Running Head: Title 1

Title
Walter Aguirre
Arizona State University
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Shield, Reflection and Culture in the Kimono
Abstract
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Shield, Reflection and Culture in the Kimono
Title

Through the ages, the style of clothing has evolved, but it has always represented

something. It has either reflected a specific personality trait of an individual or the progression

that a specific country was going through. This can be seen when you compare the type of style

today from the type of style 30 years ago. It is safe to assume that clothing has always been a

sign of reflection. Even today, many cultures have a specific way of dressing based on their own

cultural believes or personality traits. To the Japanese people, there is a specific type of clothing

that they wear to demonstrate some of these traits. It is used to reflect their personality traits,

values, beliefs, and even progression. To the Japanese people, this specific type of clothing is

called a kimono which is a specific type of clothing made of wool or silk. The kimono is

important to the Japanese society, but some may not understand why.

Although the kimono might be an important piece of clothing to the Japanese people

some might not think otherwise. Arguments might come forth stating that the kimono looks like

a night gown and that the Japanese people look ridiculous when wearing it. Others might say that

there is no point to wearing it as it is something that was worn a long time ago and was seen as

normal in those days but not anymore. These are some arguments that some might have, but they

don’t truly understand why the kimono is worn or what it represents. Having an understanding of

this, will change the perspective that it looks like a night gown or that there is no point to

wearing it. Wearing the kimono, is a form of reflection. Its not something that is worn just for the

sake of it. There is actually more to it than what it seems.

First of all, Japan has been known to have a reputation of having a healthy lifestyle and

also long traditional herbal cures. They have believed in these herbal cures and other natural

remedies for many years and is believed to heal someone that is really ill. Believe it or not, the
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Shield, Reflection and Culture in the Kimono
same idea of natural remedies is used in the dyes of the kimono. In an article written by the V

and A Museum, it states, “Dyes are seen to embody the spirit of the plants from which they are

extracted. Any medicinal property is also believed to be transferred to the colored cloth. Blue, for

example, derives from indigo, which is used to treat bites and stings, so wearing blue fabric is

thought to serve as a repellent to snakes and insects” (2018). Wearing a kimono with specific

dyes help Japanese reflect back on what their ancestors believed during the older times and that

is the medicinal power that a specific plant may have against a specific illness or venomous bite.

Maybe this is why the Japanese society is still firm on their belief of using natural remedies to

treat someone. It is because they still see that these beliefs are still true and still work.

Not only do the colors represent something, but the designs on the kimono are also

another sign of personal reflection. In an article found in My Modern Net written by Kelley

Richman, it states “Patterns, symbols, and other designs also help communicate the wearer’s

status, personality traits, and virtues” (2017). The kimono is really important to the Japanese

people as it helps them show people a little bit about themselves through the designs on the

kimono. It is not just the Japanese that find their style of clothes as a way to show a little bit of

who they are. It is something normal that occurs around the world however, the Japanese do it in

a more traditional way. That is through the kimono. It is a way of clothing that has been in Japan

for decades.

There are several designs that can be found in the kimono that help demonstrate the

personality traits or values of the person wearing the kimono. Some of the values are shown

through the five elements from China that were introduced to Japan. In an article written by the

V and A museum, it states “Fire, water, earth, wood and metal are associated with particular

directions, seasons, virtues and colors…… Colors also have strong poetic significance. Purple,
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Shield, Reflection and Culture in the Kimono
for example, is a metaphor for undying love, the imagery deriving from the fact that gromwell

(murasaki), the plant used to create the dye, has very long roots” (2018). As explained, the five

elements can be used to introduce the virtue of a specific individual. Even the colors can be used

to show what the individual is feeling. Other designs might include specific plants or animals

that are only seen in Japan and represent some personality trait. The V and A Museum provides

an example of this idea by explaining the meaning of a bird that can be found in the kimono.

“The most popular bird depicted on kimono is the crane. Believed to live for a thousand years

and to inhabit the land of the immortals, it is a symbol of longevity and good fortune” (2018).

