Japanese Yukata

Japanese yukata is an informal form of kimono among women. It is made up of cotton and comes in different casual designs. Most of the young women wear Japanese yukata during festivals and occasions in Japan. Wearing a Japanese yukata reminds people of the old ways that enriched and wounded Japan making it what it is today. For women, it is a signs of respect of the old tradition and at the same time a reminder of how demure and how the beauty simply emanates from women whenever a yukata is worn. Today, people enjoy dressing up in yukata for the fun of it light cottony cloth and adorable designs celebrating the garment that has been very significant to Japan.

Originally in ancient times, a Japanese yukata is worn as bath robe by both men and women hanging it loosely after taking a bath. It was being practiced by nobles and warriors. It was then widely used in Japan when public bath became popular and yukata is the clothing of choice providing comfort after bath.

Japanese yukata is available in many designs and is accustomed worn accordingly to age. Young girls tend to wear a more jubilant designed yukata, while in young women they commonly wear yukata with floral and casual designs, while older women tend to just go with simple geometrical designs or plain colored yukata. Wearing a yukata is simple unlike wearing a kimono. In a yukata, one just needs to wear it on like a robe, wrapped as left over right even without a “nagkajuban” which serves as the outer garment before donning a kimono. It is then secured by an “obi” which is a wide sash tied in a bow at the back and is matched by a wooden sandal called “geta”. One can match and bring a purse with them or a fan especially on summer festivals. Compared to kimono, a yukata is very light and is more comfortable to wear due to its cottony cloth.

A Japanese yukata is worn during summer occasions and events; they are also common during firework displays, dances, cultural events, and festivals such as Bon-Odori Festival. In other countries such as Australia, people enjoy the opportunity to wear yukatas on Japanese festivals and would sometimes held a yukata wearing contest celebrating different designs on yukata and how well it looks and compliments the woman wearing it.

Japanese yukata is famous in other parts of the world not just in Japan. It originated to kimono which is garment donned mostly by women and geisha in ancient Japan. Yukata is actually a simpler form of kimono and can be worn without undergarments as needed in kimono. Today, many young women dress up in yukata for fun and respect for tradition. It doesn’t only apply to women for some men also dress up in Japanese yukata during these Japanese festivals. Wearing a yukata is a nice way to enjoy the summer festivals and celebrate the old tradition, integrating a modern flair the Japanese way.