Sake and Kimono in the New York Times
On my sake adventures in Japan, I was lucky enough to attend ceremonies and sake events where I saw traditional men’s kimono up close. I was impressed by the beauty and tradition of the kimono and began reading up on it’s history and meaning. I thought it would be fun to wear Men’s kimono myself on my next trip to Japan, so I found a wonderful Kimono teacher right here in New York City, Hiromi Asai.
Hiro-sensei taught me not only how to put on a kimono, but also about the meaning of proportion and color in Kimono and just how nuanced that meaning could be. I was instantly reminded of the nuances in tasting beautiful sake. I love Japanese culture. Hiro-sensei was going to be interviewed and invited me to have another kimono lesson as a demonstration for the reporter. The video below is what resulted. While only indirectly related to sake, I hope you enjoy it!
Read the full New York Times article here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/05/nyregion/thecity/05kimo.html
© New York Times 2009
Hi Tim-san,
In the video, you were putting on a set of formal kimono, montsuki and hakama with white tabis. It’s very nice to know you are so interested in kimono.
If you have a chance to visit Tokyo, let me know. Let me arrange a kimono & sake-drinking party for you. I have a lot of friends who love driking while wearing kimono.
http://www2.tbb.t-com.ne.jp/soragoro/English/E_index2.htm
Ichiro-san,
Thanks for your message. oooh! Yes, I would love to have a Kimono and Sake drinking party in Tokyo! that sounds just fantastic – I will let you know when I plan my next trip to Japan… Maybe this fall. take care,
Tim
Timothy,
You looked totally handsome in the kimono!!! and i love the way the you can take things that the Japanese consider so difficult, ie, sake and kimono, and present them with such ease to the American audience. You really have a gift!!
a litle quiz for you. I am an American woman and yet i used to wear hakama four times a week. But i did not wear kimomo underneath. Can you guess what i what dressed for?
….. Aikido!!
Yes at my rank i wore “hakama’ over my doji . And i loved the sound the hakama made when i moved quickly on my knees–or the “swoosh” sound as i “flew” in the air during “Ukemi” (throws).
Do you think we could have a sake & kimono gathering right here in New York? Sign me up!! No aikido gear, i promise to come in proper kimono.
Linda
Linda-san! YES! we must have a sake and kimono gathering in New York. Honestly, nothing would make me happier! I would love to see you in kimono! I know you’ll look lovely as always!
see you soon!
Timothy
hi, i’m yon-se amreican artist. i restor and gild antique period picture frames and craft handemade caved frames and a finihes. i work on large scale paintings and murals and express intrest in getting traditional japanese samuri kimono’s for wor in my studio and for business, metting with clients. plese email me with web sites i can go to to order them.
thank you
yuri yoshio hayashi
Hi Yoishio-san, Please check out Ichiroya website for great Kimono!
You can see their Website here:
http://ichiroya.com/