Kimono Flea Market ICHIROYA's News Letter No.688

Hello Mina-san!
This is Yoko writing this week's Newsletter. Ogenki desuka?
The top photo was taken at a narrow path when I take Marin for a walk. Do you see the beautiful 'Ume' (plum blossom)?
Hope you are seeing some signs of Spring in your country too!

Today, I would like to write a little bit about our national flower, 'Sakura'(cherry blossom).
Sakura first starts blooming in Okinawa and make its way up Honshu(main island) to northern part of Japan.
Sakura in our area starts blooming in late March or early April, and when we see Sakura beautifully blooming, we then know that true Spring (Haru) is here.

As many of you may know, pretty much everything starts in April in Japan.
School year ends in March and starts in April and even jobs, they have entrance ceremonies in April.
So, Sakura has been symbolizing farewells and new starts among us for generations.
That is one of the reasons why Sakura has deeper meanings to us as it reminds us of bitter and sweet memories. (tear)

There will be Sakura events held everywhere next month on. Ohanami, Sakura viewing, is so much fun!
We put a large blanket underneath a blooming Sakura, and we enjoy snacks and drinks as Sakura petals fall.
The Sakura trees near my house will be illuminated by lanterns soon. (below is a photo from last year)

The three most famous Sakura sights in Japan are Takatoujyoushi Park in Nagano, Hirosaki Park in Aomori, and Yoshino Mountain in Nara.
The Yoshino Mountain in Nara are known for more than 30,000 beautiful Sakura trees planted at high elevation and its view is like mountain of pink!!
It is definitely a sight to see!!!

Reginald Pentinio | Flickr

Oh by the way!, have you noticed we are having extra sales lately?
You can buy Kimono, obi, fukusa and more charming items at a really good price, some are under $20 or even $10!
They sell quite fast, so make sure to wake up early (or stay up late?) to check our daily listings!
For your information....., our new releases are listed at about 5:45 am, Japan Time.
We are not sure that time that is in your country, but we hope you can be near a PC when they are being listed!!
You can also check only the sale/extra sale/final sales items from the pull down which was added just recently.
Good luck!!!!

Sale
https://goo.gl/GiY0Kd

Extra Sale
https://goo.gl/BVQbiW

Final Sale
https://goo.gl/cBfM0w (not many now)


Thank you for reading til the end.
Have a wonderful weekend!

Kimono Flea Market ICHIROYA's News Letter No.687

This is Hikone castle-Mitsue took the photo for the last newsletter and Yuka forgot to put this photo on top, domo sumimasen, so sorry about it and, for those who has not read the last newsletter, here is the one, please enjoy the article about Hikone castle.

kyouki.hatenablog.com

Here is this week's newsletter:

Dear Ichiroya newsletter readers,

Hello! This is Nagisa from Ichiroya. As Mitsue mentioned last newsletter, March is a graduation season. Unfortunately, I have to tell you sad news today. Mei quit Ichiroya. I guess that there are lots of fans of Mei's interesting newsletter. We miss her, too! She's going to a country which has a lot more sheep than people on a working holiday from next month. Good luck, Mei chan! However, spring is not only parting season but also meeting season in Japan. Some new staffs joined Ichiroya! Have you noticed newcomer's names on the item description page? Please look forward their newsletters!

By the way, 6 years have passed since my last graduation from university. 6 years! Unbelievable! The university I used to go to is located at Nishinomiya, Hyogo. It took me 2 hours by train from here, Tondabayashi to there. And now, my commute time is only 15 minutes by bicycle. (moreover, electric one!) So that, I'm getting bigger and bigger since then. May be, I've gained 10kg or so. Oh my goodness!

However, I don't like to get some exercise. I've taken a part in a running event called 'Color Me Rad' with my friends. Recently, various types of running events are held in Japan. Color Me Rad is one of them. We were completely covered with colorful powders like this!

On another occasion, I climbed Mt.Kongo which is located between Osaka and Nara. It is 1,125 meters high, and it took me about 2 hours to get the top of it. When I climbed Mt.Kongo, the top was still covered with snow. The view from there was also beautiful like these items!

