Kimono Flea Market ICHIROYA's News Letter No.676
Dear ICHIROYA newsletter readers,
"I have a pen. I have an apple. Oh, apple pen." Do you know that? It is PPAP(Pen Pineapple Apple Pen) song by Piko Taro. His dancing and lyrics are really simple, but so hilarious. Kids love it and song and laugh.
Anyway, this is Mei again! How was your Christmas holidays? Now I'm doing countdown for New Year, 2017! Today I wanna talk to you about my Santa Claus story.
It was maybe, when I was 6 or 7. I detected WHO SANTA CLAUS IS. The day was a few weeks later after Xmas. I was looking at some pictures my mom took. They showed Santa Claus was setting some presents for me at my bed side. One picture shows his profile. He has white big bear with something like strings near his ear, and eyeglasses similar to my dad. And at his finger that putting my presents, I wondered that his ring looks like my dad's. I thought and thought for long times. And I asked myself, "Is he my dad? or... Santa Claus?" And I decided to ask my parents. I asked to my mom first. She said, " What a coincidence! Their ring and eyeglasses look similar. And that are not strings but Santa's bear!". Then, I asked to my dad by showing the picture. "Is that you? Because he looks like you!". And I explained about a ring, eyeglasses and the white strings. After that, he laughed hard and said to me, "Santa Claus is too busy to bring your presents here, so I did it instead of him". And my mom said "but I sent your letter that you wrote to Santa Claus". Other children would answer "Oh I see! I will write him a letter next Christmas, too! Thanks dad and mom!" But I was not. "Dad, you should have prepared more carefully!" I said to him and my parents laughed hard again. THE END. Thanks for reading.
By the way, did you know Lady Gaga came to Japan last month? I respect her unique and crazy fashion! (But I can't walk through public in raw meat) And have you ever seen her funny eye make up, she draw eyes on her eyelid? This is it. (not Michael Jackson)
Here is the image search result of "lady gaga eye paint eyelids"!
https://www.google.com/search?q=lady+gaga+eye+paint+eyelids&biw=976&bih=772&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwimv5-Vh4fRAhUKUbwKHUjFCLgQ_AUIBigB
When I was a high school student, I did it with my friends after school. You know? BEFORE GAGA! We did it before she did. Someday, I wanna do it with her! Why don't you try Gaga eyes with your family or friends? haha
She visited Japan last month for promoting her new album. The record label made a pink kimono which was inspired her new album for her. When she received it at the press conference, she was so surprised and couldn't help herself stop crying.
The press conference of Lady GaGa's new album
(She receives the kimono at 7:48.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2NWSEaeps8
She appeared in the very popular Japanese TV show in the kimono.
She looked absolutely beautiful in the pink kimono!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YN7TDjipFVk
The kimono was designed by Jotaro Saito, one of the most popular kimono designers.
So, this time I wanna show you some items which were designed by him. We have just one by Jotaro Saito. Sorry, others are already sold out. But we have other nice ones by Sansai Saito, his father who is also a famous Kimono designer .
The top photo is a kimono designed by Jotaro Saito-it is available at Ichiroya!
* Jotaro Saito *
Kimono : http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/338500/
* Sansai Saito *
Kimono : http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/351461/
Kimono : http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/343698/
Kimono & Obi set : http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/295803/
Kimono & Obi set : http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/276348/
Kimono & Obi set : http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/311646/
Kimono : http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/322286/
Obi: http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/322176/
We are happy if you like them. I hope more and more people get interest in Japanese kimono culture!
Best wishes throughout the coming year! Next newsletter will be issued in 2017! (wow finally 2017?!)
We send wishes for the happiest of holidays to you and a fabulous 2017.
See you next time, bye bye!
Kimono Flea Market ICHIROYA's News Letter No.675
Dear ICHIROYA newsletter readers,
How are you doing? This is Mitsue writing again.
Christmas is just around the corner, and we have many things to do at this time. During the busy days, I enjoyed making Christmas wreath of preserved flowers. Preserved flowers are natural plants that have been processed with revolutionary technology to maintain their fresh appearance for several months or even years. Their beauty and delicate appearance make it difficult to distinguish between fresh flowers and preserved ones. The woman standing beside the wreath is my teacher of preserved flower arrangement. She is very fashionable and often enjoys traveling with her husband.
