Japanese Robes

How long is a Japanese Obi? I am making my first kimono and I'm very confused on the pattern. I have finished the kimono from just the picture. But how long is the Obi suppose to be? The pattern does not tell me and I have found too many stuff online that still leaves me unsure. The kimono is made out of cotton, since this is just a casual one. So I need to know for a casual cotton kimono how long should the obi be? How many times should it wrap around me?

Can someone provide instructions on how to tie the obi on a traditional Japanese men's summer yukata? I have a Yukata I plan to wear at local festivals here in Japan, but I don't know how to properly tie the wide style obi. In the past I have gone to the shop where I bought my yukata and one of the older ladies there would do it for me. It is getting to be a bit impractical to keep doing that so I need to learn how do do it myself. I have been told there are different ways to tie the obi depending on age or status. So far, the only instructions I have found on the internet are for the yukata's used in the Japanese style Ryokans (using the thin robe-like obi)

What are the dimensions of the obi for a traditional Japanese men's summer yukata? Do you know? If you have one, can you measure it for me? (The one for festivals, not onsens) Thanks in advance!

site to help put on a Japanese kimono and obi? Does anyone know a good website for directions on putting on different kinds of Japanese kimono and obi? Im not very good at it so I need to practice. I own like 4 different types of kimono: komon, yukata, kuro tomesode, ______.(cant remember name at moment) And obi: maru, osaka, ________. (name escapes me) Thanks for any info. :)

site to help put on Japanese kimono and obi? Does anyone know a good website for directions on putting on different kinds of Japanese kimono and obi? Im not very good at it so I need to practice. I own like 4 different types of kimono: komon, yukata, kuro tomesode, ______.(cant remember name at moment) And obi: maru, osaka, ________. (name escapes me) Thanks for any info. :)

Does anyone know where I can find official Japanese Escaflowne art books (w/ official japanese obi sleeve)?

Where can I buy original japanese cd cardboard sleeves, covers, obi strips (without cds)?

Where is the best place to sell real, vintage, japanese kimonos and obis? I already know about ebay.....I need other suggestions... I have about 20 kimono and about 40 obi.

What paper type is a CD obi strip made from? I would like to ask if anyone knows what kind of paper is used for obi-strips found on Japanese release CDs.

how do you tie an obi? how do you tie a japanese obi around a komonao

Do all Japanese CDs come with an OBI?

"Obi Strip" Question / Info.? I'm thinking about buying this product, a CD, it says it comes with the Japanese obi strip. I've never bought one with the obi strip, so I was wondering, when I open the cd case will the obi strip break or is it a part of the actual casing?

Can anyone recommend a sewing machine for sewing heavy duty fabrics? Wondering if I should get a commercial machine or if I just need something special for the machine I have (Kenmore). I make purses out of Japanese obi fabrics and the thickness is really taking a toll on my machine. When I add in the lining, interfacing and trim it is pretty tricky to get it all under the presser foot.

What is an ancient japanese dress called? The old ancient stuff, like Samurai time period. I have hears a lot of names for the clothing, like kimono and obi, but what did women wear? Like, were they dresses or something? I know, I must sound really ignorant, but really I totally in the dark. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

where can i get a traditonal japanese kimono? and and tell where to get the obi or yutaka, those eri-sugata, white tabi socks, koshi-himo belt, date-jime belt, and those sandals.

What do Japanese critics and audiences think of Star Wars films? The Star Wars movies are strongly and directly influenced by samurai movies. Not just the swordfighting either. The name "Jedi" (from jedaigeki), the kimono-like robes, Obi-wan the old master, R2D2 and C3P0 from Hidden Fortress, and so on. I wondered if Japanese audiences are aware of these connections and what they think of them. (I thought I'd reach more Japanese by listing this question here, rather than in the movies section.)

