On Collecting Kimono

On Collecting Kimono

Earlier this summer John Moore, a member of the Communications Office at Washington University, interviewed me about The Kimono Tattoo. The editor wanted a photograph of me with “my kimono collection.” I recognize that I have A LOT of kimonos, but I had never thought...
IKKO’s Kimono Transbeauty

IKKO’s Kimono Transbeauty

Today’s post is provided by Dr. Jan Bardsley, Professor Emerita, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Jan is well known for her captivating studies of Japanese women, from beauty queens to housewives and now, most recently, to maiko. Her forthcoming monograph,...
It’s Just a Cup of Tea

It’s Just a Cup of Tea

For part one of this story, see previous post, My first—and only—Omiai. And you thought omiai were just for fictional characters in Japanese novels! It was April 1977.  I had a dance recital in the large auditorium of a fancy hotel across from Hakata Station.  I had...
My first—and only—Omiai

My first—and only—Omiai

In Tanizaki Jun’ichirō’s novel, Sasameyuki (serialized 1943-1948; translated The Makioka Sisters by Edward Seidensticker, 1957), the action centers around finding the third sister a suitable marriage partner.  Matchmakers busily scour the field in search of...