Her daughter has married on June, and she showed many pictures of the wedding. The ceremony was held at Kasuga Taisha in Nara city. It is a shinto shrine established in 768 AD and rebuilt several times over the centuries. It is named from the architectural style of Kasuga-zukuri characterized for its sloping roof extending over the front of the building. The path to Kasuga Taisha passes through the Nara Park where deer inhabit. Deer are believed to be sacred messengers of the Shinto gods. Over three thousand stone lanterns donated by worshipers line up along the path. The lanterns are only lit twice a year during two Lantern Festivals, one in early February and one in mid August. Kasuga Taisha and the Kasugayama Primeval Forest near it, are registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara".
Look at the top picture. It shows the bride and bridegroom are walking through the path to approach the honden (main sanctuary). Their parents and relatives are following them. The bride is wearing beautiful Shiromuku (pure white kimono) and wata-boshi (white bag-formed headdress), and the bridegroom is wearing hakama (man's formal divided skirt). Wedding ceremony was held at honden with shinto style, and they walked down the corridor.
After the ceremony, the bride changed to gorgeous red Uchikake with flower pattern and gold glazing. Did you notice the bouquet and hair ornament of the bride? They were made by her mother with preserved flowers. (Yes, my teacher!) I heard the bride wore two more Western dresses with another bouquets at a wedding party. Oh, how wonderful!!
Just like in ancient times, services such as wedding, 7-5-3 and Omiyamairi (pray for new born baby) are offered at Kasuga Taisha, and many religious festivals are held here annually. Still today, prayers are offered for national and global peace, and for the happiness and well-being of all people.
Well, I've never worn Shiromuku nor Uchikake in my life. I would like to wear them and take pictures if I were 20 years younger...How do you think? If you want to wear them at your wedding or take some pictures for your memories, ICHIROYA is always ready for lots of items. It will be also nice enjoying fabulous ones for interior display in your room?
Shiromuku
http://japan.ichiroya.com/item/list2/350761/ (polyester)
http://japan.ichiroya.com/item/list2/349747/ (polyester)
http://japan.ichiroya.com/item/list2/346823/ (silk)
http://japan.ichiroya.com/item/list2/346822/ (polyester & jinken blend)
http://japan.ichiroya.com/item/list2/347082/ (silk & polyester blend)
Uchikake
http://japan.ichiroya.com/item/list2/350568/ (flying crane & Ume)
http://japan.ichiroya.com/item/list2/349025/ (seasonal flowers & flying crane)
http://japan.ichiroya.com/item/list2/348943/ (flying crane, royal cart, flower)
http://japan.ichiroya.com/item/list2/348105/ (Sakura, Kaede, fan)
http://japan.ichiroya.com/item/list2/340843/ (Juni-hitoe style)
http://japan.ichiroya.com/item/list2/336444/ (Matsu & peacock)
http://japan.ichiroya.com/item/list2/340866/ (Matsu, Fuji, flying crane)
Thank you for reading. Hope you have nice Christmas holidays!
Kimono Flea Market ICHIROYA's News Letter No.674
Dear Ichiroya newsletter readers,
Last month, my family celebrated our second son's "Shichigosan", The Seven-Five-Three Festival, at the shrine in our neighboor. It is a traditional rite of passage and festival event in Japan for three- and seven-year-old girls and three- and five-year-old boys, held annually in November to celebrate the growth and well-being of young children. We dressed him in Kimono. He looked like a little Samurai!
He befaved very well. As usual, we took a "Happy jumping" picture.
I do JUMP even when I'm in Kimono!
Now, have you ever been to Kyoto? Yes, you have ;-) As you already know, Kyoto is one of the most popular tourists' destinations in the world. I live in Osaka, which is located right next to Kyoto. Still, visiting Kyoto makes me exited. This time, I went to Kyoto to attend a luncheon with Maiko.
There is a Japanese restaurant called "Ganko Takasegawa Nijoen" at the center of Kyoto. It is a renovated classic Japanese-style house which was built in 1611. They serve pretty good Japanese traditional cuisine.
Also, they can arrange a party with Maiko.
