着物のじゅぎょおー Kimono lessons

                                My kimono before putting it on ie. the pieces

Today I took a class to learn how to wear kimono. It is so surprising how many sashes and belts are used in these outfits!  The second time I went from start to finish in donning the apparel I think it took me about 25 minutes.  You start with the Nagajuban, which is like an underdress that you can barely see at the collar line when you are completely dressed.  So you tie a sash around your waist to hold that in place and then put the kimono on. The kimono also gets a sash to hold it in place and then the Obi (the wide belt) has several components including a cushion, stiffener, cord belt, and a sash.  Plus there are sashes you have to tie around you to keep certain parts of the Obi in place while you finish dressing, and then pull them off at the end.  I even learned the way you fold up the kimono so it is the right length.  I have heard that most people buy kimonos specific for their height, because folding up the robe is considered difficult.  It is a very complicated process, but it was so much fun to learn!

                                                  Here I am with my 着物先生（instructor)

After finishing my kimono lesson I went to Meguro station to meet the lady that I am working with at Toshiba for dinner.  We had tonkatsu, which is fried pork cutlets, and it was delicious!!!  It was served with shredded cabbage, sliced tomato, rice, miso soup, Japanese pickles, and peanuts.

The restaurant we ate at featured an open kitchen surround be a horse-shoe shaped counter where you sit to eat.  So while we were eating we were able to watch their assembly line while they prepared the food.

Also I found this earlier today and for your enjoyment I wanted to include it- an Eastern style squatty potty!