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Period: 794 to 1185
Heian period (794–1185)
The Heian period is often viewed as the golden age of Japan, highlighted by the rise of an aristocratic court. This period saw the rise in literature, poetry and visual arts. Clothing played a pivotal part in ones social status during the time, being gendered as well. Men would wear clothing such as the sokutai, while women wore items such as the junihitoe. -
900
Citations 2
The Traditional Japanese Garment with a Big Impact on Fashion
Art Object. The Traditional Japanese Garment with a Big Impact on Fashion. Accessed March 2025. https://www.artandobject.com/articles/traditional-japanese-garment-big-impact-fashion.
University of North Texas Libraries. [Title of Document]. Portal to Texas History. Accessed March 24, 2025. https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1638778/. -
900
Citations 3
Allen County Public Library. [Title of Document]. ACPL Digital Collections. Accessed March 24, 2025. http://contentdm.acpl.lib.in.us/digital/collection/p15155coll1/id/3001. -
900
Citations
All Periods.
EdrawMind, “History of Japan,” EdrawMind, accessed March 24, 2025, https://www.edrawmind.com/article/history-of-japan.html.
The Costume of Edo-Period Japanese Women
Kyoto Prefectural Library and Archives. The Costume of Edo Period Japanese Women. Google Arts Culture. Accessed March 2025. https://artsandculture.google.com/story/the-costume-of-edo-period-japanese-women-kyoto-prefectural-library-and-archives/_QWx99wNZFNvLw?hl=en. -
Period: 1183 to 1326
Kamakura Period (1185 – 1333)
This era saw a shift from more extravagant clothes to practical clothes used in day to day life. The first shogunite was established during this period, leading to power struggles down the line and military wear becoming more popular. This type of clothing would be popular for several centuries until the Edo period. Items like Hitatare, kosode, and the Suikan (seen in the studio ghibli movie spirited away) show the need for more breathable movable clothing. -
Period: 1331 to 1573
Muromachi Period
The muromachi period is an era in japans history marked by turbulence and war. Specifically the Onin war, which marked the start of the Sengoku Period. Political unrest and waring factions pushed culture and individual / group expression to the back burner. The power struggles from this period led to cities being destroyed and mass lose of life. The style of samurais became more prevalent and social hierarchy broke down more than in other eras. -
Kimono Invented
The kimono as it is known today was created in the Edo period. Early on it was a straight line cut robe that was hand sown in to one piece. Later on more elaborate designs emerged, often combining different types of threads and clothes to create meaning. They traditionally contain a sash called an obi. There are many types the most popular of which being Furisode, yukata, and Tomesode. These garments were used by women of differing social classes and in varying stages of their lives. -
Period: to
Edo period (1603–1868)
The Edo period in Japan was defined by relative peace, a strict social hierarchy and economic growth under the shogun Tokugawa. Edo (now modern day Tokyo) was the capital of the period, leading Japan culturally, theatrically and in written form, due to its intense urbanization. -
Tratidional Bridal Kimono
From the symbolism of the colors and the embroidery I believe that the kamino could have been given as a gift to someone recently wed. Also because of the less traditional color scheme I believe the kamino is relatively new/modernized. Potentially coming from the Edo period. Also I believe the recipient of the kamino was of higher status, because of the hem and symbolism on the kamino. -
Yoshinobu Tokugawa
The image is important as it intersects the tradition of Japan and the modernity and westernization Japan was currently experiencing. This crossroads came to a front at the end of the man pictured reign of power. The image portrays him calmly being in control even though he was at the end of his reign, and barely able to keep control of his government. His clothes represent his status as shogun and reflect the power he was trying to show. -
Period: to
Meiji Era (1868-1912)
The Meiji era is a period defined by the modernization and westernization of Japan. This includes technology, fashion, ideals, culture, and political structure, proving to be one of the most rapidly evolving eras in its history. -
Period: to
Taisho Era (1912-1926)
The Taisho Era is marked by an increase in individual expressions and freedoms, giving way to a more relaxed and creative time. Traditional fashion started to blend with western looks for example the hakama and moga, both traditionally worn by women and girls in this era -
Studio Ghibli Founded
Studio Ghibli is a film production company from Japan. They are most famous for their animated films renowned worldwide such as "My Neighbor Totaro" and "Spirited Away". The Founded in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and Toshio Suzuki the film studio has continued to innovate and express elements of Japanese culture to people native to Japan and those not. Studio ghibli is known for its hand drawn animation, strong female protaganists, and fantastical worlds. -
Spirited Away Released
Hayao Miyazaki's "Spirited Away" is deeply rooted in Japanese historical aesthetic, clothing being most evident. The clothing in the movie defines the characters status and gives way to important plot structures. Many of the garments depicted originate from the Heian period and the Edo Period. An interesting choice as there periods are almost 400 years apart from each other. -
Howls Moving Castle Released
Another movie released by Hayao Miyazaki, howls moving castle has notable influence from the Meiji, and Taisho periods, specifically clothing. These aesthetic choices conveys the influence of western culture onto mainland Japan and the affects of said westernization as it intersected with more traditional values. It also continues to show the themes of clothing showing characters identity. -
The Costume of Edo-Period Japanese Women
The article Provides an overview of traditional womens clothing during the Edo period. It highlights different kimono styles, fabrics, symbols, and accessories worn by the different social classes of the time and how those pieces of clothing influence modern fashion and culture in Japan. Things such as the rise of subtle luxury and textile craftmanship all to convey meaning in new and intricate ways. This was often lead by higher classes as a way of distinguishing themselves. -
The Traditional Japanese Garment with a Big Impact on Fashion
The kimono specifically had such a profound impact on the modern shape of Japanese culture that it is extremely well documented. sometimes kimonos are still everyday wear for more traditional Japanese people, but for most people you can see inspiration on much of modern Japanese clothing. Even as the kimono was a traditionally women's garment, it still has influenced men's fashion as well such as haute couture and streetwear.