You like this color very much, but feel small to wear a KIMONO in that color because it's too bright...
Have you ever felt that way?
Well, why don't you incorporate the color in other items such as OBI AGE (sash) or OBI JIME (decorative string on the OBI belt)?
OBI AGE is a sash to hide OBI MAKURA* and its strings used for tying OBI belt, and is very eye catching as you see in the pictures below (red sash over the OBI). There are certain rules and styles for wearing OBI AGE for formal occasions, whereas there's no rule at all for casual occasions. In addition, semi transparent types of OBI AGE are often preferred in summer.
OBI JIME is a decorative string to fix the OBI belt. The origin of OBI JIME is in the Edo era: a popular KABUKI** actor tied a string in order to prevent his KIMONO against being out of shape, and it became popular among women mimicing the same style. Today, OBI JIME in lovely colors are widely used by Japanese ladies. Even on YUKATA***, OBI JIME is not unconventional any more.
Choosing OBI AGE and OBI JIME is a huge fun part of wearing KIMONO. Place these items on your OBI belt and take your time to find out wich one to choose.
OBI MAKURA*: Oval pad with two long strips tied underneath the obi to make it look fuller.
KABUKI**: Japanese traditional theater play performed by male actors in peculiar or bizarre make-up.
YUKATA***: Very casual KIMONO made of cotton for summer.
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