If you are about to buy a handbag made with Pre-WWII vintage Japanese kimono fabric, does it have to be silk? I am starting handbag manufacturing & retailing business in the future. I am currently working on a handbag collection that is made with pre-WWII vintage Japanese kimono obi sash fabric from 1910's thru 1930's. I have found many beautiful vintage kimono fabrics, but they tend to be rayon and silk & synthetic blend. Silk ones are sort of dull unless they are very expensive. This is because Japan was #1 producer of rayon during that time in history. It does accurately portray historical aspect of the textile. However, I can already anticipate some sort of hang-ups by American customers because the bags are not made with vintage silk material. To what degree does it matter whether your handbag is made of silk or rayon/synthetic. Does the Pre-WWII vintage outweigh rayon textile, or silk is a must? Also if you can tell me your gender & age, that will help. Thanks.

Is it worth it to hire an auctioneer? I have a couple thousand $ of vintage japanese kimonos/obis, as well as several antiques and collectibles. I can't have a garage sale (I live in an apartment), and ebay is so flooded with kimonos...they sell for a fraction of what they are worth. Is it worth it to deal with an auction house? What have your experiences been? Thank you.

does the kimono or obi have more pattern? On a traditional japanese kimono, which has the more intricate or detailed pattern? The kimono itself or the obi? If you have any good links for japanese sites please would you add them into your answer. Thanks

What does obi mean? And I'm not talking about Obi-Wan Karaoke,or whatever.? The details are....well, I want to know the meaning of obi. Isn't it something on a kimono? I just don't know what,though... Also,it's a japanese/chinese word.

please translate this japanese sentence? What does "ai wa subete wo kanzen ni musubu obi de aru" mean in Japanese? thats why I wanted to check... I was told it said "Love binds them all together in perfect unity" ... that is what I was looking for... Thank you

Japanese translation help!? Can someone please help me translate this statement into Japanese (Kanji, Hiragana, and Katakana please)? Old meets new Elegant GothLoli dress inspired by traditional and modern Japanese fashion, and matched with an obi-styled belt. Thank you so much.

A Q on traditional Japanese garb.? There is a tight garment I have seen Japanese workersor ttravelerswearing in older films and prints. It encircles the waist from the lower ribs to the hips, I'm guessing to keep your back and/or abdomen warm. I have often seen it worn with no other upper body covering. It does not appear to be a wrap like an obi but could be. Does anyone know what I'm talking about and what its called?

Am i buying this kimono right? This is my first kimono, and I wanted to get a less pricer one as my first: http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Japanese-Clothing-Kimono-Dress-Women-Silk-k943_W0QQitemZ250227192613QQihZ015QQcategoryZ29454QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem For the obi, I've found these three; but are they the right kind, and match well? I will only buy one: http://cgi.ebay.com/Cool-design-Beautiful-grass-Japanese-Antique-Kimono-Obi_W0QQitemZ120207402271QQihZ002QQcategoryZ73466QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem http://cgi.ebay.com/Shine-Yellow-JPN-Antique-Real-Kimono-Obi_W0QQitemZ120207402262QQihZ002QQcategoryZ73466QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-JAPANESE-OBI-BELT-BOW-Red-Silk-Kimono-Sash_W0QQitemZ250227263022QQihZ015QQcategoryZ29454QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem Which, if any, would be the best one too buy; and the best looking? I'm sorry I'm so kimono-illiterate! Thank you for any help :)

