか この調査からいろいろなことがわかってきそうです。
着物は好きだけど、置く場所ないしねえ、着る機会ないしねえ、好きなことは好きなんだけどねえ・・・あああ、よく聞いてしまいます。
なんにも考えずにこの本を開くと、笑顔になること間違いなし。インスピレーションの宝庫です。着物に興味のない若い女の子が、この本をみて「かーわいーい！」を連呼しておりました。
写真と写真の合間には短いですが、おお、そうだそうだ！とうなずきたくなるメッセージが含まれています。
同じ年代の私も、（洋服なら何も言われないのにさ！着物だといわれるんだよなーなんていじけている暇があったら、おシャレしなきゃ）と心にぐっときた本でした。
どうぞエンジョイ！してくださいませ。
