On October 30, 2024, Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako hosted the traditional Autumn Garden Party at the Imperial Garden of Akasaka Palace. Members of the Japanese Imperial Family, including Princess Aiko, Crown Prince Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko, Princess Kako, and other Imperial Family members, attended the garden party. Approximately 1,200 guests, including distinguished individuals from various fields, were present at the traditional autumn garden party.
All the ladies look lovely in kimonos, especially Aiko's. The beautiful pink color suits Aiko really well. I noticed Aiko and Kako wore the long-sleeve kimonos and the others wore the short-sleeve. Is there a special meaning?
ReplyDeleteThe long sleeve kimonos (Furisode) are traditionally worn by young and unmaried women.
DeleteThese photos are truly beautiful. Everyone looks so good, but the stars are the stunningly beautiful kimono with their individual obi (based on the age and marital status of the woman wearing it). The collection of pastel colours worn by the women is pleasing to the eye, but the painting and embroidery on some of the kimono is an example of exquisite artistry. It's good to see that in an age of mass commercial production, that these kinds of cultural handiwork are being kept alive not only in the East, but all around the world.
ReplyDelete- Anon 9:13
Very well said!
DeleteYou put this feast for the eye into words: I totally agree!
DeleteSuch finesse and dignity, wonderfull!
I do admit I find Kako is the loveliest of them all!
ReplyDeleteJUMPY, HAPPY CLAPS!! Joyous kimono overload! Yay. :D
ReplyDeleteJust absolutely beautiful
ReplyDeleteWow, the kimonos are just beautiful; I love all the different colors.
ReplyDeleteI've noticed 2 things :
ReplyDelete1. The ladies of the imperial court are wearing a purse/clutch instead of a fan like they used to do on special occasions.
3. On pic. N° 11 There is a lady with dyed hair (almost red). Is she allowed to do that ?
Well obviously the red-head is not in prison! 😉
DeleteI noticed her hair as well. I, too, wondered how she got away with it. She has not only light hair but a wine colored streak. It doesn't look natural. As we know, the Imperial Household Agency has strict control over their appearance. I couldn't find out who she is, but I love the fact there is change, even if the color doesn't suit her. Is it too much to hope that the rigid authority they have over the women's appearance is relaxing?
DeleteI noticed the red haired woman, wondered how she slipped through the strict control people in the palace. If you look right of the red haired woman, the 2nd woman to the right looks as if she has had 'work' done on her face. Wonder why she made the choice to have work done.
DeleteThe kimonos on all the ladies are stunning in design and workmanship.
The lady who'd dyed her hair in a lighter, more reddish tone is Princess Yoko of Mikasa. She gradually did change the colour of her hair, at first almost unnoticable, but now it's quite obvious. She is, of course, quite far removed from the throne (and a woman, sadly this matters in Japan), so the IHA might protest but will not be able to do much in the end. A tiny bit of individuality shines here through.
Delete彼女は瑤子女王、天皇の亡くなった従兄弟の娘です。女性皇族として初めて企業の常勤職員になった先進的な方で、剣道の上級者です。父親から引き継いだ福祉活動を熱心になさっています。彼女の右は姉と母です。私は正直な彼女が好きです。
DeleteThank you for the additional information, Anonymous 13:42!
DeleteThank you for the information, DSC and Anon 13:42. I like her!
DeleteAbsolutely fantastic kimonos. Great to see the Imperial family honors these traditional clothes. Much much more beautiful than the more western style clothing they usually wear. I especially love the kimonos of the empress and princess Kano: the colors and design are unbelievable.
ReplyDeleteRien à redire sur toutes les magnifiques couleurs des kimonos ; Aiko et Kako sont adorables - J'ai plaisir à voir que le prince héritier porte une nouvelle cravate dans le même style que son frère l'empereur ; j'espère qu'il va essayer de continuer sur cette lancée !
ReplyDeleteAll the kimonos are lovely. The Empress's gown with the autumnal leaves is subtle elegance. Thanks for letting us see these photos. Chris L.
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ReplyDeleteOh!!! These photos are like a painting come to life with these gorgeous kimonos. The ladies all look wonderful in their traditional dress. Each kimono is a work of art--the painting, the embroidery, the silks, and the obi are exquisitely fashioned by expert crafts men and women. The two young princesses are wearing the ones I like best. Aiko's is perfect on her--the colors are so pretty on her and flatter her so much. My favorite of all is Kako's--that blue is so lovely and she looks stunning. What a treat!
ReplyDeleteJanet
Dear Janet, You expressed my feelings so well, I have nothing to add.
DeleteSupreme dignity.
🌞 Virginia
２２歳の愛子様は帯を高い位置に巻いて可愛らしく、２９歳の佳子様は帯を低めに巻いて大人らしい雰囲気を醸し出しています。
ReplyDeleteShe does look more mature. You can see it in her face, too. Seven years makes a big difference at that age.
DeleteAgain, thank you for the information. I love learning about the meaning of these subtle differences.
DeleteAbsolutely delightful !
ReplyDeleteMARIE
The ladies look superb, I love the Kimonos, beautiful.
ReplyDeleteSince Japanese fashion is often a topic here, I thought I would copy and paste this information about the evolution of Japanese fashion."The conservative dress style observed among many Japanese women can be attributed to several cultural, social, and historical factors:
ReplyDeleteCultural Norms: Japan has a long history of valuing modesty and subtlety in personal presentation. Traditional aesthetics emphasize simplicity and understated elegance, which influences contemporary fashion.
Social Expectations: There are societal expectations regarding how women should present themselves, particularly in professional and formal settings. Many women adhere to these norms, which often favor conservative attire.
Fashion Trends: While Japan has a diverse fashion scene, including more avant-garde styles, mainstream fashion trends often lean towards modesty. Brands and styles that promote conservative looks are widely accepted and popular.
Weather Considerations: Although summers can be hot, many Japanese women choose fabrics and styles that provide coverage to protect against the sun and heat. Lightweight, breathable materials are often used in conservative styles.
Dress Codes: In certain environments, such as schools and workplaces, there are specific dress codes that encourage or require modest attire. This can influence personal choices outside of those settings as well.
Influence of Subcultures: While conservative dress is common, Japan also has vibrant subcultures (like Harajuku fashion) that embrace bold and revealing styles. However, these are often seen as niche rather than mainstream.
Overall, while there may be some strict dress codes in specific contexts, the conservative dressing styles is largely a reflection of social norms rather than enforced rules.
https://www.quora.com/Why-do-Japanese-women dress so conservatively and almost never wear skin revealing clothes.
But there's also the famous Japanese expression "the nail that sticks out gets hammered down", so mainstream adult fashion is notoriously conformist.
Stunning Kimonos. The Imperial Ladies look amazing.
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