Essays
Essay Contest: Kimono Belt
Peggy Iida (Graduate of 2008)
I wrote an essay about kimono belts (obi) under the sponsor of Nishijin Maizuru Co., Ltd. and was given an honorable mention.
The reason why I wrote the essay on kimono belts is because I love Japanese traditional clothing. When I was a sophomore in high school, my Japanese friend gave me a handmade yukata (bath robe) with a belt. To be honest, it was really difficult.I have many Japanese friends who think western clothes from famous brands are more attractive than kimonos and yukatas. But for me, there are no famous western brands that can compete with a yukata or kimono.
When I visited the obimanufacturing company headquarters for the award ceremony, I was amazed by all the beautiful handmade obifs that were decorated in the ceremony hall. I felt like I was in a magical world. I remember the first time I attempted to wear a yukata by myself. It was hard work indeed, but when I saw myself in the mirror, I felt very happy and accomplished. I wear a yukata whenever I get a chance to go to the summer festival in Japan. I was surprised when I found out that many of my Japanese friends in college didnft know how to wear a yukata or kimono.
As you probably already know, I really enjoy wearing Japanese traditional clothes. I wore a hakama for my college graduation, a furisode for my grad school graduation, and a shiromuku for my wedding ceremony. I hope Japanese people, especially the young generation, pay more attention to the beauty of yukata and kimono.
It has almost been ten years since Ifve been in Japan and the only thing that has not changed is my affection toward yukata and kimonos.
Peggy, center, back row
