Kimono Flea Market ICHIROYA's News Letter No.685

Pember_ | Flickr

Dear newsletter readers,

Konnichiwa, this is Mari.
In Japan, March is the graduation season.
Female college students often wear kimono and hakama(divided skirt) at
graduation ceremonies. Also, female teachers wear them.
When we see them under "Sakura"(cherry blossom) in March, we think that
spring has come!

Well, have you seen "Kabuki" (Japanese traditional play)?
Sometimes, it is very elegant. Other times, it is very dynamic.
As you may know, all the actors are male. Even a pretty princess role is played
by male in red Furisode Kimono.

http://www.kabuki-bito.jp/eng/top.html

I love classic performing arts so much. Watching Kabuki is one of my
favorit activities. There is "Kabukiza" in Tokyo where you can watch Kabuki
play regularly. In Osaka, you can watch Kabuki at Shoshikuza in Namba.

It was built in 1923 as the first European style theater in the Kansaii(West) region.

When you enter therer, the large oil painting which is titled "Shibaraku"(Just a moment), painted by Bernard Buffet welcome you. The dynamic painting
which depicts a Kabuki actor make you excited and ready to watch Kabuki!

Then, when you enter the seating area, you see the orange drop curtain which has
traditional and noble flower pattern. It was woven by Kawashima Weaving Co., one of the most famous obi weavers in Kyoto. The colors of threads were Japanese
traditional ones.

This year, February Kabuki program in Osaka was "Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura"(Yoshitsune and the Thousand Cherry Trees) which is one of the threee best Kabuki programs.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoshitsune_Senbon_Zakura

It was a youngster performance. All the main actors are under 32 y.o. They are next generation of Kabuki actors.

I enjoyed their cheerful and dynamic acting so much. They have grace, style and energy to attract audience.
If you ever visit Japan, I highly recommend you to stop by Kabuki theaters and watch
Kabuki. You don't understand Japanese? No worry. Since the actors speak very old Japanese which was spoken in 18th century or earlier, I don't even understand
what they are saying! You can enjoy the style of play, music, dance and costume
of Kabuki even though you don't understand their language!

Actually, we carry a Kabuki costume!
http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/313202/

Kimono Flea Market ICHIROYA's News Letter No.684

ume | k_t | Flickr

Hi everyone! This is Yoko writing again. Ogenki desuka?
We had Haru-ichiban blew this week.

 Haru-ichiban is the first strong south winds of the year between Lichun (Imbolc) and Chunfen (vernal equinox), and it blew for the first time in four years.

It is said that Haru-ichiban blows on a warm day, and it was close to 17 degrees Celsius!!! this year.

Now that Haruichiban blew, it is definitely getting warmer and days are getting longer in our area. I love it!
I can't wait to smell the sweet spring flowers and finding young green leaves on trees.
My beagle dog Marin loves finding a warm spot to nap during the day, and her favorite spot is a sewer cover for now. Hehehe

Have you noticed that some motifs on Kimono signify specific season? You should play with motifs, so choosing a Kimono to a special occasion can be so much fun!
If you are looking for a Kimono to wear now, you can find a Kimono or Obi with some Spring motifs such as these.
You can also enjoy by color or with a combination of Spring and early summer icons.
Work your imagination! Tanoshinde kudasai!

'Ume' (plum blossom)
'Sakura' (cherry blossom)
'Tanpopo' (Dandelion )
'Tsukushi' (horsetail)
'Fukujyusou' (adonis amurensis)
'Fukinotou' (butterbur sprout)

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/343881/

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/356235/

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/315879/

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/304396/

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/355911/

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/350335/

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/325514/

Hinamatsuri is coming up next week, so Hina dolls can be a great accent.

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/354587/

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/305500/

Or a butterfly motif Obi to give Spring touch?

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/357637/

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/321839/

You can also play with Obidome. How stylish!

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/323607/

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/323609/

Wishing everyone a fabulous Spring!
Dewa mata~ arigato gozaimashita for reading.

Kimono Flea Market ICHIROYA's News Letter No.683

Dear Ichiroya newsletter readers,

Hi! This is Nagisa from Ichiroya. Did you watch the Super Bowl? I just wanted to say this, 'What a Game!'.