<< Obi >>

www.ichiroya.com

www.ichiroya.com

www.ichiroya.com

www.ichiroya.com

www.ichiroya.com

<< Kimono >>

www.ichiroya.com

www.ichiroya.com

www.ichiroya.com

www.ichiroya.com

www.ichiroya.com

Speaking of mountain, Mt. Fuji is the Japanese symbol, isn't it?

www.ichiroya.com

www.ichiroya.com

www.ichiroya.com

www.ichiroya.com

This is the real view I saw from the top of Kongo-zan.

And they are my companions of the mountain-climbing. Have you ever seen 'photo:ozaki' and 'photo:okamura'? I climbed with them! Mr. Ozaki is not only one of my coworkers, but also a musician! He has written a song for Ichiroya. Have you ever heard this song? If No, please check it out here! I'm sure you'll like it!!

Here is our them song!

http://kyouki.hatenablog.com/entry/2014/04/04/102910/

Kimono Flea Market ICHIROYA's News Letter No.686

Dear newsletter readers,

Hello, this is Mitsue. How are you doing?
As Mari mentioned last week, March is a graduation season. My son will graduate university this week, and will enter a graduate school next month. Even during the spring vacation, he will be still busy with his study of pharmacy. So, he won't come home from Tokyo. Yes, I miss him.

Well, do you like Japanese castles?
I visited Hikone castle last week. Hikone Castle is built in Edo-period in Hikone city, Shiga Prefecture. It is one of the 12 Japanese castles which keep its original building, and one of 5 listed as national treasures.

Hikone Castle traces its origin to 1603 when Ii Naokatsu, son of the former daimyo Ii Naomasa, ordered its construction. It is originally built in 1575 as a part of Otsu Castle, and was moved to Hikone by the Ii clan. Other parts of the castle were moved from Nagahama Castle. Hikone Castle was completed in 1622, and it remains one of the oldest original-construction castles in Japan.

It was designated a National Treasure in 1952. It also has several parts which are designated Important National Cultural Assets such as Umaya (Stable), Tenbin Yagura (Balance Scale Turret), Taikomon Yagura (Drum Gate Turret) and Nishinomaru Sanju Yagura (West Bailey Three-story Turret).

Hikone Castle is extremely beautiful when illuminated by moonlight. It is one of the Eight Views of Lake Biwa. The so-called "Water Castle" once stood alongside Lake Biwa and the inner lake, and its waterways were also used for the transport of goods to the town. This year, 410th foundation anniversary festival will be held from March 18th to December 10th.

"Hikonyan" is a mascot character which was created by the city government of Hikone. He was created in 2007 and has tremendous popularity since them.

Nagahama is located in north Shiga about 25 minutes by train from Hikone station. It is famous for the silk fabric called Hama-chirimen. It is high quality woven textile with hard twisted yarn using a technique called "water twisting". While squiring the silk with water, the strands of silk are twisted tightly at about 3000 times every meter. Using this technique gives it unique and original pattern. So Hama-chirimen is perfect for Kimono. It was started weaving in 712 during the Gempei emperor era. Later in Edo period(1603-1867), Hama-chirimen became popular.

The water used in the weaving process cane from the depth of Lake Biwa that contains world top class quality soft water. The abundance of soft water in Lake Biwa assures the high quality of product.
Shiga prefecture is almost located at the center of Japan, and major roads are corrected from each direction. So this area prospered as a town of the merchants called as 'Omi'. Also it is said in old times 'The person who reigned over Omi assumes the one to reign over a country'.

Let us show you some Hama-chirimen items of ICHIROYA.

<bolt>
http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/286612/
http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/350048/
http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/346208/
http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/343981/

<kimono>
http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/273052/ (Houmongi)
http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/345586/ (Houmongi)
http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/349486/ (Iromuji)
http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/213407/ (Korotomesode)

We can enjoy artistic 'Ume' (plum blossom) Bonsai in Nagahama. There is an exhibition at this time every year.

I hope you enjoyed reading my newsletter. Many thanks, and see you next time.

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!