Me and my family had a great time with "Tomitsuyu", a Maiko from East Gion.
She danced first. Then, she greeted each table, and gave us a sticker which has her name on it. In Japan, Maiko stickers are believed in lucky charm. I keep it in my wallet for money to "Maikomu"(coming in).
She was such a great entertainer who made every one of us smile. Actually, she used to live in New Zealand. So, she speaks English. If you are interested in having a party with Maiko, ask to book "Tomitsuyu" when you make a reservation.
I highly recommend her!
You can check their Maiko Plan on their web site.
http://www.gankofood.co.jp/en/maikoplan/
After we were stuffed with Japanese full course dishes, we played traditional "Ozashiki Asobi" (games we play with Maiko and Geiko).
It was a popular game called "Konpira-funefune".
The following YouTube movie shows how to play the game well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tv0y8asP-lM
Some of the attendees played with Tomitsuyu. Non of them won... Of course, Tomitsuyu was the winner! Well, she plays the game every night and day. There is no surprise that no one could beat her. However, it was a surprise that my 10 years old son was the best player among those gentlemen. He played for a couple of minutes until Tomitsuyu speeded up to win. Everyone at the party approesed him when he lost. That was the moment of the party!
While we were chatting with Tomitsuyu at our table, she explained us that her han-eri(decorative collar for juban) is white which is fully embroidered, because she is an elder Maiko. Maiko are 15 to 19 years old girls. When they are new commers, their han-eri is red with less embroidery works. As they get older, their han-eri become whiter with full of embroidery works. That also means they are getting
ready to be Geiko.
There are some Maiko han-eri at Ichiroya.
Once you take a close look at them, you will be amazed how much embroidery works are applied on them.
You can see more red on the followin han-eri which are for young Maiko.
We have more:
https://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/329063/
https://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/347697/
These are the one like Tomitsuyu was wearing.
https://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/217094/
https://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/310744/
https://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/310745/
https://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/328209/
https://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/328210/
https://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/328213/
https://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/328214/
https://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/328215/
https://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/328208/
Also, Maiko wears special kimono called "Susohiki".
Susohiki literally means 'trail the skirt' and this particular kimono is much longer than other kimono. "Geiko", older geisha, also wear Susohiki. However, their Susohiki has shorter sleeves. Maiko's susohiki has longer sleeves. It also has "Kataage"(shoulder tucks) and "Sodeage"(sleeve tucks) to be look younger. Child kimono has
those tucks to be adjusted as they glow. Maiko's "Susohiki" still have them to be look young.
https://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/333596/
If you ever visit Kyoto, why don't you try to have a party with Maiko? or dress like Maiko?
Kimono Flea Market ICHIROYA's News Letter No.673
Hello everyone, Ogenki desuka? This is Yoko writing.
Ah, persimmons in my garden are gone, some are eaten by my beagle Marin... and ones on top
have been eaten by crows. But oranges are ripe now and I am saving them for Oshogatsu. :)
We are in the last month of the year, and it will be a very busy month for ICHIROYA.
People are preparing for Christmas, end of the year parties 'Bonenkai' , New Years Eve 'Oomisoka' and the New Year ' Oshogatu'. Oh! and after Oshogatu, Seijinshiki (coming-of-age ceremony) is coming!
Many are looking for Kimono and Furisode to wear at various occasions, and ICHIROYA has everything!!!
We are having daily arrivals as usual, and on top of that, daily sales and some of you may have already noticed, the additional discount items!! You may find that some items you have been wanting are on sale for a really really really good price.
Please do not miss this opportunity!, grab them before they are gone!
You can find our additional discount items here, hurry! https://goo.gl/9OsDi9
We also have small goodies which are perfect for Christmas presents.
If you can order and pay this week, the order can still get to you before the Christmas.
Thanks to Yuka's newsletter! Many Hanten were sold after her newsletter, but we still have a few more left.
My kids cannot live without Hanten in winter. hehehe
(Please make sure to specify EMS as shipping method if you need them before the Christmas. Isoide!!)
