Saturday, January 19, 2008

In partnership with the Community School of Music and Arts (CSMA) at Finn Center, the Japan Society is proud to present a New Year’s Kimono Show with famed kimono stylist Nobuaki Tomita.

Tomita and his models will show a varied selection of his original kimono, designed in styles seen throughout the ages: kimono of the kabuki theater, the prewar Taisho era, the following Showa era, and contemporary Japan.
Accompanied by professional kimono dresser, Kaoru Kumaki, Tomita will also demonstrate how kimono are made, fitted and worn.

Preceding the kimono show there will be a short dance performance by the award-winning Michiya Hanayagi Dance Company.

In Japanese with English translation.

Location:
CSMA, Tateuchi Hall
230 San Antonio Circle
Mountain View, CA 94040
[map]

Time:
2:00 – 4:00 pm Program
Reception with Mr. Tomita to follow, light refreshments will be served.

Cost:
$5 Japan Society Members, students and children under 12
$15 Non-members
Free for Japan Society Student Members

Tickets are no longer available for purchase online, but may be purchased at the door from 1:00-2:00 pm.

Mr. Nobuaki Tomita was born in Kyoto in 1963 and is one of Japan’s most influential kimono producers and stylists. He learned kimono-related products and their distribution while working for Kyoto Muromachi Wholesalers. At age 27, he founded his own kimono design and styling company, “Kyokaori,” in 1994. He has worked on numerous NHK Television programs and drama series as well as Japanese films as a costume coordinator and supervisor.

Mr. Tomita has reached out internationally to China and the US by presenting kimono shows as cultural exchange. He continues to work as a kimono stylist and designer, as well as giving lectures on Japanese textiles and fashion to help promote and preserve the tradition of kimono.

Ms. Michiya Hanayagi was born in Nagoya, Japan and has taught Japanese classical dance for over 55 years. In 2004, she was honored with The Foreign Minister’s Commendation in Commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of the US-Japan Relationship.

In cooperation with

and the Consulate-General of Japan in San Francisco