Photography

Our model is wearing traditional Japanese "trousers" called 袴 (hakama).  These type of "pants" are worn by men or women and traditionally have seven pleats, five in the front and two in the back... the placement of the front pleats, three to the right and two to the left, is an example of asymmetry in Japanese aesthetics.

Somewhat unique is that she is wearing what look like regular hakama except for their length, forming a train of 30-60 cm, restricting rapid movement.  Long (長い nagai) hakama are called 長袴 (naga-bakama) and the pronunciation is changed due to the combination of kanji characters... it's just one way that Japanese language rolls...

The above was a demonstration of how to add layers upon layers, not an outfit that you want to wear in 35°C.

Thanks for looking,
Casey

I’ve always admired Japanese culture.

Thanks for sharing.

René

I understand that there is a fairly large Japanese community in Mexico... in fact my first Japanese language teacher lived and worked in Mexico for many years before returning to Tokyo, having taught also in New Zealand and the USA... her language ability far exceeds mine ; )

One of my cultural interests is Japanese ceramics, I just love the shapes and designs... plus all the small bowls and plates used in 懐石 (kaiseki) - the term applies to the traditional multi-course meal and the skills & techniques that allow for its preparation.

Casey

It would seem that there’s a strong attraction between the two cultures. In my fist years at my actual job, working in rural communities in my home state Veracruz, I met a young man that was working on his thesis for masters degree. His name was Takash. He also happened to live at one of my best friends girlfriend’s home, so we got friends. He was so amazed with our traditions and festiveness, also with typical food.

I’m so sad we couldn’t say goodbye when I came to Mexico City after a raise.

If you like ceramics I will share with you a beautiful teapot with it’s cups that my late father used to love and loved to use 😉

Please, I would love if you can share more about Japanese culture!

With my best regards.

René

[nt]

About Japanese culture is the philosophy of discipline and honor of it’s people, the aesthetics and thorough thinking put in art and craftsmanship, the beauty of zen architecture, classic motorcycles, and of course, the beautiful knives they make! But all of the late are due to the first.

Best.

René

If you like detective / crime novels pick up a copy of "The Devotion of Suspect X" by Keigo Higashino... it does not disappoint

Thanks for the reading suggestion!

I will look for it.

About ghosts, I read somewhere that some towns are ghost plagued! 😳 There must be something so strong spiritually speaking.

Best.

René

...related to some of the traditional wear of the Japanese. Fascinating.

much appreciated.

... let the world know of what Japan is )

Before it was flying around the region or to Europe on business, so I never got a chance to explore Japan to any degree - maybe that time is now.

One needs a lifetime to appreciate the nuances... and I am just an interested newbie.

Thanks Ken... and welcome back ; )

I have not even gotten there.  But I will have to start.....  Thanks again.  I will leave for another trip tomorrow....

always in love with the aesthetic sense of Japanese culture - simple & elegant!

the second pic with layering is fabulous- heart winning !!

Thanks for sharing.

Best,
mahesh.,

If you haven't had the opportunity to visit, you must add it to your list, if you have been to Japan before maybe it's time for another visit. Thanks for taking the time to comment... Casey

will have to do a longer trip. Best, mahesh.,

ethnic wear and lovely demonstration of it . Thank you for sharing intricacies about Japanese culture, as always, cheers, Filip

I have to take some photos of my ceramics... only a few nice pieces in daily use plus some items in storage that I picked-up when a friend retired and closed the family wholesale business... Below is one of the first (if not the first) photo that I posted on the old Photo Techniques Forum... it was part of a series of DOF test shots (below was the frame at f8), taken with the cropped sensor Canon 30D and a EF-S 17-85mm F4-5.6 zoom lens.  Seems like 100 years ago ; ) 




Casey

I still remember seeing some of those before . Maybe one day you will share with us a post regarding Japanese blade-making, perhaps my favorite non-watch crafts category when it comes to The Land of the Rising Sun.... Cheers, Filip

at the moment I have no connection with that craft... I have to check with KIH or one of the others in the Tokyo Watch Group.

No message body

even scratching the surface is interesting and fun ; )

thanks Casey

[nt]

I have a big passion and love for Japanese culture. Traditional never ceases to inspire me. Modern never ceases to impress (and sometimes amuse) me.

Next year will involve some serious tradition and something that has not happened in almost 200 years... the current Japanese Emperor’s abdication date has been set for 30 April 2019.

That event will also bring an end to the Heisei Era which, in Japanese calendar system, began when the current Emperor took to the throne in January 1989.

The change was on request of the current Emperor and the reason announced was advanced age and the ability to preform official responsibilities.

Forget the summer Olympics in 2020, bring your camera next April...

Casey

It is well noted. I will see if I can make it possible. Highly interesting