Lecture on kimono and Japanese dance

Dubai: The audience at the Kimono Lecture and Demonstration at Zayed University were shown a glimpse of the Japanese culture as they learned about the different kinds of kimono and its different patterns and motifs, as well as saw a demonstration of how to wear one.

They were also introduced to some of Japan’s classical dances — such as the Fuji No Hana — and the meaning of some of the fan movements.

Mako Hattori, a well-known TV personality and traditional Japanese dance instructor, her mother and one of her students, introduced students and visitors to the art of the kimono.

Hattori explained that the kimono is made of several pieces; the kimono, which is the dress itself; koshi hi mo, which is the belt that secures the kimono in place; obi, which is the thick sash tied around the waist in the back on top of the koshi hi mo; obi age, which is a piece of cloth that is tied under the obi; and obi dome, a rope that is knotted on top of the obi.

Kimonos are usually worn with tabi, the traditional Japanese socks.

Hattori explained that because kimonos are very expensive — especially the silk ones — one does not want to make them dirty or sweat in them and so an under kimono is worn under the actual kimono.

“Kimonos are very expensive because they are all hand-made” she said. Hattori explained that the Japanese do everything in harmony with nature and the seasons, and even the kimonos worn change from season to season. “In the summer you want to wear light kimonos that are in colours and motifs that will make people around you feel cooler.”

Matsunaga Daisuke, Consul General of Japan in Dubai, who was present at the lecture, said that even though he himself was Japanese, he had learned a lot of new things, such as the movement of the fan.

Hattori said that she loves her traditional Japanese culture and that is why she goes around the world and talks about her culture. “It has always been part of my life and I came to the point where I thought I had to share this … by going to places, and people really appreciate what I do and what I show.” She added that she wanted the people of the country she visits to realise the beauty of their own culture and to share it with her.

“There are also a lot of young Japanese people who do not know anything about their own culture, because they do not wear the kimono any more or take traditional Japanese lessons.” Hattori added and said that she has been told many times that the lectures she gives are eye-opening.

The lecture was organised by the consulate general of japan in the Dubai in cooperation with Zayed University and the Japan Foundation.

Dana Al Mudharred, a Zayed University graduate who was a member of the Japan Club at the university and was helping with this event, said that the Japan Club was established in the university by a group of students interested in the Japanese culture and Japan and who wanted to build a stronger relationship between the UAE and the Japanese community. She said that Zayed University’s Japan Club is a very active club.