During
the Meiji period (1868-1912), Japan was heavily
influenced by foreign cultures. The government encouraged people
to adopt Western clothing and habits. Government officials and
military personnel were required by law to wear Western clothing
for official functions. (That law is no longer in effect today.)
For ordinary citizens, wearing kimonos on formal occasions were
required to use garments decorated with the wearer's family crest,
which identified his or her family background.
Nowadays, Japanese people rarely wear kimonos in everyday life, reserving them
for such occasions as weddings, funerals, tea ceremonies, or other special events,
such as summer festivals.
During
the Meiji period (1868-1912), Japan was heavily
influenced by foreign cultures. The government encouraged people
to adopt Western clothing and habits. Government officials and
military personnel were required by law to wear Western clothing
for official functions. (That law is no longer in effect today.)
For ordinary citizens, wearing kimonos on formal occasions were
required to use garments decorated with the wearer's family crest,
which identified his or her family background.
All
right reserved.