The coldest period of the year is almost over. It seldom snows here Tondabayashi, Osaka. So, I've always wanted to live in snowy region like Narnia. The Chronicles of Narnia is one of my favorite movies. Have you ever watched the movie or read the book? I watched and read this over and over again. When I went on a trip to London, I tried to go to Narnia through the  wardrobe of the hotel where I stayed. Maybe, I had not enough belief of Narnia. After all, I couldn't find the entrance to Narnia.

So today, I recommend these items to you which remind us Narnia!

Karajishi Design like Aslan?
<< Kimono >>

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/270028/

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/347477/

<< Obi >>

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/356985/

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/337104/

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/351270/

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/348043/

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/324218/

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/341060/

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/340347/

<< Fabric >>

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/339463/

Snowy Design like Narnia?
<< Kimono >>

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/321252/

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/325009/

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/343042/

<< Obi >>

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/309364/

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/327132/

However, the trip to London was so fun to me! There were so many historical architectures here and there, and all of the people who live in London were such a fashionista! I like classical London style fashion, so I enjoyed watching town scape and passerby during the trip.

Speaking of London, my friend lent me two CDs before the trip. And she said to me 'If you go to London, you should listen to the CDs.' Those were 'Up All Night' and 'Take Me Home'. Yes, One Direction! I was crazy about them as soon as I listened their songs. I bought their Face Masks as souvenirs at London, one for me and one for my friend. If you are interested in the Mask, please look it up on the google! That's so funny!

I think Noh Mask design is also unique and eye-catching! What do you think?

<< Fukusa >>

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/357040/

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/348935/

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/327935/

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/293584/

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/293585/

Lastly, I'll show you a photo. Actually, I have met members of One Direction before in Sydney. They are wax figures though.
Thank you for reading till the end. See you next time!

Kimono Flea Market ICHIROYA's News Letter No.682

Dear Ichiroya newsletter readers,

Hello, this is Mei. These days I'm interested in "time slip photos". Have you heard of it? It is to make similar photos like old ones with same poses in similar clothes at the same place. Irina Werning, she is an originator of it. "Back to the future" is her famous works. Now I really want to try it! So I'm planning to make them with my little sister, with today's top photo. (Laughing in yellow kimono is my sister, and funny face in red kimono is... yes, me)

For what? Well, it's for my mom as a birthday present! It seems so difficult I think... We have to look for that place, need kimonos, and practice that funny face. haha My sister said to me "You are crazy!" about my plan to make kimonos. Well, first, I need large plain clothes. Second, I cut them into kimono(girl's kimono) shape. And then, I draw pictures like those with paints. Done! It looks easy but I'm not sure I can do it well. So my sister is right. haha This year is memorial year for my sister. She will graduate from university this spring. That's why this plan came up to my mind!

I wore my mom's Furisode Kimono at coming‐of‐age ceremony and graduation ceremony. And now, it is my sister's turn. My mom's Furisode Kimono might feel happy. It is chosen and bought by her mom, my grandma. So my grandma also feel happy. After making my time slip photo, I will show you. Oh, now I'm excited! Okay. I gotta look for some clothe for making kimonos first!

By the way, today's my recommend items are here!
I wanna introduce funny, charming, and unique design like my face in red kimono.

《 Kimono 》
http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/334010/(mask man?)

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/278170   (like a tiger!)

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/336446/  (house with face...?)

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/334331/  (like tiles!)

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/343781/   (dynamic Picasso!)

《 Obi 》

・

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/350930/  (curving bird!)

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/293177/  (Noh masks!)

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/353259/  (straw heads!)

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/289395/   (big insect!)

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/306728/   (vivid!)

《 Fukusa 》

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/317270/  (big face boy)

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/293585/  (Noh mask)

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/315263/  (wise man)

I really like those design with uniquefigure. I am glad if you like them too!
Thank you always for reading newsletters and visiting our shop site. See you next time!

