The functions and representations of kimono

Kimono is worn for both formal and informal occasions

• Often worn in weddings, graduations, festivals and the age ceremonies. Wrap the right side of the kimono over the body, then overlap it with the left side. Right on top of the left is only used to dress a corpse for burial.
• Its fabric reflects its formality: silk being formal and cotton being casual.
• Today, a Japanese woman usually owns only one kimono typically a furosode kimono which is worn for the coming of age ceremony on her 19th birthday. Women wear kimono when they attend traditional arts, such as a tea ceremony or ikebana class. For weddings, the complete bridal kimono and kimono apparel is usually rented. For funerals, both men and women wear plain black kimono. Kimono are also very rarely worn as every day clothing anymore. Occasionally, if you go to a small rural town in Japan or one of small islands like Okinawa, you will see the traditional every day kimono worn by elders.

Kimono reflects the marital status

• Similar to the hanbok, kimonos also reflects the marital staus of women. Young unmarried women wear kimono with long sleeves called furisode. The sleeve length can vary from slightly long to very long reaching the ankle. Young women's kimono are very vibrant, colorful and rich with patterns. Older women or those who have married, wear a kimono with short sleeves called tomesode. The kimono designs are smaller or solid and the colors are more subdued.

It embodies the culture and the image of the nation

• The kimono has had a long history in Japan and the kimono has changed over time to reflect the society and culture of that period. The Japanese word kimono means "something one wears" and they are the traditional garments of Japan. Originally, the word kimono was used for all types of clothing, but eventually, it came to refer specifically to the full-length garment also known as the naga-gi, meaning "long-wear", that is still worn today on special occasions by women, men, and children. It is often known as wafuku which means "Japanese clothes". Traditionally, the art of putting on a kimono was passed from mother to daughter. It reflects its culture of passing valuable things to the next generation. The image of the nation is also reflected in its national costume. Similar to hanbok, kimono also displays beauty, gracefulness and modesty. It is still highly valued and appreciated in the Japanese society.