My wedding theme. So far...what do you think? Okay so tomorrow I'll be going over my general wedding sceme with my Maid of Honor, my mom, my future daughter in law, and my sister. We'll be putting a few ideas together over lunch. So I thought I'd run it through her through you guys to let me know what you think of it. Okay so the wedding is first and foremost an Asian Inspired wedding. Why Asian? Well because my fiance is half Japanese and he wanted to honor his mother. (The colors are red, black, and gold!) This is my dress. http://www.davidsbridal.com/bridal_gowns_detail.jsp?stid=2841&prodgroup=270 Bridesmaids will be wearing this in apple red: http://www.davidsbridal.com/bridesmaids_detail.jsp?stid=3581&prodgroup=110 AND they will be wearing these around their waists. They are Japanese Obi belts and their hair will up in buns with black chopsticks in them. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16419102 Flower girl in apple red. http://www.davidsbridal.com/flowergirl_detail.jsp?stid=2315&prodgroup=11 The band I picked for him in which I'll be engraving: Amore Vincit Omnia. Which is Latin for: Love Conquers All. http://www.zales.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2709168&kpc=1 From this site we're getting a few things. The lucky cat favors for the reception tables, the chinese takeout boxes with our names on them filled with chocolate covered fortune cookies, and the takeout box candles for the tables. http://www.favorsandflowers.com/asian_theme.htm http://www.zales.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2709168&kpc=1 A few more things I want to do is to have for the centerpieces of the table a miniature zen garden surounded by sakura flowers as the centerpiece. I think it would be fun for the guests. Maybe something like this: http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff193/jojokinksub/zen_garden.jpg Okay so let me know what you think. And if there's any kind of idea that I haven't thought of please let me know. Thanks in advance. OH and I almost forgot. The future hubby and I DEFINITELY plan on hiring a sushi bar!!! =D fizzy stuff: You're right. Hubby and I were just talking about exxing out the take out boxes and the fortune cookies. Thanks for the advice. wishingstar: My hair is going to be picked up into a simple yet elebant knot at the base of my neck. Then I'm adding red orchids on the right side of the bun and then the veil. alicia jamie: We're both getting married and having the reception at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel down here in Miami, Florida. The ceremony will be outside by the water and the reception will be inside. Yeah, we were thinking about the paper lanterns and maybe even paper parasols. I'm not sure about the jewelry for the bridesmaids.

How to make anee-sama ningo? or a japanese doll made of paper, dressed in full kimono etc. all out of paper? any techniques for folding paper, creating the layered effect and kimono/obi, how to make the collar, or any source where i can find out how to make these : they sound so cool, and i've seen some stunning photo's. i've got various types of paper, including chiyogami, normal origami and tissue paper. also, does anyone know where i can get high quality washi -type or chiyogami paper cheaply? hobbycraft is 75p for a 15cm square!

japanese traditional clothing? in memoirs of a geisha when suyri is getting ready what is the red thing called that she wears just above her obi it looks like some sort of padding thanks no im not on about the kimono its ontop of the kimono but inder the obi it looks lie a funny shaped bean bag

i would like to find someone in the netherlands who can teach me to tie obi please? i am a collector of japanese kimono and would also like to wear them to formal occasions - hence the request for someone who can teach me this skill, please

For anyone who has the Official Japanese Escaflowne Roman Album Art Book (ISBN: 4-19-720009-9)? If anyone has the above named art book, please post a message stating... ** Your name or Yahoo! ID (or e-mail address) ** The place of purchase I am an avid collector and would like to know where I might find this artbook. Please, the official jap. version (with official obi) only! Thank You and Much Appreciation!

Where can I get a CHEAP Kimono/Yukata? I can never find a cheap one w/obi and the sites always seem to be in Japanese, so if you can help please do! :) Yeah, and a REAL ONE, not those shirts.....:(

Does anyone know where I can find the OFFICIAL Jap. (not bootleg) Escaflowne Roman Album Art Book (with obi)? If anyone knows where I can find one, let me know. My active e-mail is hknope@msn.com. Also, the ISBN number #: 4-19-720009-9. I have searched a lot of places such as Amazon.co.jp, and Rinkya (both have the book but I do not speak or read Japanese). eBay has had the book on there a few times but discerning which one is bootleg or legitimate is difficult. (I know of only a few trustworthy eBay members but the auctions have since ended.) I am an avid collector, so if anyone knows where online I can buy this book (Official book, not bootleg), your serious advice is much appreciated. As mentioned, serious advice only!!! (Side note: I would like the option of having the artbook sealed (shrink-wrapped or placed in illustration artbook protective bags.) If any (serious) questions and comments, contact hknope@msn.com P.S.- Please, I repeat, please NO BOOTLEGS! I am very particular on what I collect. Sorry, it is just the way I am. Thank you for your time and effort! hknope

