When Kimonos Were Beautiful Military Symbols

Clothes have always been more than a necessity. They not only provide clues to the wearer’s social status and the materials they can afford but also reflect the tastes of the time period. Like many conquering nations of the time, Japan‘s military excursions during the 1900s had a trickle down effect on the fashion industry.

‘Propaganda Kimono’

During Japan’s invasion of its neighboring Asian nations, men, women, and children of all ages donned kimonos far different from the nature-inspired colors and designs of old. The bright, garish colors and striking designs were clothing makers’ answer to Japan’s desire to modernize. But they were also a way to show support for the military. They were evidence of an optimistic and positive outlook on war and colonialism, a belief that many powerful nations shared at the time.

http://instagram.com/p/BBN95u-Gw_t/

Omoshirogara Designs

After the 1920s, modernization and military might became synonymous with each other, and the people’s desire for all things modern was yet to be sated. Designs shifted to include military symbols. Planes, Japanese flags, armed soldiers, and cavalry were just a few of the subjects chosen by textile workers. The patterns reflected international art trends, like Picasso’s Cubism and the Art Deco movement, as well as drew inspiration from comics, advertisements, and movie poster designs.

http://instagram.com/p/BDORKx2mwzo/

Telling Stories

Many of Japan’s military kimonos picked up themes and stories from comics, legends, and popular media. Dogs, admired for their loyalty and fearless nature, were also a popular motif, so Norakuro, a canine character in a manga in 1931, was borrowed and worked into kimono designs. Famous military legends were also used. The Three Bombers, for instance, became a legend after dying in a military operation; they were using explosives to take down the enemy’s barbed wire fences and break through the line.

http://instagram.com/p/BClLoTbmwxH/

A Beautiful Secret

Unlike poster propaganda, these kimonos were kept a secret from anyone outside the owner’s circle of close family and friends. Many were designed to be worn under the outer clothes, like juban or the inner lining of haori and kimonos. The wearer could show them off at private functions or appreciate them in the privacy of their quarters. In this way, they were indirectly showing their support for the military but at the same time flaunting their wealth and fashionable, modern tastes.

http://instagram.com/p/BA7snQZyqZM/

In The Present

For a long time, those who collected the kimono did so in secret. The clothes were a symbol of a hopeful and optimistic past that wasn’t realized; it seemed pathetic or even shameful to hang on to them. These days, however, people are coming to appreciate and understand these garments as a product of their time and a fascinating window into the militaristic cultures of the past. A few small exhibitions have been held in Japan and abroad, and interest in the omoshirogara is stirring once again.

http://instagram.com/p/BBAkEkvxnQm/

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.