You really cannot go to Japan, learn about Japan or even really just think about Japan without the word "kimono" popping into your head. It is a simple garment with a simple name. 着 (ki) is the verb meaning "to wear" and 物 (mono) is the word for "thing". So it is simply "a thing to wear". Yet, such a simple garment is the icon of a nation. After living in Japan for 3 years, it became increasingly clear as to why.
From the tiniest of children to the couples on their wedding day, from tourist to teens celebrating coming-of-age and from professionals to festival-goers - the kimono is worn by everyone.
Here is a series of photos from my time in Japan of the colorful, textured and varied world of the kimono (and it's relatives the yukata and junbei).