I need a translation from english to japanese! not the characters but like the pronounciation.? please help me! i need it for monday. we are doing a commercail and i'm incharge of transation. i know its cheesy but i didnt write it. i just have to say it. "Hello my name is Melissa with __ and for the next minute i will be telling you about our wonderful cheap useless kimomo's for sale. this kimono is pink and black with a nice flower design. Now that thats out of the way we will tell you how to put it on. You slip it on like a robe and you pull the left side over the right. Then you just velco the obi. Much simpler than the old-fashioned folding and tying. thank you for your time. Please buy out product." HELP!!!!

in need of emergency transation!!! from engish to japanese? please help me! i need it for monday. we are doing a commercail and i'm incharge of transation. i know its cheesy but i didnt write it. i just have to say it. "Hello my name is Melissa with __ and for the next minute i will be telling you about our wonderful cheap useless kimomo's for sale. this kimono is pink and black with a nice flower design. Now that thats out of the way we will tell you how to put it on. You slip it on like a robe and you pull the left side over the right. Then you just velco the obi. Much simpler than the old-fashioned folding and tying. thank you for your time. Please buy out product." HELP!!!!

How do I make a Japanese robe? (Cosplay)? I seem to cannot make a robe properly for cosplaying. I've tried to make a robe 3 times and it was... an epic fail XD I was wondering if there are any patterns that I can follow easily (or buy), tutorials/ written documents with pictures. I also want to learn how to make an Obi or make one that is very similar to it. I want to make a Sheena cosplay (from Tales of Symphonia) for Anime North 2010. Here is a picture of Sheena: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v514/SilentChaos89/Various%20Cosplay%20Reference/con_sheena.jpg Thank you so much! ^_^

Michael Jackson Cd's, How Much Worth? i have 3 of michael jacksons albums but i dont know how much there worth - Bad Album, Its Japanese Edition but not the Picture Cd, and without the Obi Sticker . . . -Dangerous Album, Japanese Edition, with Obi Sticker, and the Cd Is Golden - History 2 Disk Album, Japanese Edition, with Obi Sticker, and Both Cd's Are Golden and there all mint condition

Asian themed wedding help? Okay so my fiance and I aren't getting married until October of 2009 but we've already agreed on an Asian themed wedding. We're going to be mixing Japanese tradition with Chinese as well. (IE: The bride releasing a live butterflies into the air for goodluck. Bridesmaids wearing black & gold obi belts over their red aline strapless dresses.) But I was just curious as to what other things I can do. Thanks in advance.

Can anyone name this anime? I used to watch this Anime back in the late 90's (97, 98,) on cartoon network, around the same time they passed Sailor Moon and I cannot remember what it was called or the names of the characters. I hope by describing what I remember someone can tell me the name. The main character was a guy with black hair, that in the back had little black pony tail (like obi one), he wore this red japanese-like outfit There was another character who like him but she was not human, i think, she had cat ears and long greyish hair (kind of like Insuya). She was cat like and could fly and disappear. That's all I remember, can anyone help me out?

Will CDs from other countries work on a U.K. stereo? I want to buy a Japanese CD, but I'm not sure if it will work on my computer or stereo. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/AUTOPILOT-OFF-MAKE-A-SOUND-JAPAN-CD-3BON-OBI-SEAL-A444_W0QQitemZ320326722695QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CDsDVDs_CDs_CDs_GL?hash=item320326722695&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1301%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318 That's the link to the item I'm thinking of buying, I don't know if it will help. Thanks! =D

need to find a short BM dress with a thick sash? I have a few different dresses picked out for BM dresses, but figure it can never hurt to find others. I'm having a hard time finding just what I need from a google search. I need to find BM dresses like the two below... http://www.davidsbridal.com/bridesmaids_detail.jsp?stid=2656&prodgroup=110 http://www.ellaparkbridal.com/Forever-Yours-78114 but, I need shorter dresses. I know I could always just have them hemmed, but it would be easier to just find a dress like this. The part of the dress I am particularly attracted to is the sash. I want the dresses to have a thicker sash. The theme of my wedding is along the lines of a japanese garden type of feel, so the obi sash works really well. Anyway, anyone know of any dresses like what I need? And another question...the reason why I am looking for shorter dresses is because I am having a summer wedding, would a long dress look out of place in a summer wedding(ignoring for a moment that people will probably be too warm)?