Kimono Flea Market ICHIROYA's News Letter No.681

Dear News Letter readers,

Hello, this is Mitsue. How are you doing? It's already February now. Wow, time flies!
February 3rd was 'Risshun' this year, the first day of spring according to the old Japanese calendar (lunar calendar). On the day, there is an old custom called 'Setsubun' of throwing roasted soybeans while chanting "In with Fortune! Out with Evil" in order to prevent evils from entering one's house. It is believed that evils are warded off by throwing beans, and good fortunes will come in. According to old folklore, if you eat the same number of beans as your age, you will enjoy a year with good health. Also we bite 'Eho-maki', a rolled sushi turning in the direction of North-northwest. The direction changes every year, because God of lucky is said to change his place. It is an amazing custom, isn't it?

Back to the story of January, the second Monday of January is a national holiday of“Coming of Age Day". At the age of 20, it is a transition from a child to an adult in Japan, and they can drink alcohol and smoke cigarettes. About 1,230,000 new adults were celebrated this year. Each area welcome them with a ceremony which is usually held at public halls or gyms. Depending on the area, some ceremonies are held at hotels or even at Tokyo Disneyland! By attending to the ceremony of the hometown, they have a chance to meet friends they haven't seen for a long time. Most of the women wear Furisode. Furisode is the most formal type of kimono worn by unmarried women. Furisode have long sleeves and usually have very colorful and decorative patterns. Furisode are commonly rented or bought by parents for their daughters to dress, celebrating the Coming of Age Day. Men usually wear suits, but some ones wear kimono and Hakama (men's formal divided skirt).
My daughter became 20 years old last summer, so she attended the ceremony. On the day, she visited a beauty salon which I reserved one year prior to the day for her to be dressed in Furisode and get her hair done. However, she wasn't pleased by the way of their dressing and got upset. I was worried about her, but she seemed to enjoy meeting friends and having fun.

She already took photos in advance wearing Furisode in summer as I had written before. I realized it is surely good to take photos in advance with relaxed feeling.
Recently, wearing mother's Furisode with a few arrangement is in boom. Young women enjoy Kimono coordinating with modern collar, han-eri(added collar), obiage and obijime. Even the classical pattern will become modern atmosphere depending on the obi. So, I want my daughter wear my Furisode with new arrangements someday.

Well, have you ever seen New Year's postcards with lottery numbers? In Japan, we usually use the New Year's lottery postcards as Nengajo to say 'Happy New Year'. I send about 50 postcards to friends and relatives every year, but nowadays E-mail and SNS had taken the place of it for young people.

This year is Toridoshi, a year of rooster/chicken. It is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac. So most of the cards were with rooster/chicken design, and others are with family's photos. I really like to see the New Year's cards thinking about how they are doing now.

Two weeks ago, lucky numbers were announced. The first prize is cash of 100,000 yen, the second one is a package of products from countryside and third one is a sheet of stamps.

I usually get the last one every year, and this year was not an exception! However, the design of stamps is so beautiful and it is very exciting to see them. As for the zodiac animals, there is a very interesting picture book. It is also published in English, 'The race for the Chinese zodiac', so I recommend you to read it.

ICHIROYA has lots of attractive pieces with rooster/chicken design for you to
celebrate beginning of year of Rooster!
*Obi

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/199464/

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/354259/

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/285756/

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/245238/

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/329523/

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/346271/

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/325572/

*Kimono

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/276343/

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/320327/

*Fukusa

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/328204/

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/249347/

*Juban

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/304673/

Kimono Flea Market ICHIROYA's News Letter No.680

 

Men's Kimono #242291 Kimono Flea Market Ichiroya

Dear readers,

Konnichiwa, this is Mari.

"Uramasari"(Austhetics of the back excel) is today's keyword.
It means more expensive or flashy lining and juban(undergarment) than the outside. As many of you already know, men's haori lining and juban often have very detailed, gorgeous or unique pattern.
The patterns often contain cultural, aesthetic or sometimes political message.
Haori lining is called "Haura". Lining is, of course, not for showing. He wants to show it off just a little bit when he takes his Haori on and off. Obvious show off is coarseness. However, just offer a sneak peek of "Haura" is cool! Wealthy gentlemen in Kyoto have been competing with others with beautiful and unique "Haura".

