Launched in 2014, the KIMONO PROJECT by Japanese company Imagine Oneworld has set a goal of completing 213 kimonos representing each country participating in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. This multi-year project sends a message of peace to the world, while also providing a unique opportunity to spread the beauty and craftsmanship of Japanese craftsmanship around the globe.

“I have always wanted to restore the pride and confidence of craftsmen, and my dream is to see the leaders of the sports delegation wearing kimono at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics,” said Yoshimasa Takakura, Japanese designer and head of the project.

The project has now completed more than 100 kimono designs and is still in the final stages. Let’s take a look at some of the project’s highlights.

JAPAN

The Japanese kimono was designed by Chiso, a long-standing brand using the Kyo-Yuzen dyeing technique. With the idea of ​​connecting the world, this design consists of red patterns tied together on a white background, printed with prominent floral motifs, symbolizing the 47 prefectures in Japan.

USA

The kimono, designed by Masaru Naruse, represents the United States and incorporates various symbols such as state flowers, baseball and football symbols, Hollywood movies, and the Statue of Liberty. Sculptures of Presidents Lincoln and Kennedy, the bald eagle, and the Apollo Program are also featured on the outfit. The red stripes on the white obi – a metaphor for the stars and stripes of the American flag – are covered by olive branches. Each branch is based on the symbol on the Presidential Seal and has 13 leaves, symbolizing the desire for peace.

CHINA

The Chinese kimono features a black background embroidered with a dragon, symbolizing the Great Wall of China, and is surrounded by peony, plum blossom, bamboo and clouds in various colors. A panda is added for a playful touch. The colors and patterns of the obi are inspired by Tang Dynasty Sancai pottery.

UNITED KINGDOM

The UK's design is steeped in British literature and cinema, featuring symbols ofHamlet,A Midsummer Night's Dream,Alice in Wonderland,Sherlock HolmesandAgent 007Along with the River Thames, images of Big Ben and London nightscape are also depicted on the kimono. The obi includes the national flowers of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

VIRTUE

On the kimono is a stylized depiction of Germany's national flower - the Yagiku chrysanthemum - and a rendition of the sonata.MoonlightBeethoven's music in the form of electronic waves. The kimono wants to portray an image of a modern Germany, where heavy industrialization and classical culture coexist harmoniously.

GREECE

Greece is the birthplace of the Olympic Games and the country's kimono beautifully represents the Athenian civilization. The emerald green fabric features the Parthenon, Greek letters, olive branches and an owl - a symbol of wisdom. The obi features Greek columns interspersed with primrose branches.

VIETNAM

The kimono is designed to highlight the enthusiastic spirit of the Vietnamese people, along with the harmonious coexistence of 54 ethnic groups. Children in traditional costumes woven on the fabric represent the future of Vietnam. Rice farmers, lion dancers, cyclo drivers... together create a fresh and vibrant spirit. The entire design is covered in a light green fabric inspired by the rice culture. The obi is a deep red color, woven by hand on a floral embroidery fabric typical of the Vietnamese people.

REFUGEES' REPRESENTATIVES

The most special thing about the KIMONO project is that the refugees also have their own kimono. Imagine Oneworld shows that even those who cannot return to their homeland are welcome in a peaceful and good world. The kimono has a simple white fabric with a few patterns on the outside, but the lining inside is extremely bright and colorful. This is considered a symbol of energy and the constant change of the Tree of Life image. On the obi, a stylized image of the yin-yang tree is woven on one side, while the other side is colorful stripes, implying diversity.

Most kimonos are designed and completed by Japanese designers, but there are two special kimonos that are not quite like that: the obi (sash) of the Palestinian kimono is created by refugees themselves, using Palestinian embroidery techniques; and the Indonesian kimono is made of wax, using the batik dyeing art typical of the Indonesian people.

AND SOME OTHER IMPRESSIVE KIMONO DESIGNS

“As the world gathers in Japan, we will deliver a message of peace – that the world can be one – through Japanese kimono culture,” said Nobumichi Tejima, President of Imagine Oneworld. “Countries large and small, those who have created kimono masterpieces or emerging kimono artists, are all equal. The beauty of traditional Japan will inspire and inspire people around the world, lighting up the hope of a future where we can live together in peace, regardless of any differences in religion, politics, or skin color.”

It is estimated that it costs around 1 million yen to produce a kimono, which is funded by sourcing campaigns and the company. The kimonos will be on display at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in Japan and at the Osaka and Kansai Expo in 2025. The kimono masterpieces can also be admired.online.

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