Yukata exhibition in Soramo

This weekend, there was an exhibition of Yukata in Soramo, the space between the two buildings of Entetsu Department Store. Yukata is a casual type of kimono worn in mainly in summer. You can see many young women in yukata in events like fireworks festivals. Hamamatsu is one of the three major production areas of Yukata. The other two are Tokyo and Osaka. This exhibition is a promotion event held by Fabric Association of Shizuoka and other organizations.

They presented newly designed yukata dyed with a technique called chusen that is unique to Hamamatsu.

They seemed to have a popularity contest. The right one was gaining many seals.

This one looked cool.

These are fabric for kimono. The patterns with cats and carps were pretty.

These are traditional clothing called jinbei worn by men. They are not as colorful as yukata but seem to be comfortable to wear. Jinbei is one of the most popular presents on Father’s Day.

This is a shirt for men.

In the exhibition, there were also shops that were selling yukata (these are for children)

obi (belts),

and geta (wooden clogs).

They had tents for visitors to try on kimono free of charge as well. I saw a couple and their little boy in kimono who were happily taking pictures.

Hamamatsu is also a production area of fabric.

Today is July 7, and we have the Star Festival. This is based on a legend of two lovers (stars Altair and Vega) that are allowed to meet on a bride over the Milky Way once a year. We display bamboo grass with colorful paper strips on which our wishes are written. Instead of such strips, the one in Soramo had some paper decorations.

On July 7, we have often rain, and the lovers cannot meet because of the flood of the Heavenly River (Milky Way). Unfortunately, it’s raining now, though it’s already night.