(The image links to amazon.co.jp)
“Let’s enjoy the kimono!”
I’ll introduce a comic about the kimono. It is a traditional Japanese dress, but even Japanese people do not have many opportunities to wear it. Most people only wear it for children’s events such as Shichi-Go-San or for coming-of-age ceremonies. There are detailed rules on how to choose the material and pattern of the kimono. It depends on whether it is worn for a ceremony or a visit, and the season. It is also difficult to put on as there are many small parts. Beginners cannot wear a kimono by themselves. So they go to a school that teaches them how to wear it or ask a professional to dress them. Did you think it was a hassle… when you heard these stories?
Fun comic: Ranman dress cordless
Let’s enjoy wearing the kimono we like without worrying about such detailed rules! That’s the message in “Ranman Dress Codeless”. This is a manga that I have recently become addicted to. The main character is a girl, Nadeshiko. She likes the eel-patterned obi (sash), so she tries on a yukata (a simplified version of a kimono) for the first time. She has trouble with sores on her shoes because she is not used to wearing zori (Japanese slippers). A lady who wears kimonos in a Western style in a wonderful way, helped Nadeshiko. This is how the two become acquainted.
She realises that kimonos are not only to be worn according to traditional rules, but that they can also be worn more freely and happily. And while having fun, she gradually gets used to the kimono. Not only expensive new kimonos, but also remaking old kimonos. They can also dress up in a Western style, matching kimonos with various items. She enjoys kimonos with many options according to her budget.
Traditional kimono dressing is also enjoyable
The interesting thing about this manga is that it also presents an axis of conflict in its message of wearing kimonos in a casual and fun way. Mr. Inukai is the owner of a traditional kimono shop where Nadeshiko goes to buy a kimono. He is a man, but unusually enjoys wearing kimonos on a daily basis. And he even likes to wear kimono in a blend of Japanese and Western styles. However, as the owner of a kimono shop, he also knows the importance of the rules of traditional kimono. He also knows that good kimonos are expensive. He wants kimono beginners to wear good kimonos first in a traditional way, because it is worth the effort. But in doing so, he is forced to recommend expensive kimonos, which raises the bar against wearing kimonos.
His struggles are one of the highlights of the manga. How will he change his attitude towards kimonos in the future? How will the main characters affect it? I look forward to the next part of the story!
If you are interested in Japanese culture, see also Why and How to Make Sushi at Home!
