As in previous years, we recently arranged an opportunity for students to try on the traditional Japanese costume, the kimono. This year, we invited teachers from the Hakubi Kyoto Kimono Institute to instruct us in the correct way to put one on. In response, we had more participants compared to last year: as many as seventy students applied for the event.
Everyone was thrilled with this truly Japanese experience, but as time went on some comments of being tired or uncomfortable could be heard. Unlike the clothes that we wear everyday, kimono are wrapped tightly around the legs so that only very short steps are possible, and on top of this, the belt must be very tight.
Despite this, everyone was delighted with the opportunity to wear a real kimono. Everyone wanted pictures, and the weather cooperated with a beautiful blue sky. It was a wonderful day that we will remember forever.