Hanten for women
http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/347277/
http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/347280/
http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/347283/
Hanten for men
http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/347277/
http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/347301/
http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/347302/
Samue size Extra Large (comfortable room wear for men)
http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/326009/
Samue size Large
http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/348967/
http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/330037/
http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/330038/
Samue size Medium
http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/326005/
Purse
http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/344786/
http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/345066/
http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/344380/
http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/345067/
Owl Bean Bags
http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/320438/
As you know, I spent most of my childhood in Nara, and Nara is a wonderful city to live.
You know there is the famous Todaiji temple and Nara park with deers freely strolling around. Oh, you cannot miss Horyuji temple in Ikaruga city.
Have you been to Horyuji? Horyuji (Horyu Temple) was built during the Asuka period (A.D.mid 6th-beginning of 8th c.) and it is known to be the world's oldest surviving wooden structures!
I enjoy visiting old temples, but you know what I also enjoy? I very much enjoy walking through the town surrounds the historical places. Old housings and how land has been preserved are something to appreciate!
There are more special things about Nara. City next to Ikaruga is Kouryo and you know what is Kouryo famous for?
Kouryo is the largest producer of Kutsushita(socks) in Japan!! A very small city, but there are many Kutsushita factories.
Yes, socks! everyone wears socks! And twice a year, they have a very cozy Kutsushita festival and sells well made socks, nylons, and leggins at a very reasonable price. Some are designers brands, and I enjoy looking at them being beautifully displayed.
The event was held past weekend, and here are a few photos for you to see, however unfortunately, when I went to the event on Sunday, it was raining really hard and there were only small crowds of people there ... sadly....
The event is normally packed with people! I swear!!!!
Here are some Kimono and Haori with epic scenery or Tokaido stations motifs which I enjoy dearly!!
Scenery
http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/303333/
http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/312999/
http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/327638/
http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/274908/
Tokaido
http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/285248/
http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/271865/
http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/346982/
Arigato gozaimasu for reading til the end.
Have a very very happy holidays to you and your family.
Kimono Flea Market ICHIROYA's News Letter No.671
Hello, ICHIROYA News Letter Readers!
This is Mei again :D How have you been? I'm fine, and still enormous appetite since autumn.( it's for cold winter! haha)
Last week, I went to one art festival in Mt.Rokko, Kobe, Hyogo. That is "Rokko Meets Art 2016".
Well...it was extreme cold! I went there with my usual trip friends. Last trip, it was heavy raining. Other time, it was storm. May be each of us have special power. Noooo! I want another special power like Harry Potter! haha
Here are some photos of the art festival.
Today's top photo is one of them. Do you know "UFO yakisoba"? It is an instant noodles of Nissin Food Products Company (I am sure you know `Cup Noodle' that is their product!)in Japan. Look at that! UFO fallen down in the lake! ... Did you notice? UFO of yakisoba, and of Unidentified Flying Object. We really liked it and took many photos. Finally, we danced "UFO" of "Pink Lady" in front of that. If you are interested in UFO dance, and UFO yakisoba, please check at You Tube or Google.
https://youtu.be/NgmXvr2BWb8
Anyway, it was really fun festival. We rode cable cars and met many unique arts. Look at the 4th photo.
It is me and my favorite animal. That animal is made by Atsuhiko Misawa, a famous sculptor. When I saw it, I was just surprised. Because I met his animals before at Takamatsu Art Museum in Kagawa. So I tried to take a same photo like before. That is the 5th photo.
There were many foreign tourists at Mt.Rokko. If you wanna come to there, please check the more information in their HP. Because it is only in autumn. Day time is of course interesting. But night time is also amazing! You can see many photos of their HP, Instagram, and so on.
So, today I wanna introduce some items with "animals" and "mountain" design!
At first, "animals" like by Mr.Misawa.
(1) http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/339803/ : Tsumugi Nagoya Obi
(2) http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/321534/ : Shioze Nagoya Obi
(3) http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/347015/ : Tsumugi Fukuro Obi
(4) http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/265987/ : Komon Kimono
(5) http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/324248/ : Tsumugi Kimono
Next, "mountain" like from Mt.Rokko.
(1) http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/346881/ : Fukuro Obi
(2) http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/346267/ : Tsume-Tsuzure Nagoya Obi
(3) http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/337902/ : Full-Shibori Haori
(4) http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/345536/ : Houmongi Kimono
(5) http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/344003/ : Houmongi Kimono
Did you find your favorite item? If you did, I'm so glad :D <3
Thank you for always reading until the end. See you next time!
