Lending

I suspect that this book is a translation of sections of the textbooks used at Sodo Kimono, as some of the illustrations are the same. Long considered the kitsuke standard for English speakers, this book covers a broad range of basic essentials, such as a brief history of the kimono and obi, different weaves and fabrics, different types of kimono and accessories, kitsuke, care of kimono, and etiquette. The chart of obi lengths/formality is handy (I refer to it often), and the kitsuke directions aren't too bad (line drawings) and one can get an idea of what they're supposed to do. He does have a section for using a biyosugata (the "magic obi aid") to make the fukurasuzume musubi/bow, but has no information on where to get one. The kimono care and etiquette guide are quite handy as well. However, one must keep in mind that the book was published in 1982, and styles have changed since then. Also to keep in mind is that Yamanaka Norio is just one of many people who runs a kimono gakuin, and the thoughts on kimono and style of wearing are his ideas on it; Yamanaka Norio's "Kimono World", not necessarily that of all of Japan. That said, for an all-in-one book, it's not bad, but if one wants more in-depth information about the history and details of kimono, it's better to consult Liza Dalby's "Kimono". ( )

I've seen more comprehensive books on this subject, but they are large and expensive, so this is a good compromise for lighter purses.

The opening chapter is a "brief history" with a thumbnail illustration for each period discussed: not an in-depth survey but enough visuals and description to get the general idea and figure out how styles fit with each other.
The following chapters cover the making of a kimono, the dyeing methods, different types and occasions to wear them, outer ornaments and garments, footwear, accessories... Most of them are illustrated, and though the pictures are small and black and white, again it is a useful survey to start from. The obi has a chapter for itself, and one of the most interesting sections is putting on the kimono and obi, illustrated step by step for both women and men. There are detailed instructoins for several obi knots. The proper way of wearing a kimono is described, as knowing what it's made of is not enough to draw or wear it properly. There are also chapters on how to clean and care for the kimono, and how to move in it.

All in all the book was made to teach people how to wear a kimono properly, which is perfect for our purposes, as illustrators are like directors: they don't just need to know how their actors-on-paper should look, they should also "tell" them how to move. ( )

This book has introduced a good many curious Westerners to the intricacies of kitsuke (how to wear kimono). Yamanaka provides a thorough guide to this topic, along with a general introduction to the various types of kimono - although for a clearer idea of what to wear for a given occasion, it's still probably best to consult Dalby's Kimono. ( )