Here's a funny story about Tasukigake (たすき掛け). I was speaking about Tasukigake as in tucking up Kimono sleeves with a string called Tasuki so as not to stain the sleeves, whereas my friend was referring to it as a method of factorization of math. For we don't wear Kimono as daily outfits anymore today, let alone do domestic duties in it, no wonder she had no idea what I was speaking about.
When I was a child, I used to be very proud of the quick and sophisticated movements of my mother and grandmother making Tasukigake on their back and cooked for us. When I helped them, they tied my Kimono sleeves to my arms with short strings, however, I was always dreaming of having Tasukigake on my back just like them.
So, I did it for the first time in a long while. To my surprise, I remembered how to do it. I often use Kappougi (割烹着, chief's coat) when I cook but I might as well try Tasukigake and front apron from now on.
Click here to see a Blog by a Former MAIKO, "Do You Know?".