Mei
Kimono Flea Market ICHIROYA's News Letter No.670
Hello, this is Mitsue. How are you? It is getting cooler and cooler, and we feel autumn sky which is clear and serene. But auntum sky is easy to change, so it is often compare to a woman's heart. Do you agree to it?
The other day, I enjoyed orange picking with friends in Taishicho. Actually orange means mandarine orange generally in Japan. Taishicho is located just about 30 min by car or train from our company. This year oranges are full harvest, and many kindergarten or nursery school children were enjoying on an excursion. After picking oranges, we visited Taima-dera and ate Kamameshi (boiled pot rice) for lunch. Taima-dera is famous for 'Botan'(peony) in spring, and the garden scenery is so beautiful. On the way home, we ate delicious zenzai (sweet red beans soup with mochi). It was so fun going outdoor with friend on a beautiful day. We go to orange picking every year in this season, and I hope to go there as possible as I can climb the hill. Training! training!
Mikan trees
The view of Tondabayashi from Mikan hill
Taoima dera temple
Kamameshi rice
Zenzai with mochi
Well, what do you imagine from the number of 7,5 and 3?
In Japan, 7-5-3(Shichi-go-san) is an annual event to celebrate healthy growth and wish longevity for three and seven-year-old girls, and three and five-year-old boys.
It is said the ceremony started in Muromachi era(1338-1573), and spread among samurai family and strong merchants in Edo era(1603-1867), and became common to people in Meiji era(1868-1912). It used to be celebrate on November 15th, but nowadays it is often celebrate on weekends or holidays in November.
Children usually dress up in kimono or hakama and go to shrines or temples to pray for their healthy growth and longevity with their parents. They also take commemorative pictures at a photo studio.
Three-year-old children have a ceremony called Kamioki, which means“to let down one's hair.” The children start to grow longer hair. In Edo era, there was a custom to shave children's hair until three years old.
Five-year-old sons have a ceremony called Hakamagi. Hakamagi means“ to wear hakama“. Hakama is a formal divided skirt worn by men. Boys start wearing hakama when they became five years old.
Seven-year-old daughters have a ceremony called Himo-otoshi or Obi-toki. Until the age of seven, girls use strings to tie their kimono, but they start to use obi.
On 7-5-3(Shichi-go-san), children eat Chitose Ame, thin and long red and white candies. They symbolize healthy growth and longevity.
Red and white are considered to auspicious colors in Japan.
Chitose Ame is in a big long bag with drawings of cranes and turtles as a symbol of longevity, or pine tree, bamboo and plum as symbols of auspice.
When I was a child, I wore kimono on 7-5-3 with my sister. Also I used to wear kimono on New Year's Day, and go for greetings to relatives with my family. It is a good memories of my childhood.
I found a cute photo of a boy holding chitoseame.
You cannot see the colors from this photo but children are holding long bag of chitoseame like this boy! (The photo is probably from the time when I was a little child!) Look at his happy face!
How about letting children wear kimono on New Year's Day?
ICHIROYA has lots of cute and charming kimono for boys and girls.
We hope children will enjoy wearing kimono on special days.
For 3 year's girl (7-5-3 set)
http://japan.ichiroya.com/item/list2/339078/
For 5 year's boy (7-5-3 set)
http://japan.ichiroya.com/item/list2/339081/
http://japan.ichiroya.com/item/list2/339083/
Vintage kimono for girls
http://japan.ichiroya.com/item/list2/345945/ (vibrant seasonal flowers)
http://japan.ichiroya.com/item/list2/344406/ (shell matching & flowers)
http://japan.ichiroya.com/item/list2/318434/ (flower cart & flower ball)
http://japan.ichiroya.com/item/list2/320840/ (large ume)
http://japan.ichiroya.com/item/list2/302012/ (butterfly, hand drum, flower)
http://japan.ichiroya.com/item/list2/334686/ (Japanese instrument, flower)
Kimono Vest for 3 year's girl-small girls look cute with those vest and kimono!
http://japan.ichiroya.com/item/list2/291150/
http://japan.ichiroya.com/item/list2/291151/
Vintage kimono for boys
http://japan.ichiroya.com/item/list2/345025/ (Kintaro & toy)
http://japan.ichiroya.com/item/list2/281208/ (horse race)
http://japan.ichiroya.com/item/list2/296946/ (treasure boat, summer)
http://japan.ichiroya.com/item/list2/283971/ (matsu & crane, hitoe)
As for boy's vintage kimono, mostly they have war pattern and some prominent flaws such as stains and patinas. I think most of them are not suitable for wearing. They are usually used for materials or collections.
