No.131 Outdoor Date in Kimono

I’d always longed for it. To see myself wearing a kimono. Tying the obi naturally straightens my spine. The feel of tabi socks, the sound of geta sandals—a bit awkward to walk in, but that very awkwardness reminds me I am “me.” Standing before the full-length mirror, I caught my breath. Wrapped in this kimono, my face looks so gentle. I walked slowly. The joy of walking in this attire outweighed any embarrassment at being seen. The furisode sleeves swayed in the breeze, and even the gesture of holding them down felt somehow graceful. Tradition isn’t something that binds anyone. Even someone like me wearing it, the kimono properly wrapped around me, and it felt like it was saying, “You’re fine just as you are.” The kimono taught me. That you don’t need a reason to like yourself. If you have a “someday I want to wear it” wish, today is that day. Just like I did, I hope you meet a wonderful version of yourself.