The Japanese Kimono

This series explores the Japanese kimono through the lens of learning, making, and practice. During my time in Japan, I took part in a traditional kimono class, working entirely by hand and following methods that have been passed down through generations.

It’s a study in tradition, patience, and what it means to truly understand a garment from the inside out.

THE ARTICLES SERIES

The articles below are intended to be read in sequence.

Learning to Make a Traditional Kimono in Japan
An introduction to the experience and the mindset behind the craft.
Inside a Traditional Kimono Class in Japan
Learning environment, teaching approach, and the value of small-group instruction.
Making a Traditional Kimono by Hand in Japan
Construction, hand stitching, and zero-waste structure.
Three Weeks in Japan as a Maker
Reflections on learning, travel, and how the experience shaped my practice.
Learning Through Making: Craft Experiences I Sought Out in Japan
Exploring other forms of making across textiles and food.

Together, these entries form a considered record of learning, shaped by time, repetition, and attention. Learning traditional kimono making in Japan was an immersive study in precision, patience, and cultural craft. These articles document the experience—from the classroom environment and teaching methods to the hand-stitching techniques and zero-waste construction that define this centuries-old practice. The time spent learning in Japan continues to inform how I approach garment making, construction quality, and the value of formal craft education.

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Country/region

THE JAPANESE KIMONO

THE ARTICLES SERIES

Learning to Make a Traditional Kimono in Japan

Inside a Traditional Kimono Class in Japan

Making a Traditional Kimono by Hand in Japan

Three Weeks in Japan as a Maker

Learning Through Making: Craft Experiences I Sought Out in Japan