Hello! I'm Alisa, a kimono dressing instructor.
It's been quite some time since my last post. For today's fourth session, I'd like to talk about the Nagoya obi.
Casual Obi - Nagoya Obi
Do you know that obi can generally be divided into two main types, much like kimono themselves? Yes, there are casual obi and formal obi. The Nagoya obi, which is our topic for today, is primarily categorized as a casual obi.
What is the appropriate occasion for Nagoya Obi?
You might wonder, in what occasions would one wear it? Well, you can wear it for ordinary outings, shopping trips, going to restaurants, watching Kabuki, attending festivals... basically, it's suitable for almost any casual occasion except for very formal ceremonies.
In recent times, wearing kimono itself has become a form of dressing up. So, although the Nagoya obi is classified as a casual obi, it doesn't mean it's unsuitable for events like classical concerts. While it may not be appropriate for formal ceremonies such as weddings, in modern life, there aren't many occasions as formal as weddings, right?
Exception?! Formal Nagoya Obi
Nevertheless, if you feel that an opera calls for something a bit more elegant, you can opt for a Nagoya obi with gold or silver thread woven into it. The designs with gold or silver thread automatically elevate the obi to a formal level.
It can be confusing to think that a Nagoya obi, classified as casual, can become formal with gold or silver thread, right? This is exactly what makes kimono complicated... The presence of many exceptions is also what makes kimono seem difficult.
However, since most Nagoya obi are of a casual style, don't think too hard about it. Just buy a Nagoya obi with a design you like and enjoy wearing it!
Variety of designs!!
Nagoya obi are shorter and slightly easier to handle compared to formal obi, making them recommended for beginners who are just starting out with kimono. Plus, since they're casual obi, there are plenty of fun designs available!
Here are my favorite ones, featuring Japanese wolves and penguins... Aren't they super pretty? 😊 Be sure to find your own favorite obi too!
Alisa's Kimono Room offers a 6-day kimono lesson that not only teaches kimono dressing but also delves into Japanese culture. If you're interested in the lesson, feel free to contact me here!
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