After six years, Japan reveals the 213 specially created kimonos depicting the nature, culture, and history of each representative nation participating at the Tokyo Olympics.
some of the stunning kimonos
Despite the postponement of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all 213 kimonos and obis were displayed in a special exhibition at "Musée du Kimono" at the Kyoto Kyocera Museum of Art in October, 2020.
The Kimono Project was shown at this year's Olympic Games and will be featured again at the 2025 Osaka and Kansai Expos.
In 2017, a Japanese international outreach organization called Imagine One World launched the Kimono Project. It aimed to create a kimono for every country in the world, which would also reflect the nation’s culture, history, or architectural highlights.
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| Kimono #213 artist Miwa Komatsu, produced by Okano in honor of the IOC Refugee Olympic Team |
The project is a Japanese-based venture that shares the beauty of a traditional handmade Japanese kimono. Yoshimasa Takakura, founder and head of the project, raised necessary support and funds through donations, crowdfunding site and other resources.
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| Kimono #001 Afghanistan - created by Ueda Kanjiang, produced by Watanabe |
Each kimono is created by a different artist or studio using traditional handweaving and dyeing techniques. During the production process, the design team carefully collaborated with each embassy to ensure that each kimono was designed to reflect the country's cultural heritage.
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| Kimono #125 Haiti - created & produced by Makiko Kuwahara |
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| on stage at the Tokyo Olympics |
The production of each kimono costs roughly 1 million yen, paid for by donations from domestic and foreign individuals and companies.
Carefully chosen patterns from the culture, environment, and unique resources of each country were carefully designed and handwoven into the fabric of each kimono, demonstrating the meticulous craftsmanship that went into each creation.
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| Kimono #033 Philippines designer Hiroshi Nakamachi, produced by Chiku-mae Textiles |
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| on stage at the Tokyo Olympics |
With the tight timeline dyeing craftsmen, textile manufacturers weaving professionals and other artisans gathered from all around Japan to make the garments. Embassies, schools and the public also part took, so the project impacts international exchange and education as well.
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| Kimono #099 USA - created by Yu Naruse, produced by Nakai Textile |
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| on stage at the Tokyo Olympics |
wonder | wander | women have had a special affinity to kimonos, since we were kids playing dress up, and as grown women loving the luxury of this elegant and versatile robe.
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| Kimono #170 United Kingdom - created by Saki Manabe, produced by Shihiro |
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| on stage at the Tokyo Olympics |
Here is our personal selection of only a few of our personal favorites among this impressive line up of beautifully handcrafted kimonos.
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| Kimono #154 Fiji - created by Michico Skai, produced by Nishimura Textiles |
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| Mahala's pick |
Please take the time to go through the kimono list to pick your personal favorites as well. May their beauty brighten our day and live on to inspire us in these dark and divisive times.
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| Kimono #14i Kiribati - created by Tetsuya Matsue & Koyako, produced by Seiichi Endo Issa's pick |
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