There are many other designs that the kimono may have to demonstrate one’s personality or

virtues, but these are some of those ideas.

As explained, the kimono is more than just a style but is rather a way to reflect their

personality, their beliefs and their values. The dyes in the kimono is a reflection on their belief of

natural remedies and herbal cures. It represents something to them and they belief that it can be a

shield of protection against a particular threat when wearing a kimono with a specific dye. Not

only does it show this belief, but the designs on the kimono also demonstrate a little bit of their

personality traits and values. It is a way to show to others a little bit of themselves through this

particular way of clothing. It can be seen that this means something to them as it is a tradition

that has been going on for centuries.

During the Edo period (1615-1868), the kimono was only worn by the wives of the

wealthiest merchants. According to the V and A Museum, “There were even fashion contests

between the wives of the wealthiest merchants, who tried to outdo one another with ever more

dazzling displays of splendid costume” (2016). Again, the kimono was a way to express

themselves during those times however, the designs were not the same as they are today. The
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Shield, Reflection and Culture in the Kimono
kimono has evolved throughout time. The first evolution occurred during the 1800’s when an

American naval squadron arrived in Japan and demanded that the country opened its port to

western powers. When this happened, the style of the kimono changed completely to have a

more western style. It was a way to reflect the changes that were occurring as Japan became

more exposed to Western resources. The Last evolution occurred during the 1900’s when Japan

started to progress and become more modern. The V and A Museum stated, “From the early 20th

century increasingly graphic imagery was used on kimono. On garments for young boys, in

particular, symbols representing Japan's modernity and progression are depicted - cars, trains,

airplanes and skyscrapers” (2018).

The kimono has always been a way to demonstrate different aspects of Japan. From

becoming more modern, to the beliefs that their ancestors had, to their very own individual

personality. As proven, this is why the kimono is important to the Japanese people. It tells a story

through different dyes and designs used to make the kimono. There are many details in the

kimono that not many actually pay attention to or understand why it is the way that it is. To this

day, Japanese still wear kimonos and see it as a way to reflect back on their ancestors and what

they did and went through.

The Japanese are so dedicated to the kimono that a small flaw is an insult or a sign of

disrespect. They truly belief in the kimono and are not embarrassed to wear them. Yes, it might

look like a nightgown but to them it is a way to show who they are and what they have gone

through. Now the kimono is even worn by men and represent the same ideas as before in the

older times.

The kimono is important to the Japanese society as it helps reflect an individual’s

personality traits, values, beliefs and even the time period that they lived at. Many of these ideas
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Shield, Reflection and Culture in the Kimono
can be found just by looking at the colors used or the designs that were made. It is important to

understand these principles every time we look at the kimono as it will help us understand the

importance that it has to the Japanese people and why they continue to wear them. Clothes are

more than mere trends, they are a part of the culture, a shield from harm, and a reflection of one’s

personality.
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Shield, Reflection and Culture in the Kimono
References

Victoria and Albert Museum (2018) Kimono. Retrieved from

https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/kimono

Victoria and Albert Museum (2016). A history of the Kimono. Retrieved from:

www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/h/a-history-of-the-kimono/

Kelly Richman-Abdou (2017) The Unique History and Fascinating Evolution of the Japanese

Kimono. Retrieved from https://mymodernmet.com/japanese-kimono

The Evolution of the Design of the Japanese Kimono [Digital image]. (n.d.). Retrieved April 16, 2018,

from https://www.bing.com/images/search?

view=detailV2&ccid=S2jEptWf&id=CAA466EB70D661D2ED9197B5689B4E0D12547C48&thid=OIP.S2jEpt

WfCD6o-

z0NPUcfwQHaFj&mediaurl=https://image.slidesharecdn.com/theevolutionofthedesignofthejapanesekim

ono-130528000201-phpapp01/95/the-evolution-of-the-design-of-the-japanese-kimono-10-638.jpg?

cb=1369699738&exph=479&expw=638&q=evolution of the kimono in meiji

period&simid=608012310174632227&selectedIndex=0&ajaxhist=0
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Shield, Reflection and Culture in the Kimono