Traditional Fashion for the Japanese Man

Japan is known as one of the most fascinating countries in the world. It is home to an amazing variety of natural wonders, from snow-capped mountains and lush green forests to beautiful beaches and tranquil lakes. Japanese men’s fashion plays a huge role in defining their culture, especially when it comes to traditional clothing. Various elements of Japanese fashion for men remain prevalent today, including kimono, yukata, and haori jackets. These garments are often worn on special occasions or during festivals dedicated to various gods or immortal beings.

A brief history of Japanese fashion

The origins of Japanese fashion can be traced back to as early as the 6th century CE. Back then, it was not a matter of aesthetics but rather a matter of safety, as clothing in those days was often decorated with toxic materials such as arsenic or lead. Interestingly, the origins of the kimono can be traced back to Chinese clothing, as the earliest kimono are believed to have been imported from China. Over time, the kimono evolved, adopting a variety of different fabrics, colours, and patterns. The sleeves of the kimono also evolved, from being loose to being fitted, and eventually to be completely detached from the rest of the garment. Similarly, haori jackets are believed to have evolved from Chinese garments. The Chinese qipao (cheongsam) and Japanese haori have many similar features, such as their high collar, front slit, and Mandarin-style button and zipper.

Yukata

This type of Japanese traditional garment is believed to have existed since the Edo period (1603-1868 CE). Yukata are worn in summer, and they are believed to have been worn as informal clothing by people who worked in the fields. Today, they are worn during special occasions, such as during the Bon festival, and they are also worn by guests at Japanese hotels. Yukata are made of cotton and are decorated with beautiful designs that depict various scenes, including the sea. While yukata are similar to kimonos, there are some differences between the two garments. For example, yukata does not have long sleeves like kimono, nor do they have a stiff collar. The collar of a yukata is soft and wide, and the fabric of a yukata is usually thinner than that of a kimono. Yukata are tied with a belt, and they can be tied in many different ways, depending on the occasion and the person’s preference. Furthermore, yukata are often paired with a haori jacket and geta sandals.

Haori Jacket

This Japanese traditional garment is believed to have existed since the Heian period (794-1185 CE). Haori jackets are worn with the kimono and are tied at the front. Haori jackets are made with different materials, such as silk and cotton. They are decorated with beautiful designs, such as birds and flowers, and they are often embroidered with gold or silver thread. There are different types of haori jackets. Those with a single sleeve are worn on formal occasions, and those with two sleeves are worn during informal occasions.

Tansu and Obi Belt

These are two different types of Japanese traditional accessories. A tansu is a chest of drawers, while an obi belt is a type of sash that is used to tie kimono and yukata. There are different types of tansu, including the b?-tansu (Chinese-style chest) and the n?-tansu (Japanese-style chest). Similarly, there are different kinds of obi belts, including the nagaj?-bi (long sash) and the k?-bi (short sash). The tansu and the obi belt are used to store items and to tie kimono and yukata together. The tansu is often used to store kimono, socks, and other items, while the obi belt is used to tie the kimono and yukata together. The belt can also be used to tie a haori jacket together.

Geta and Tabi: Japanese sandals for men

These Japanese traditional sandals are believed to have been introduced to Japan from China during the 7th century CE. Geta sandals are decorated with beautiful designs, such as flowers and landscapes. They are made of wood and are decorated with lacquer. Tabi sandals are made of fabric and are decorated with beautiful Japanese designs. They are worn with kimono and yukata during special occasions, such as the Bon festival. They are also worn by people who visit shrines and temples. The tabi sandal has a single sole, while the geta sandal has two wooden soles stacked on top of each other. Geta sandals are usually used during the Bon festival, while tabi sandals are worn during the New Year’s celebration.

Conclusion

Japanese fashion for men dates back centuries and has its roots in Chinese clothing. Kimono are believed to have been introduced from China during the 6th century CE, while yukata are believed to have existed since the Edo period (1603-1868 CE). Haori jackets are believed to have been worn since the Heian period (794-1185 CE). The key difference between Japanese fashion and Western fashion is that Japanese fashion is focused on the aesthetic appeal of the garment, while Western fashion is focused on functionality. Moreover, traditional Japanese fashion for men is known for its use of beautiful materials, such as silk and cotton, to create garments that are both aesthetically pleasing and comfortable to wear.