KIMONOSHOW BY MS. AIKO IMAIZUMI (07/06/11)

Tuesday 7 June Ms. Aiko Imaizumi made a kimonoshow at Gladsaxe Aktivcentret. This is the second time ms. Imaizumi makes a show in Gladsaxe. The theme of the show was the Japanese summerkimono, called yukata, which is made of cotton and has fever layers than the winterkimono.

The colours used for the summerkimono is usually more vivid and the patterns are larger and more dramatic. Ms. Imaizumi demonstrated some kimonos that she had inherited from her mother and great-great grandmother, which are still in pristine shape. She also explained how to tie the obi and put on the kimono.

KIMONO is the traditional costume of Japan. Its style has changed significantly from one period of Japan's history to another, and today there are many different types of Kimonos worn by men, women and children. The cut, color, fabric and decoration of a Kimono may vary according to the gender and age of the wearer; the season of the year and the occasion for which the Kimono is worn. Among modern Kimonos, women's Kimonos are the most elaborate and varied in style and design. Sleeve length and the details of the obi (belt) and the way it is tied vary according to the wearer's age, social and marital status.

Ms. Aiko Imaizumi, an instructor from Japan and has been teaching both Ikebana and Kimono through her own classes for more than two decades. She is also active in promoting both arts and contributing to the enhancement of Japanese culture overseas.

One of the models is having her hair arranged. Wearing the kimono is not just about the kimono itself. It is the wearer’s entire ensemble, with the choice of belt, colour of the accessories and carefully arranged hair and hair accessories. Every last detail must be perfect.

A very fashionable style of tying the obi.

Ms. Thine Buch Laursen from Gladsaxe City International Office welcomes everybody.

Ms. Imaizumi expressed her deep gratitude to the Danish people for the support shown to Japan after the earthquake and tsunami. She took a walk on Strøget the day before the show and everywhere saw signs saying “Help Japan”, collections and armbands expressing support for Japan. This moved her deeply as she and her helpers are from the affected area. She also described her personal experience of the earthquake vividly so the audience (who had never experienced an earthquake) understood the terrible feeling of having the earth move underneath you.

The fabric used for kimono is 12 meters long and of one long piece rolled up so it is easy for transportation. Also called a “kimono roll”. The fabric is then cut in the appropriate lengths for sleeves, body collar etc. See next picture, please.

Kimono fabric cut in the appropriate length is draped on a volunteer from the audience to demonstrate how a kimono is made. All kimonos are made to the same height of the wearer and when putting on is adjusted to fit the person.

Here Ms. Imaizumi’s helper is about to tie the string holding the weight of most of the kimono and shortening the length to fit the height of the wearer. The kimono should fall flat and straight with no creases or wrinkles.

All of the models and Ms. Imazumi’s helpers on stage at the end of the show.

After the show the models walked among the audience so people could take a closer look and feel the fabric. Ms. Imaizumi also answered questions.