Yukata, What a Refreshing Charm!

Yukata is a must-have item when attending festivals, firework festivals and other typical summer events in Japan. It is said that yukatas date back to the Heian period. The Yukatabira, a type of clothing based off the yukata is said to have been worn when at the baths with others. It was used during the Azuchi-momoyama period, to wipe off one’s sweat after a bath. During the Edo period, it was worn to festivals to not look like you’re putting on airs, and act as the most basic form of the kimono. In recent times, there have been stylish variations of yukatas, with lace around the neck, or individualistic ways of putting it on, like half-width obis with waistbands. This time, we have a special feature on yukatas which brighten up Japan’s summers.