Blog

  • The Original Merch Drop: Kabuki x Kimono in Edo Japan

    Long before fashion week collaborations and limited-edition celebrity merchandise, Japan’s Edo period (1615–1868) was already fusing fame and fabric in brilliant ways. Kabuki actors, the superstars of their time, captivated audiences not only with their performances but also with their bold stage costumes, sparking real-world fashion trends among a growing urban population. One striking example Read more

  • Sewing Kimono – A Personal Experiment in Fabric, Form, and Patience

    Sewing Kimono – A Personal Experiment in Fabric, Form, and Patience

    I’ve decided to try something I’ve never done before: sewing my own kimono. As someone deeply interested in the history and cultural meaning of kimono, this is more than just a sewing projec; it’s a way to explore the garment from the inside out, one stitch at a time. I’ll be documenting the process here Read more

  • Furisode Kimono Explained: A Visual Guide to Japan’s Coming-of-Age Attire

    When thinking of the Coming-of-Age Day in Japan, one image often comes to mind: young women dressed in striking, long-sleeved kimono known as furisode. Worn to mark the transition into adulthood, these colourful garments are rich in tradition and also full of personal and cultural meaning.But not all furisode look the same. At the 2024 Read more

  • How the Hakama Became a Symbol of Women’s Education in Japan

    When attending a university graduation ceremony in Japan, you’ll likely see young women dressed in a traditional garment called the hakama; a wide, pleated lower garment worn over a kimono. While today it’s closely associated with academic achievement and coming of age, the hakama was originally a piece of clothing worn only by men. So Read more

  • Exploring Japanese Theater: Nō and Kabuki at Cool Japan 2025 in Hamburg

    Back in March, I had the pleasure of curating and moderating the event “Cool Japan 2025 – Japanese Theater from Nō to Kabuki” at the Museum am Rothenbaum – Kulturen und Künste der Welt (MARKK) in Hamburg. The one-day event offered a rich, multi-sensory exploration of historical and contemporary Japanese performing arts. With a diverse Read more

  • Why Did I Go to Japan? Discussing Kimono on Japanese TV

    It just recently occured to me that I never talked about my appearance on TV Tokyo’s well-known show Why Did YOU Come to Japan? (YOUは何しに日本へ？) on this blog. I’m not quite sure what kept me from writing about it before, but here is me aiming to change that. This article is 720 words long.🕒 Estimated Read more