High-tech kimono

[michiko]

Has anyone else read this article?
www.cnn.com/2004/TECH/ptech/09/17/hightechkimonos.ap/index.html

Although, it doesn't seem to be very widespread (yet), I was wondering about everyone's thoughts about this. Do you think this will significantly change the way people wear or view kimono? Maybe make them more popular or accessible to the general public?

PS - Hi, I'm new to the forum.

[Nicole]

Hi. I'm new here too. Anyway, this might catch the attention of people who normally wouldn't have given wearing kimonos any thought before. After all, the new and trendy thing catches more eyes sometimes. But for me, I prefer to continue collecting and wearing kimonos with... um... a past to them I guess. I can appreciate all the hard work someone did creating it, and the care its previous owner took of it. And hopefully someday someone else will feel the same way about my kimonos. That probably sounds weird, but I'd like to think I'm not the only one, oh... I know very well I'm not the only one.

[Kiyoaki]

Michiko,

In theory, the high tech approach could be a plus, if people wanted inexpensive kimono. But that's a big 'if'. Besides, Nishijin manufacturers have been using them for decades, and there's very little sign that prices have been favorably impacted by this kind of modernization. Instead, it's allowed designers to attempt even more elaborate work.

In the past, when kimono were everyday wear for children, women and men __ saving money might have been the case. But since the Meiji Period, attitudes concerning the kimono has evolved to a point where wearing one has become a social statement, so the expense issue is mostly ignored.

Usually, kimono are worn at formal occasions, or when one practices traditional arts like cha-no-yu, ken-do, koto, et al. Wearing kimono in that context is merely an extension of the art; not a ready alternative to Western clothes.

Therefore, the expense is not the major issue. Certainly, using a computer to create designs with computer-age motifs allows one to readily reflect contemporary tastes. But that alone probably won't reform ingrained attitudes about the kimono.

Kiyoaki

[akihito89]

How about if we just ban western clothing.

[Rachel_gs]

Patience Akihito. Always to the far extreme...

Influencing people requires a delicate touch. You have to let them think it was *their* idea.

Besides clothing is partly a response to environment. When going to the movies, where the seats are cushy and western, its more comfy/practical to wear jeans & a tee. When going for tea, in a tatami room where you *have* to sit on the floor, a kimono is more comfy/practical.

Someone mentioned encouraging kimono through encouraging traditional architecture, or perhaps discounts while wearing(cheaper train/cab tickets?) That seems more likely to have a longer lasting effect than some fad. The last thing I would want is for kimono wearing to be hip for a month and then considered "so last week.."

[akihito89]

The architecture idea is good. I want to live in Kyoto or maybe Kanazawa or some other place not bombed by terrorists and I also want to live in a section of the city completely devoid of American or post-war refuse.

We could start an international non-proffit .org that works to preserve JAapnese culture and traditions. We could go before international bodies and request funding and not just subsidise kimono makers or traditional craftsmen. We'd purchase thier products and services in a large quantity. This would create business for them, maybe drive prices down a little bit, and we could open kimono musems and exhibitions. Also, to raise funds and perpetuate our blessing on mankind, we'll sell things at a sweet price (kimono, traditional houses and other buildings). Then we'll buy american buildings and tear them down and better use that space for something traditional.

Or we could indict the us of war cimes and cultural genocide and request funding to rehabilitate JApan and reperations from Babylon. I think if the evil empire had to pay 20 trillion or maybe 30 trillion, that might be enought to restore JApan to her former glory. We have alot to do though. The people need to be reeducated. Entire cities need to be rebuilt.