Attendance at OJA Kimono Workshops (1st November 2024)
2024/11/21



From November 1st – 2nd, a series of events centred around all things Kimono were held by the Orkney Japan Association in collaboration with the Consulate General of Japan in Edinburgh. Dr Saeko Yazaki of the University of Glasgow travelled to Orkney to provide the workshops, and members of the Consulate General of Japan in Edinburgh’s Cultural Section providing support. Dr Yazaki is a lecturer in religious studies and has experience in the kimono making process, as well as a focus on sustainability.
The events began with a workshop at the University of the Highlands and Islands where students learnt about Kimono from Dr Yazaki, before being able to make a miniature kimono from paper. This paper exercise demonstrated how the kimono making process is heavily influenced by the Japanese idea of “mottainai”, that nothing should be wasted. Whilst constructing the garment, almost all of the fabric will be used without the need for off-cuts, making it much more ecologically friendly than most garment manufacturing processes.
On Saturday, November 2nd, Dr Yazaki held a workshop on kimono for local residents at Kirkwall Library and demonstrated how to put on kimono. Participants were able to get involved by choosing which obi-belt colour, arrangement, and accessories were used. Mirroring the success of the kimono exhibition currently at V&A Dundee, the workshop sold out almost immediately. The following try-on session was attended by people of different gender and ages, who all got the chance to choose and be dressed in kimono and have their photo taken. Many participants noted how their posture changed almost immediately, but that kimono was still comfortable to wear. Different types of kimono were also put on display, including a kimono created by a local resident of Orkney, Rachel Alexander, whilst she was an advanced higher art student at Kirkwall Grammar School.
The sustainability aspect of kimono was particularly well-received by participants, and many expressed interest in more in-depth lectures on Japanese textiles and kimono-making processes.
The events began with a workshop at the University of the Highlands and Islands where students learnt about Kimono from Dr Yazaki, before being able to make a miniature kimono from paper. This paper exercise demonstrated how the kimono making process is heavily influenced by the Japanese idea of “mottainai”, that nothing should be wasted. Whilst constructing the garment, almost all of the fabric will be used without the need for off-cuts, making it much more ecologically friendly than most garment manufacturing processes.
On Saturday, November 2nd, Dr Yazaki held a workshop on kimono for local residents at Kirkwall Library and demonstrated how to put on kimono. Participants were able to get involved by choosing which obi-belt colour, arrangement, and accessories were used. Mirroring the success of the kimono exhibition currently at V&A Dundee, the workshop sold out almost immediately. The following try-on session was attended by people of different gender and ages, who all got the chance to choose and be dressed in kimono and have their photo taken. Many participants noted how their posture changed almost immediately, but that kimono was still comfortable to wear. Different types of kimono were also put on display, including a kimono created by a local resident of Orkney, Rachel Alexander, whilst she was an advanced higher art student at Kirkwall Grammar School.
The sustainability aspect of kimono was particularly well-received by participants, and many expressed interest in more in-depth lectures on Japanese textiles and kimono-making processes.