Kimono Fitting

February 24 marked a day of fun for Jennifer and other members of the Atsugi Officers' Spouses' Association, more commonly known as AOSA.  The annual kimono fitting event, hosted by the Japanese spouses, was a unique opportunity to wear genuine silk kimonos and experience the musical stylings of traditional Japanese instruments. Given the size of our group, we were split into two sessions - one in the morning and one in the afternoon. In between the two groups, a husband and wife pair gave a concert featuring the koto (Japanese harp) and shakuhachi (bamboo flute) while we enjoyed Japanese sweets and tea. Interestingly, the pitch of this flute can be changed by altering the blowing angle into the instrument, unlike the recorder that most of us learned how to play in fifth grade in the States. Dressing in a kimono is similarly complex and each American woman had approximately three Japanese women getting her ready. Kimono dressing is a traditional and somewhat waning art. Nowadays not every woman learns how to fit a kimono (only if she has a special interest in it) and often those with these skills must be hired to help women get ready for special occasions. We were very fortunate to have the help and hospitality of the Japanese spouses! The day was an unforgettable privilege and cultural exchange!

They even had a photo area set up for us!

The backs of the kimonos are just as intricate as the front.

Jennifer and Cherie!

Jennifer and Marilyn!

Shakuhachi!

Koto!

The ladies of session two :-)!