Japanese Kimono

Kimono is Japan national attire which has literally meanings “something worn” or clothing in Japanese culture. Back to history Chinese traders introduced Hanfu which was their traditional clothing to Japan and were later modified throughout Japan’s history and now known as contemporary Kimono. Few images of Japanese culture portrait as an elegant lady in a beautiful silk Kimono.

Probably the most popular piece of Asian clothing both uttered and adored by western countries is Japanese Kimono
An authentic Japan made Kimono can be cost at least $10.000, even a complete outfit consisting of undergarments, obi, ties, socks, sandals and accessories can be more than $ 20.000. Yes, it is very expensive. How can be a cloth can be cost that much?? Well, preparing an authentic Kimono takes a very long process and skilled craftsmen in Japan demand quite compensation. Kimono are traditionally sewn by hand, their fabrics are also made by hand plus their hand decoration using silk, silk brocade, silk crepes, and satin weaves which known as ninzu. Those reasons could answer the question why Kimono could be expensive.

However nowadays we can find cheaper Kimono, which is made by synthetic fabrics. The good thing is its more affordable.
Kimono are worn by women and men, but most often worn by women while men occasionally worn Kimono at weddings, tea ceremony, or other formal occasions. A more colorful and style Kimono use to wear younger girl and single, it has a longer sleeves and tied with a bright colored sash. It is more elaborate than older women.

Kimono for men usually has one basic shape worn in subdued colors. Furisode is a style of traditional kimono which worn by unmarried women. It has floor length sleeves and usually displayed on special occasions.

A white and heavy Kimono called Shiromuku, it has a great detail etched in it. A black kimono will be wear by men and women in funeral occasion. It shows respect in Japanese culture. Another custom from it, when a man is going to a funeral, they will need to wear black tie while a white tie will be use for wedding.

A light cotton Yukata usually worn in summer, it is an easy one for everybody to wear. Yukata can be seen during Japanese festivals and informal outdoor events.

What is Anime?!

What is Anime? Anime base on dictionary means "a  Japanese style of motion-picture animation". Anime also known as Manga, which is more more popular to be called that way in some countries. Anime can also be referred to animation or comics.

The history of Anime started on the twentieth century when the Japanese filmmakers experimenting techniques of animation. From this experiment anime characteristics and genres developed and have become the fundamental elements.

Anime itself is an alternative outlet for the art of storytelling and for this reason it becomes popular in Japan. Anime has low cost budget and its support Japan which was suffered from budgeting problem for live action movies that time, not to mention the restriction that were placed on the casting as well as location.

In September 1963 NBC syndicated a dubbed version of Astro Boy which is Japanese Anime series and this is the time when anime burst onto the scene. In the  80’s, Gundam and Macross became an instant classics of Japanese Robot Anime, up until now the robot genre still heard of the most in Japan and worldwide.

Typical drawing of Anime or Manga is with large eyes. It was actually  credited to the influence of Osamu Tezuka. He inspired by American cartoon such as Betty Boop, Mickey Mouse and Disney’s Bambi. Another typical of Manga is that they have this extremely expression when they are shocked, surprise, cry, happy, or in any kind of mood.

Some animes can be drawn by hand but nowadays with the developing of technologies it can be assisted by computer. Usually teenager and kids has become their market target. Anime considered as limited animation and can be produce in full length of motion pictures, also in live action film like television series.

Instead of calligrapher’s pen, the line of Anime often influenced by brushwork. Nowadays there are many books available where people can learn how to draw Anime with some style, even you can learn it on line, like on the video below this article. Enjoy :)