College Students in Japan Cool Off in Yukata

JapanNews reports that quite a few universities in Japan organized events, in which　students and teachers spent a day wearing Yukata. Yukata is a type of summer Kimono. It’s very light and beautiful. So what is the purpose of allowing students, professors and staff to wear Yukata in school?

This is to give opportunities for young people who are not necessarily used to wearing traditional Japanese clothing. Kokugakuin University has had Waso Day (traditional Japanese clothing day) on July 7, which is the Tanabata star festival day in Japan.

“The word yukata originally referred to kimono made of a single layer of cloth worn after bathing or for sleeping in the summer.”

Summer is brutal in Japan. It’s extremely hot and humid. I wouldn’t want to even think about wearing thick kimono. Yukata is much more comfortable as it is very lightweight.

Many Japanese young women wear Yukata for special events such as fireworks and festivals at shrines and temples. Yukata is also worn in Bon dancing.

【七夕に浴衣で授業を受ける学生たち　國學院大学が「和装デー」実施　 – Excite bit コネタ】 https://t.co/b88bsD2Maw 『当日はキャンパス内に特別更衣室を用意し、着付けのプロが常駐した』学校のサポート万全w 教授まで浴衣だし。面白いな。

— しろ丸 (@shiro__maru) July 11, 2016