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Hyper Japan Festival Kimono Rental Workshops 2025
Hyper Japan Festival Kimono Rental Workshops 2025
Description of Hyper Japan Kimono Rental 2025 Master Class
The Hyper Japan Festival 2025, held from July 18 to 20 at Olympia Events in London, stands as the UK’s largest celebration of Japanese culture. It draws thousands of visitors eager to engage with Japan’s rich traditions through food, crafts, performances, and immersive workshops. Among its standout offerings is the Kimono Rental Master Class, a unique experience that allows participants to not only wear a traditional Japanese kimono but also learn about its cultural significance, styling techniques, and historical context. This masterclass, led by expert instructors with deep knowledge of Japanese fashion and heritage, offers a hands-on opportunity to explore the artistry and etiquette of the kimono. It is designed for participants of all backgrounds, from beginners with no prior knowledge to enthusiasts seeking a deeper understanding of this iconic garment. The workshop combines practical instruction with cultural education, enabling attendees to appreciate the kimono’s role in Japanese society while experiencing the elegance of wearing one themselves.
What You Will Learn
The Kimono Rental Master Class at Hyper Japan 2025 provides a comprehensive introduction to the kimono, a traditional Japanese garment known for its intricate designs and cultural symbolism. Participants will learn the proper techniques for wearing a kimono, including how to drape and fold the fabric to achieve the elegant, structured silhouette that defines this attire. The workshop covers the essential steps of dressing in a kimono, from selecting the appropriate undergarments to securing the obi, the wide sash that is a hallmark of kimono fashion. You will gain hands-on experience in tying the obi in traditional styles, such as the taiko musubi (drum knot), which is commonly used for formal occasions.Beyond the technical aspects of dressing, the masterclass delves into the cultural and historical significance of the kimono. You will learn about the different types of kimonos, such as the furisode for unmarried women, the homongi for semi-formal occasions, and the yukata, a casual summer kimono. The instructor will explain how the choice of kimono, its patterns, and colors reflect the wearer’s age, marital status, and the nature of the event. For example, vibrant floral designs are often associated with youth, while subdued colors signify maturity or formality. Participants will also explore the symbolism embedded in kimono motifs, such as cherry blossoms representing transience or cranes symbolizing longevity.
The workshop includes guidance on kimono etiquette, teaching participants how to move gracefully while wearing the garment, as its restrictive fit requires specific postures and gestures. You will learn the proper way to sit, walk, and bow in a kimono, ensuring respect for traditional Japanese customs. The class also covers the role of accessories, such as zori sandals, tabi socks, and small handbags (baggu), which complete the kimono ensemble. Participants will discover how these accessories are chosen to complement the kimono’s design and enhance its aesthetic appeal.
Another key learning outcome is understanding the kimono’s place in modern Japanese culture. While kimonos are less common in everyday wear today, they remain central to special occasions like weddings, tea ceremonies, and coming-of-age celebrations. The instructor will discuss how contemporary Japanese designers are reimagining the kimono, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern fashion trends. Participants will also learn basic maintenance tips, such as how to fold and store a kimono to preserve its delicate fabrics, typically silk or cotton, and avoid damage.
The masterclass offers a practical component where participants select and wear a kimono from a curated collection provided by the festival. You will learn how to choose a kimono that suits your body type and personal style, with guidance on coordinating colors and patterns. The instructors, often experienced in kimono dressing (kitsuke), will assist in styling, ensuring each participant looks authentic and feels confident. For women, the workshop includes optional hairstyling to match the kimono, reflecting traditional Japanese aesthetics. By the end of the session, participants will have a newfound appreciation for the kimono as both a cultural artifact and a wearable piece of art, along with the skills to wear one correctly and confidently.
The workshop also fosters a sense of cultural connection. Participants will engage in a mini photo session, allowing them to capture their kimono-clad appearance against a backdrop inspired by Japanese aesthetics, such as a tatami room or a garden setting. This hands-on experience not only builds practical skills but also creates a memorable cultural moment, encouraging participants to share their newfound knowledge with others. Whether you are a tourist, a Japan enthusiast, or simply curious about traditional fashion, the masterclass equips you with the knowledge and confidence to engage with kimono culture authentically.
