One hot Thursday we got to learn about kimono in our cultural exploration class.

First, our cultural advisor, Ms. Michiko, showed us various types of kimono.  (Left, a formal one, for unmarried ladies (as hinted by the long sleeves). Middle, a formal kimono for married lady (short sleeves and subdue colors).  There are families' crests embroidered onto the clothe (white spot shown in this photo), with quantity varies from one to seven.  Right, yukata made with traditional inidgo dying method.

We, particularly the ladies, waited for the yukata trial session with baited breath....

First, it requires one to remove any high collared clothing.

Then, the ladies put on something similar to our undies.

Next came the part where we were tied up, wrapped around, in any un- imaginable fashion, for the sake of beauty.

• The scene from the Movie Gone with the Wind-- where Vivianne Leigh having her nanny tighten her waist band, flashed in front of my eyes.
• I thought all along Victoria Secret invented the Wonder Bra.

This is an obi with a different color on each side.  The obi was twisted to show both colors.
 
 

We were told that the ideal male figure for wearing yukata is the type with a belly, so that his obi will hang low.  In another word, it is OK for the ladies to be squeezed to starvation by obi, but it is acceptable for guys just let their guts hang.  What a lousy excuse, I thought.
 
 

Well, debate of gender equality put aside, finally we were fully propped in our yutaka, giggling like little Japanese girls.

"Ryo te no hana", lucky him!!!

We had pictures taken with our esteemed teachers.  I hope they had just as much fun watching the silly us all dressed up, as if we were like little girls having tea parties with our pets and dolls.

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