The reason why "Haura" and juban became so gorgeous and unique than the outside is because of the luxury ban which was announced in Edo period(1603-1867). People still wanted to enjoy fashion under the regulation. So, they started to wear cool lining or juban(undergarment). Checking Men's haori lining and juban is a fun thing to do at Ichiroya. I really enjoy finding out cool and interesting pattern which have been
well hidden under dark color men's kimono.
We have cool men's haori and juban collection. Enjoy finding your "Uramasari"!

*Haori
Sports! Sports! Sports!

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/322110/

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/352612/

European map and war theme

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/277595/

Opening to the new world

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/242291/

Samurai

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/351325/

Don't open this page at office!

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/180710/

*Juban
Play ball!

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/322884/

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/289309/

Let's sail!

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/312241/

Again, sports pattern

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/326276/

Can you imagine what kind of man wore this gorgeous
juban?

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/304411/

I think those guys who order made and wore those haori and juban were the
true fashionistas!

Kimono Flea Market ICHIROYA's News Letter No.679

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/351698/

www.ichiroya.com

Hello from Yuka. Ogenki desuka, How are you?

I hope it is not too cold at where you live. It is Daikan (the coldest time of the year)season here and so chilly! We went to Ichiro's parents place today and snow from last week remain on the ground. They live in north part of Osaka, so it is different from Tondabayashi, which is southern part of Osaka and we have no snow at all.

You might recognize this photo- I showed the photo some months ago to introduce Okuizome ceremony of Jin(our grandson).  I am a Baba-baka(doting grandmother) but this time I am not showing off the cute Jin(he is growing and cuter now!). I would like you to take a look at Jin's great -grandmother's vest.

The vest is made of her kimono. It is Oshima tsumugi, fine type of woven pattern silk.

Oshima tsumugi was (and still is) people's favorite type of woven pattern kimono. Oshima tsumugi have its particular charm of colors and crisp touch and they are very strong. Oshima tsumugi silk are said to last decades or one hundred years and they are possible to re-tailor repeatedly and can be used both sides. Not only Teru san(Jin's great-grandmother) but many people make vest, skirt and other outfit from kimono they have.

Many books and text about kimono-remake are sold and major seniror women's  magazines often have special issue of kimono-remake.

When I search with a keyword `kimono-remake' in Japanese, there appear so many photos:

https://binged.it/2k3ZHn6

They are mostly in Japanese only but I hope you can enjoy the photos.

Most women in Japan have some kimono  in tansu(chest), and among women a little older than I am,  kimono remake is quite popular. Just like Terusan, they use their own kimono to make something easily worn. You may think cutting kimono might sounds cruel thing but making something which can be worn again is good, rather than having them stored without being worn.

We find many customers from abroad making SO CHARMING outfit using kimono fabric, kimono or obi and seeing those beautiful work make us so happy. It is one of the blissful moment which make us feel so good to keep this business.

There are many people like Teru san,  making favorite kimono to something they can wear now and enjoy.

Recently, those kimono-remake is progessing and I think people are becoming more and more free and colorful to create their  own  fashion. It seems kimono-remake is not only for older women but it is accepted more widely now.

Recently, there are new type of dress using kimono.
It may not be called kimono-remake, it is more like different type of dressing, using kimono to dress like a western dress without `cutting'. We like to talk about this topic in our future newsletter.

This time I like to show this video which is from 7 years ago.

I think kimono-remake has become more natural and popular thing now.

The first part is about the event of four artists and their work using kimono fabrics. The last half is a nice example of kimono-remake. A fashion designer Yurie Yamada who was not interested in kimono originally got a big shock meeting Shigeko Ikeda(she is the most famous antique kimono collector in Japan)and started kimono-remake. There are two young women who asked her to make their wedding dresses using their mothers’ kimono. Those kimono were worn by the mothers on their Coming-of-Age ceremony.

One of the kimono was in a chest for 40 years, the mother says.
The both kimono were made into their daughters’ dresses for wedding reception.

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=%e7%9d%80%e7%89%a9%e3%83%aa%e3%83%a1%e3%82%a4%e3%82%af&&view=detail&mid=403C99A49BDC803B3BCB403C99A49BDC803B3BCB&FORM=VRDGAR

The photo of the top of this newsletter is a vest from our website.
We do not have many kimono-remake things and we hope we can add charming fabric, kimono and obi to inspire you to create your own outfit!