Lesson Structure
The Kimono Rental Master Class is structured as a 90-minute to 2-hour session, offered multiple times during the Hyper Japan Festival to accommodate various schedules. The workshop is designed to be accessible to all, requiring no prior experience, and is conducted in English to ensure inclusivity for an international audience. The session is led by a professional kitsuke instructor, often with years of experience in kimono dressing and Japanese cultural practices, ensuring an authentic and engaging experience.
The workshop begins with a 15- to 20-minute introduction to the kimono’s history and cultural significance. The instructor provides an overview of the kimono’s evolution, from its origins in the Heian period (794–1185) to its modern-day use in formal and ceremonial contexts. Visual aids, such as images of historical kimonos or ukiyo-e prints, may be used to illustrate key points. This segment also covers the symbolism of kimono designs and their role in Japanese social customs, setting the stage for the practical components.
Following the introduction, participants move into the kimono selection phase, which lasts about 20 minutes. A curated collection of kimonos, ranging from vibrant furisode to simpler yukata, is available for participants to choose from. The instructor guides you in selecting a kimono that suits your preferences and body type, explaining how factors like color, pattern, and length influence the overall look. This phase is interactive, with participants encouraged to ask questions about the kimonos’ designs and their cultural meanings.
The core of the workshop, spanning approximately 60 minutes, focuses on the hands-on process of dressing in a kimono. The instructor demonstrates the step-by-step process, starting with the undergarments, such as the hadajuban (a lightweight under-kimono) and koshihimo (a thin belt to secure the kimono). Participants then practice draping the kimono, ensuring the left side is wrapped over the right, a rule rooted in traditional etiquette. The instructor emphasizes precision in folding and aligning the fabric to achieve a smooth, elegant silhouette. The most intricate part is tying the obi, which the instructor demonstrates using a traditional style like the taiko musubi. Participants work in pairs or small groups, with the instructor providing personalized guidance to ensure each person masters the technique. For women, optional hairstyling is offered, using simple accessories like kanzashi (hairpins) to complement the kimono.
The final 20 to 30 minutes are dedicated to a cultural immersion activity and reflection. Participants engage in a mini photo session, posing in their kimonos against a Japanese-inspired backdrop. This allows them to capture the experience and appreciate the aesthetic harmony of their ensemble. The instructor may also lead a brief discussion on kimono etiquette, demonstrating how to move gracefully and perform a traditional bow. The session concludes with a Q&A, where participants can ask about kimono care, modern adaptations, or opportunities to experience kimono culture further, such as attending tea ceremonies or festivals in Japan.
The workshop is structured to balance education and enjoyment, ensuring participants leave with both practical skills and a deeper cultural understanding. The small group size fosters a supportive environment, with ample opportunity for one-on-one interaction with the instructor. Accessibility is prioritized, with accommodations available for participants with special needs upon advance request. The session is designed to be a highlight of the Hyper Japan Festival, offering a memorable and authentic dive into Japanese tradition.
Materials Used
The Kimono Rental Master Class provides all necessary materials, ensuring participants can focus on learning and enjoying the experience. The primary material is the kimono itself, typically made of silk, cotton, or polyester, depending on the style. Silk kimonos, often featuring intricate patterns like floral motifs or seasonal designs, are provided for a luxurious experience, while cotton or polyester yukata offer a more casual option. The workshop includes a variety of kimonos in different sizes, colors, and patterns to suit diverse preferences.
Undergarments are essential for proper kimono dressing and are provided during the session. These include the hadajuban, a lightweight under-kimono made of cotton or silk, and the koshihimo, a thin cotton belt used to secure the kimono’s shape. For women, a wasoburajia (a specialized bra that flattens the chest) may be provided to achieve the smooth silhouette required for kimono wear. The obi, a wide sash made of silk or brocade, is a key component, often featuring bold patterns or metallic threads. Accessories like zori sandals (flat, traditional footwear) and tabi socks (split-toe socks) complete the ensemble, ensuring authenticity.
Additional materials include koshihimo cords for securing the obi and small clips or pads to adjust the kimono’s fit. For the hairstyling component, kanzashi hairpins or simple combs are provided to create traditional updos for women. All materials are sourced to reflect authentic Japanese craftsmanship, and participants are guided on their proper use to respect cultural traditions. After the workshop, participants receive a small guide on kimono care and styling tips to take home.