Halloween costume- Yuki-Onna? For Halloween this year, I intend to go as a Yuki-Onna (snow lady), thus I am going to make a white kimono. what I want to know is that, will my doing so offend any Japanese people who may see it (because it is white, and as far as I know, they are worn at weddings) if they live on my road or nearby, or if I upload a picture to a website such as deviantART? also, I would like to have a suggestion for a colour for the Obi sash....

Uniqlo translation? Ok so I found the absolute PERFECT yukata and obi for me on uniqlo.com but...sadly...it's completely in Japanese so I cannot understand it at all. Can anyone help me with that pleeeease? I really wanna purchase this yukata or one of them...they're all so pretty! Haha sorry bout that... http://store.uniqlo.com/jp/

Give some thought-provoking questions about the kimono? The kimono (着物?)[1] is a Japanese traditional garment worn by women, men and children. The word "kimono", which literally means a "thing to wear" (ki "wear" and mono "thing"),[2] has come to denote these full-length robes. The standard plural of the word kimono in English is kimonos,[3] but the unmarked Japanese plural kimono is also sometimes used. Kimonos are T-shaped, straight-lined robes worn so that the hem falls to the ankle, with attached collars and long, wide sleeves. Kimonos are wrapped around the body, always with the left side over the right (except when dressing the dead for burial),[4] and secured by a sash called an obi, which is tied at the back. Kimonos are generally worn with traditional footwear (especially zōri or geta) and split-toe socks (tabi).[5] Today, kimonos are most often worn by women, and on special occasions. Traditionally, unmarried women wore a style of kimono called furisode,[5] with almost floor-length sleeves, on special occasions. A few older women and even fewer men still wear the kimono on a daily basis. Men wear the kimono most often at weddings, tea ceremonies, and other very special or very formal occasions. Professional sumo wrestlers are often seen in the kimono because they are required to wear traditional Japanese dress whenever appearing in public.[ from wikipedia. I honestly couldnt think of thought-provoking questions. please give some

What am I wearing in my avatar photo? I may wear this genuine antique Japanese ceremonial costume from the Edo period (1603-1868) when I practice with katana and wakazashi or just attend Japantown festivals. The blue Edo komon set cost $3000 some years ago. Under it, I wear kuro montsuki (black formal) kimono and keku obi (stiff waist sash). On my feet are white tabi and zori. Bushi warriors wore such clothing for the most formal occasions. I own 3 of them. My Japanese gal Miyuki is amazed that I know so much about her land and have modern and antique clothing from Japan. What are the names of the blue upper and lower garments worn by Edo period bushi warriors that we see in this photo of me on my avatar?

should I become a translator, and if so how? i am running out of time before i have to chose my career and go to a 4 year university. (either the University of Arizona or the University of Phoenix) and i have no clue what i want to do the other day however i asked you wonderful people of yahoo answers what i should do and was unanimously told to be a translator, or interpreter, or something in linguistics in general. so i've been thinking long and hard about it and this is one of the only career choices that have caught my interest or seems like it would suit me. i've been learning japanese in my free time for around 2 years, and was planning on learning other if i could become fluent (progress is pretty slow as i have been only using free resources from the web) so i am considering whether or not i should just go for it and become a translator or interpreter or something. the only problem is i have no idea what this entails- what classes would i have to take? how long will it take to graduate? how much work would it be? should i stick with just japanese or should i double up and learn 2 languages? what kind of jobs would i be able to get? how much money would i make, woiuld i even be able to make a decent living off of it? would i even be able to get a job in my small arizona town? should i do this? so many questions i cant find answers to please, help me obi wa-...yahoo answers you're my only hope

