Tokyo 2020 Olympics | Kimono Project
After six years, Japan reveals the 213 specially created kimonos for nations participating at the Tokyo Olympics.
Despite the postponement of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2020 — due to the COVID-19 pandemic — all 213 kimonos and obis were displayed in a special exhibition at “Musée du Kimono” in the Kyoto Kyocera Museum of Art on October, 2020.
The Kimono Project was shown at this year’s Olympic Games and will be featured again at the 2025 Osaka and Kansai Expos.
In 2017, the Japanese international outreach organization called Imagine One World launched the Kimono Project. It aimed to create a kimono for every country participating in the Tokyo games — reflecting each nation’s culture and history in their achievements and highlights.
in honor of the IOC Refugee Olympic Team
The project is a Japanese-based venture that shares the beauty of the traditional handmade Japanese kimono. Yoshimasa Takakura, founder and head of the project, raised necessary support and funds through donations, crowdsourcing and other resources.
Each kimono is created by a different artist or studio, using traditional handweaving and dyeing techniques. During the production process, the design team carefully collaborated with each embassy to ensure that their kimono was designed to reflect the country’s cultural heritage.
The production of each kimono costs roughly 1 million yen, paid for by donations from domestic and foreign individuals and companies.
Carefully chosen patterns from the culture, environment, and unique resources of each country were meticulously designed and handwoven into the fabric of each kimono, demonstrating the skillful craftsmanship that went into each creation.
With the tight timeline — dyeing craftsmen, textile manufacturers weaving professionals and other artisans — they gathered from all around Japan to make the garments. Embassies, schools and the public also took part — allowing the project to impact international exchange and education as well.
wonder | wander | women have had a special affinity to kimonos, since we were kids playing dress up, and as grown women loving the luxury of this elegant and versatile robe.
Here is a selection of only a few of our personal favorites among this impressive line up of beautifully handcrafted kimonos.
Please take the time to go through the kimono list to pick your personal favorites as well. May their beauty brighten our day and live on to inspire us in these dark and divisive times.
Originally published at https://wonderwanderwomen.blogspot.com.
