Harper Irwin

On November 25^th after our daily 2 hour Japanese lesson we had a Kimono experience. When we were all informed about how the study tour had planned to include a Kimono experience I was so excited. I’ve always had an admiration and respect for Japanese culture from a young age, so I’ve always wanted to learn more, being able to experience time in a Kimono was such a hands-on experience which I don’t take for granted as a tourist to Japan. The kimonos were beautiful, as soon as we got into the fitting room the language barrier was a little difficult since I know very little Japanese and the lady fitting my Kimono knew very little English but despite this language barrier she was very kind and encouraging. During this experience each one of us girls were assigned a lady who works at the Kimono company and they would pick each layer of the Kimono; customizing the fit, colour-way and patterns for us. The Kimono was very tight but some of the TCU staff and students mentioned that it would be so fortunately I knew that going in. However, despite that the outfit was beautiful I really loved the colour-way and pattern of my Kimono and the lady who helped fit me into mine was so beyond kind insisting I took photos and was super sweet, I was also fortunate enough to have my hair done by the Kimono staff with lots of flower pins which were beautiful. Reflecting on it now, the Kimono fitting had a deeper impact on me than I expected. It wasn’t just about wearing traditional clothing; it made me more aware of the care, intention, and cultural meaning embedded in everyday practices in Japan. The attention to detail and the respect given to tradition reminded me how much history can live within something as simple as getting dressed. With this, I’m so beyond grateful to be-apart of this experience, being able to gain in-sight into Japanese traditions within Japan, after the fitting we had a meeting with the Kimono company staff and TCU which explained more of the context behind the Kimono and the significance behind it which was super intriguing to learn, I also spoke to one of the TCU students her name was Aiyka and she told me how she wears Kimonos all the time, every fortnight it’s a tradition her family so to able to hear these stories and to learn more about Japanese culture is such a blessing.