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Kimono kids

By on April 30, 2008

Although some people might say that every day is children’s day, the Japanese have set aside May 5th as an official public holiday to celebrate the smaller people in our lives. My children and I decided to do something a little bit extra special in honor of the occasion: We treated ourselves to the quintessential Japanese cultural experience-stepping back in time as we dressed up in gorgeous kimono and cool samurai warrior styles!

Located in Harajuku, Studio Mon Katsura is one of Tokyo’s leading photo studios and well versed in meeting the needs of the foreign population, as some 80% of their clients are from overseas. Although Katsura’s specialty is turning regular folk into exotic geisha, complete with white makeup and elegant black wigs, on this occasion they gave our family “a natural look” photo shoot.

We started by picking out the kimono colors we wanted. For my teen son, the choice was easy, as men’s kimono (known as hakama) tend to be a standard black. His two younger sisters, however, spent quite some time oohing and aahing over the colorful kimono before settling on purple and red, respectively. I chose a soft green hue, as befits a married lady of “a certain age.” Finding the right sized kimono is not usually too much of a problem, since they can be tucked in and pulled up to fit the size and shape of the wearer.

Next, it was time for our hair and make up. My girls and I have long, very thick hair but the capable staff soon had us elegantly coiffured, our hair piled up with a distinctly “Japanese” look. My daughters were delighted to get to wear a little make up, while I was treated to a wonderfully natural looking makeover.

Finally we donned the kimono-a process which may take novices by surprise! Starting with special undergarments, the kimono has many layers and requires meticulous attention to detail and quite a lot of tugging to achieve the smooth, straight line. It is no wonder Japanese ladies of yesteryear were so serene and ladylike-it is almost impossible to be otherwise in full kimono regalia! Rest assured, however, that the staff will work with customers to ensure that the kimono are comfortable. “Some of our overseas clients like them a little looser,” confided the staff member who dressed me. “We can accommodate everyone!”

Meanwhile, my son was also dressed and had finished his individual shots. He looked every inch the young samurai, equipped with a remarkably realistic looking sword! He couldn’t resist swinging it around a bit, to the chagrin of his sisters, who ran squealing for cover. Then the girls had their shots, posing prettily with the ubiquitous Japanese and parasols. Mom was next, and I thoroughly enjoyed being the center of attention for once. (The last time I can recall having my portrait taken on my own was for my driver’s license.)

We rounded out our session with some family shots in Katsura’s charming traditional Japanese garden, attracting the attention of a group of foreign tourists as we exited the building.

“They’re looking at us, Mommy!” giggled my seven-year-old. “I bet they wish they could dress up, too!” If they come to Studio Mon Katsura, then they can!

Katsura will have the best shots from your session printed and ready for you by the time you are ready to go home. My children couldn’t wait to show their father, due home from a business trip the next day. As for me, I was delighted with my solo shoots, and I carried that feeling of serene elegance with me for the rest of the day.

Here are six of Katsura’s most popular looks!

Geiko (Geisha) The quintessential look which represents the elegance and beauty of Japanese women. Geisha are traditional entertainers, highly skilled in the performing arts such as music and dance.

Maiko are young women training as apprentice geiko. As befits the maiko’s youth and charm, this look is slightly more flamboyant than that of the geiko. A popular look for the young-and the young at heart!

Samurai This look depicts Japan’s noble military class and is sure to make any man feel like a warrior!

Senhime (Princess Sen) was a real-life 17th century noblewoman. This look reflects the traditional style of the early Edo period.

Anmitsuhime And for something a little different, here is a look based on a popular Japanese cartoon heroine! Anmitsuhime, (Sugar Princess) is a little tomboy character, first introduces in a 1950s manga series and then later brought to TV in the 1980s.

Shichi-go-san (7-5-3) is a festival for children, usually celebrated on November 15th, which honors girls of three and seven and boys of three and five. However, all small children can enjoy dressing up at any time of the year at Katsura.

Studio Mon Katsura: 4-28-4 Jingumae. (03) 3470-0027. Open 10am to 6pm. Nearest Sta. JR Harajuku. www.henshin-maiko.com/en_index.html. Reservations required. For the first five looks above, allow about an hour total for dressing and photo session. For 7-5-3, or “natural look” (without wigs), allow more time for hair and make up. For families with several children, Katsura recommends making reservations 10 days in advance.

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