For people from overseas, the words and terms for KIMONOs must be very difficult and complicated to understand. For example, we have terms such as MIYATSU GUCHI (side openings to rearrange the KIMONO, and keep its beautiful shape of dressing), HAKKAKE (inside layer), and OKUMI-SEN (a seam on the right side), all difficult words even for Japanese.
You don’t have to learn all of these words unless you want to become a KIMONO tailor or a dresser. There are some words, however, we recommend you remember. These words are: 1) OHASYORI, and 2) TARE of OTAIKO.
OHASYORI is the folded layer of a KIMONO around the waist which is seen just under the OBI belt.
In old times, noble women wore KIMONOs as a robe with a long train. Later when it became popular among the general public, people folded the excess portion of the KIMONO around their waists so as to make the outfit comfortable and less restrictive for daily movement. This is the origin of the OHASYORI.
TARE is the end part of an OBI belt that hangs down under the OTAIKO style knot in the back. At YUMEYAKATA, staff members will tell you, “Please do not forget to straighten your OHASYORI and TARE after using the bathroom. They are often flipped up.”
For the ribbon style knot, there’s no TARE, however, it’s better to check your ribbon when you get off of a bus or a train. Your ribbon can become squashed or flattened by the seats. If it’s flat, please rearrange the OBI again by lifting the bow to keep your KIMONO looking beautiful.
