The Center for Japanese Language and Culture, Gifu University (GU) held a workshop on "How to Wear Juni-Hitoe (twelve layered kimono) Traditional Kimono" at the Japanese tatami-mat room of the center on Wednesday. November 15, 2023.

The workshop was attended by 36 people including international students studying the Japanese Language & Culture Studies Course and the Japanese Society & Culture Program of the center, as well as international and Japanese students, and teaching and administrative staff members of GU.

Five instructors, including Ms. ITO Keiko, who teaches kimono-wearing, were invited to the workshop. All instructors wore montsuki hakama (formal kimono with a traditional Japanese family crest and a divided skirt). Their kimonos, together with the traditional court music called "gagaku," enhanced the solemn mood in the workshop.

First, Professor TSUCHIYA Momoko of the center spoke about the history and basics of Juni-Hitoe in Japanese and English. Next, Ms. Suanborae Tanchanok (from Thailand, a Japanese Language & Culture Studies Course student), walked into the room. She wore kosode (short-sleeved kimono) and hakama (divided skirt), put on a special makeup, and a saishi (coronet) on her head.

The instructors deftly dressed Ms. Suanborae in Juni-Hitoe consisting of hitoe (unlined kimono), itsutsuginu (five-layer undergarment), uwagi (outer garment), karaginu (waist-length robe) and mo (long pleated skirt), while paying their deep respects to Ms. Suanborae, who played the role of okatasama (the royal personage). Everyone was intently watching her being dressed up in the gorgeous kimonos of green and pink. In a photo session, students and instructors took pictures with Ms. Suanborae with a hiougi (painted wooden fan) in her hand.

Juni-Hitoe can be taken off smoothly, as the garments are not laced up. A Juni-Hitoe that has been taken off is called an "utsusemi" (cast-off shell of a cicada), because it looks as if someone is sitting still. International students -even men- tried putting on the utsusemi and felt its weight.

We believe that the "Juni-Hitoe Traditional Kimono Workshop 2023" offered students another opportunity to appreciate the depth of Japanese culture. We hope that hosting this type of unique workshop can help students develop their understanding of Japanese distinctive culture and tradition.