YouTube Channel
For those eager to deepen their knowledge of kimono culture, the YouTube channel “Kimono Mom” offers engaging content on Japanese traditions, including kimono styling and cultural insights. Visit their channel at https://www.youtube.com/@KimonoMom to explore videos that showcase the beauty of kimonos and their role in modern Japanese life.
Brief History of the Kimono
The kimono, meaning “thing to wear” in Japanese, is a traditional garment that has been a cornerstone of Japanese culture for over a millennium. Its origins trace back to the Nara period (710–794), when Japan was heavily influenced by Chinese Tang Dynasty clothing. During this time, the earliest forms of the kimono were layered garments worn by the aristocracy, featuring straight cuts and vibrant colors. These early robes, known as kosode (“small sleeves”), served as undergarments and were made of silk or linen, reflecting the wearer’s wealth and status.
In the Heian period (794–1185), the kimono evolved into a more formalized garment, with the development of the “straight-line-cut method.” This technique allowed kimonos to be crafted from a single bolt of fabric (tanmono), making them adaptable to various body types and seasons. Layering became fashionable, particularly among court ladies who wore the jūni-hitoe, a twelve-layered robe that showcased intricate color combinations symbolizing seasons or social rank. The kimono’s designs began to incorporate motifs like cherry blossoms and cranes, reflecting Japan’s appreciation for nature and transience.
During the Kamakura (1185–1333) and Muromachi (1336–1573) periods, the rise of the samurai class shifted fashion away from the extravagant courtly styles of the Heian period. The kosode became the primary garment for both men and women, worn with a narrow obi sash to secure it. While commoners were restricted to simple, plain-colored kimonos, wealthy merchants began experimenting with subtle patterns on the inner linings, a practice known as “hidden elegance.” The introduction of dyeing techniques, such as shibori (tie-dye) and yuzen (paste-resist dyeing), allowed for more intricate designs, transforming the kimono into an art form.
The Edo period (1603–1868) marked the kimono’s golden age, as Japan’s economy and culture flourished under the Tokugawa shogunate. The merchant class, despite social restrictions, gained wealth and patronized the arts, leading to the development of vibrant, hand-painted kimonos. Techniques like rinzu (damask weaving) and tsujigahana (a combination of tie-dye and embroidery) became popular, creating luxurious garments that rivaled those of the aristocracy. The obi grew wider and more elaborate, with complex knots like the taiko musubi becoming fashionable. Kimonos became a canvas for expressing individuality, with designs reflecting personal status, seasonal themes, and regional influences.
The Meiji period (1868–1912) brought significant changes as Japan opened to Western trade and modernized rapidly. The government promoted Western clothing for official settings, relegating the kimono to ceremonial and special occasions. Synthetic dyes and materials like wool were introduced, making kimonos more accessible but also altering their traditional craftsmanship. The term “kimono” became widely used to distinguish traditional Japanese clothing (wafuku) from Western attire (yofuku). Despite these changes, the kimono remained a symbol of cultural identity, worn for weddings, tea ceremonies, and festivals.
In the 20th century, the kimono’s use declined as Western clothing became the norm for daily wear. However, it retained its significance in formal contexts, such as the coming-of-age ceremony (Seijinshiki) and weddings. Designers like Issey Miyake and Yohji Yamamoto drew inspiration from the kimono’s straight-cut silhouette, influencing global fashion with their deconstructed, minimalist styles. In recent years, the kimono has experienced a revival, particularly among younger generations and tourists. Kimono rental services have surged in popularity, allowing people to wear these garments for cultural experiences or photography in cities like Kyoto and Tokyo. Modern designers are also experimenting with new fabrics, such as polyester, and bold patterns to make kimonos more accessible and versatile.
oday, the kimono remains a powerful symbol of Japanese heritage, blending tradition with innovation. Its intricate craftsmanship, from hand-sewn seams to elaborate dyeing techniques, continues to captivate global audiences. The kimono’s ability to convey social status, seasonality, and personal identity through its designs ensures its enduring relevance, both as a cultural artifact and a fashion statement. Whether worn for a festival, a tea ceremony, or a modern photoshoot, the kimono embodies Japan’s aesthetic principles of harmony, elegance, and transience.
Paul (Poison Fish) Manjyu Woodman
