The Book of Kimono: The Complete Guide to Style and Wear [Paperback]

Norio Yamanaka (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 15, 1987

This practical and attractive book makes available for the first time the basic knowledge and vocabulary needed to select and put on a kimono and obi.

Whether for women or men, all kimono are cut and sewn essentially from a single pattern, but a number of variations must be considered, depending on the occasion. Guidelines are given to making these choices, and the way to dress in a kimono, from the preliminaries to tieing the bustle sash, is described in detail and fully illustrated. For women, there are formal kimono, obi and accessories, and the lightweight summer yukata; for men, the yukata and the ceremonial ensemble of kimono, haori coat and hakama skirt. Children's kimono for festive events are also described.

Kimono fashions have evolved over the centuries in response to varied influences. Today modern innovations are making the wearing of kimono at home and elsewhere an attractive alternative to Western garments. These are included here, along with a discussion of aesthetics, the history of the kimono, and the meaning that kimono culture can have for wearers and admirers throughout the world.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

NORIO YAMANAKA was born in Shiga Prefecture in 1928. In 1964 he founded the Sodo Kimono Academy, the first institute of its kind to encourage the wearing of Japan's national dress in everyday life. His philosophy is that wearing the kimono properly depends as much on the person's inner nature as on the garment itself. His movement has spread throughout Japan, and more than five million people have been taught how to wear the kimono by the fifty thousand consultants the academy has graduated.

Mr. Yamanaka was appointed chairman of the All Japan Kimono Consultants Association when it was formed in 1969. He is the author of several books on the kimono in Japanese, and since 1970 he has annually led delegations of more than a hundred members each, traveling to forty-five countries in Asia, Europe and North and South America to familiarize other people with this form of dress. In 1980 and 1982 he was invited to the United Nations headquarters in New York, where he lectured and gave demonstrations on the theme of the kimono and Japanese culture.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Kodansha USA (March 15, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0870117858
• ISBN-13: 978-0870117855
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 7.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #274,058 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

95 of 95 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is one of the most beautifuly written on kimonos !, June 3, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Book of Kimono: The Complete Guide to Style and Wear (Paperback)

This book is one of the most beautlfuly written on the subject of the Japanese national dress, the kimono. Of all of the books I have read on the kimono, I found this one to be the most consice and entertaining . Nario Yamanaka, a leading athourity on kimonos and who has also established the Sodo Kimono Academy in Japan , truly knows the kimono and exibits its true beauty in a most lovely manner. Included in the book is a brief history of the orgin of the kimono, the process of making the garment, different types of kimonos for different seasons, the tying of the obi sash, beautiful color photos and kimono etiquette. There is a also a detailed step - by - step section on how to wear the kimono. If one is a true aficinado of the kimono, This book should be included in your library.I highly recommend it !!

47 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Complete and detailed explanations about kimono, June 21, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Book of Kimono: The Complete Guide to Style and Wear (Paperback)

In this book you'll discover the history of kimono, and complete and detailed explanations of actual and colorful kimonos presented with good quality pictures. You'll also been presented to all accessoires which are needed to wear decently a kimono. In the end you will get some hints about behaviour you should have while wearing a kimono. I can recommend this book without restrictions to anyone willing to have "de la classe !" wearing a superb silk kimono.

38 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The essential kimono book, March 27, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Book of Kimono: The Complete Guide to Style and Wear (Paperback)

The author really takes kimono seriously, and it shows. He founded an international group whose goal is to popularize everyday wearing of kimono. Detailed step by step instructions on how to wear the undergarmet, kimono, and obi or pleated skirt. Also, he includes pages and pages of beautiful full-color photographs. My only complaint is that he did not include more photos of formal kimono.