Hope you enjoy our newsletter every week! Thank you for reading till the end.
Have a nice day!
Kimono #330298 Kimono Flea Market Ichiroya
Dear Ichiroya newsletter readers,
This is Nagisa from Ichiroya. Hi! There is only one month left this year, and Christmas is around the corner. The other day, I went to the Marimekko exhibition in Nishinomiya, Hyogo. As you know, Marimekko is a famous textile bland in Finland. (Santa Claus lives in Finland, right?) The lovely flower pattern named Unikko is designed in the motif of a poppy. Poppy design can be seen on kimonos and obis too, and they are also cute and charming! However, poppy is a spring flower, so it is too early to introduce these items. Instead of that, I'd like to talk about my friend Cica.
(Well, I think this Meisen Kimono #330298 on top of this page reminds us of Scandinavian design. The kimono is considered to be from around mid Showa-1920-30). It also reminds us of European Christmas
OK then, Cica is my friend from high school days, and she loves Hokuo (Scandinavia) too much. She is a full time office worker(She working at a large enterprise known throughout Japan.), and a manager of her own online shop 'Dill+' which sells daily goods of Scandinavian brand names. Also, she works at a cafe as a waitress every other Saturday to make her dreams come true. (She aims to open a store in Scandinavia. Sushi bar, Japanese style cafe, tourist home, etc...Anyways, she has lots of dreams!) Furthermore, she is a blogger, and she suggests Scandinavian lifestyle in the name of 'Shumatsu Hokuoubu' (Scandinavian Weekend). She hosts Scandinavian events once a month. 'KALSARIKÄNNIT' is one of them. Do you know what does the word means? It means that to drink alone in only underwear. She did it with some girls who were influenced by her blog. (Most of them were strangers to each other at that time.)
Here is a photo of her Halloween party. How mysterious! I want to join the party someday! Then, she will take a part of Scandinavian fair at one of the famous department stores in Osaka. I'm proud of her! I think it is wonderful thing to spread other culture. I wish I could do it through this newsletter...
So, I'd like to talk about Japanese casual wear brand name 'Uniqlo'. Have you ever bought something at Uniqlo in Japan or your own country? I depend on Uniqlo's underwear through the year. That's why I couldn't live without Uniqlo. In this July, a new Uniqlo store opened at Disney Springs in Florida. Lots of typical Japanese items are sold at the store. Yukata, fan, paper craft kit of Japanese armor, and so on. Not only shopping, you can enjoy various trial classes or events of Japanese culture. I hear that a couple of kimonos are displayed in the store. One is a Furisode style for women, and the other is Hakama style for men.
You can see the photo here.
http://www.hokkoku.co.jp/subpage/K20160803304.htm
Yes, they are look like Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse! (The web page says that the kimonos are scheduled to be displayed for 6 month. So, they should be still there!)
These Kimonos were designed by Hitoshi Maida, a Kaga Yuzen dyer. Kaga Yuzen is a traditional dyeing technique. Bird, grass and flower are dyed realistically with five colors called Kaga Gosai. Beautiful ombre dyeing and warm-eaten leaves are feature of kaga Yuzen. Some are here!
< Irotomesode Kimono >
http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/324439/
http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/290887/
< Houmongi Kimono >
http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/302196/
http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/309293/
http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/264566/
In Japan, Irotomesode and Houmongi are worn at formal occasions. Please enjoy these formal Kimonos on Christmas, new year's day or your special days!
Thank you for reading to the end. There is just one more thing. Recently, I watched the movie 'Inferno', and I wonder if I should buy a mickey design watch which is worn by professor Langdon. I wish Santa Claus gives me the watch!