Yukata sizing for plus sized American woman? I'm a tall plus sized woman, 5'10" (70inches), 41 inches at the bust, and I am 47 inches at the hips which is my largest measurement. from the base of my neck to the floor is 60" I am getting married in three years and I have a wedding kimono already picked out. I am dieting right now, to achieve the figure needed for the wedding kimono (and a more healthy weight anyways) by the 3 year mark, however for now, I am wanting to start wearing yukata to practice. I have seen sites like kimono market sakura that says their yukata adjusts like: Yukata can be adjusted to height from 4.9feet to 6feet It can be adjusted to a waist size from 20inch to 50inch So I'm wondering if that means at my size, I can still wear the yukata the way it's supposed to be, like with an obi and koshihimo. I am NOT interested in Americanized yukata bathrobes or shirts or anything that isn't * original * so to speak. Americans tend to take something foreign and make it look very ghey. I am really wanting to understand the SIZING of yukata, because I already know how to wear one. Thanks for your help. Btw, my fiancee is Japanese, and we're planning on holding a wedding here (America) and in Japan (for his family). I have always been a lover of Japan, and even lived there for 2.5 yrs.

Could someone edit this please? Significant Things in the Noh Theatre 1. Noh Masks The Noh Masks are one of the most important things in the Noh Theatre. The masks are made out of wood from the Hinoki tree. Noh masks are very significant in many ways because they show emotion and what role the character is playing. These masks usually are worn by the main actor, shite. At times, the waki (the secondary actor) may wear a mask to if necessary. The masks describe or represent females, males or non human characters such as demons, and ghosts. Many types of masks are designed to show lots of emotions like sad, happy, depressed and afraid. The rarest masks are not held in the Museums in Japan, instead they are held in Noh Schools. These masks are so precious that they are only taken out on special occasions. This is because they are very old and ancient. That’s why I find the Noh theatre masks important. 2. Props The most common used prop in the Noh Theatre play is the fan. It is carried by every performer in the play, no matter what role you are. The chorus singers and musicians may carry a fan in their hand when entering the stage or tuck the fan in their obi (a belt). Many different plays have characters that hold swords, and many other props. When the fan is used in Noh plays, sometimes a fan may mean or represent any other hand held prop. So that mean a fan can mean a sword or a small bell. When props other than fans are used they are introduced by stage attendants who achieve a similar role to the stage crew. These props are significant because without them a Noh play wouldn’t have any meaning. If the Noh play never used a mask, then how are the actors supposed to show they’re emotions, because a mask show one solid emotion, while a human’s emotion can just change in a matter of seconds. Some examples of props are a pole, a bell, a boat, a bamboo hat, a fan and a long sword. 3. Costumes I find that the costume in Noh Theatre is very stylized and plays a huge role in Noh acts and drama. The costumes are worn by all the actors including the shite, and waki. The costumes are very beautiful and have a meaning. An example is that thunder gods would have hexogons on their clothes, while snakes have triangles on their costumes to represent scales. Costumes for the shite are very complicated and heavy. It is so heavy that it can weigh about 25 kilograms (55pounds). The costumes in the Noh theatre are important because they help create the characters. Without costumes a play or presentation will look boring and plain. Costumes are also very important because they show and represent what the story is going to be about. You also know that who ever has a more stylized costume means that they are the main role or very famous/rich. 4. Hayashi-kata If you translate Hayashi-kata from Japanese to English it would mean Noh musicians. The Hayashi Kata is a group of 4 people that are in charge of Noh music. The Noh musicians are very important because without music the Noh act wouldn’t have any rhythm to it. There are four different instruments that are used in the Noh Theatre which include the flute, the small hand drum, the large hand drum, and the regular kind of drum that is placed on the ground. Altogether these four instruments are called shibyoshi. Each instrument is played by a professional musician (one that is from Hayashi Kata). This skill is passed on by on generation after another. Some schools of Hayashi Kata that still exist are Isso, Morita, and Fugita, Ishii and Kanze. You can find the Hayashi Kata at the back of the stage behind the actor. These are some of the reasons why Hayashi-Kata is important.

i want buy a obi because i started training in iaido but i not sure what to look for or who to by from? obi- the belt that the samurai use to hold there sword iaido- a style of japanese sword fighting