The characters in stories always look so charming in their kimonos.
Especially in literary works from the Meiji, Taisho, and early Showa periods, the descriptions are incredibly delicated, and you can feel the attention to detail in every aspect—the Kimonos, Obi, accessories, everything.
Even though the times and backgrounds change, these works are sure to be a great source of inspiration for how to wear a kimono!
May your appreciation for kimonos deepen through these works…
This time, we’ll be showcasing an outfit of MIYA SHIGISAWA, the heroine of KOYO OZAKI’s novel “KONJIKI YASHA (The Golden Demon)”. For the story of “KONJIKI YASHA,” please see “KONJIKI YASHA #2 ~ This Moon of This Very Night“.
｜MIYA SHIGISAWA
KOYO OZAKI’s works contain delicate depictions of the vibrant Kimono culture of the Meiji era.
While the world of “KONJIKI YASHA” is pervaded by a generally gloomy atmosphere,
the Kimonos depicted therein vividly reflect the fashions of the time.
Let’s take a closer look at the heroine, MIYA SHIGISAWA.
“Illustration from the first edition of KONJIKI YASHA” from The Museum of Modern Japanese Literature
https://www.bungakukan.or.jp/cat-exhibition/13436/attachment/%E9%87%91%E8%89%B2%E5%A4%9C%E5%8F%89/
｜Appearance
MIYA SHIGISAWA possesses beautiful features and a stunning figure; her strikingly fair complexion outshines even the vibrant colors around her, and her demeanor is impeccable and refined. And her beauty was not merely a matter of physical perfection; she possessed a unique allure that captivated all who saw her. She is described as so enchanting and captivating that those who meet her for the first time might mistake her for a high-class Geisha or courtesan.
Furthermore, her beauty was on an international level; in fact, while she was attending music school, she received a passionate marriage proposal from a German violin professor who had been captivated by her beauty. At that time, European music professors who came to Japan were considered to be of high status, and this episode became a turning point for MIYA SHIGISAWA, making her realize the value of her own beauty.
“Image of MIYA SHIGISAWA” from Kamakura City Kaburaki Kiyokata Memorial Art Museum
https://www.kamakura-arts.or.jp/kaburaki/collection/sigisawamiyanozou.html
｜At the Karuta Gathering
(In Japanese)
Omogeni Itadakeru Yakaimusubi ni Usumurasaki no Ribbon Kazashite Azukinezu no Chirimen no Haori wo Kitaru ga…
from “KONJIKI YASHA”
(In English)
her hair elegantly swept up in a heavy evening chignon adorned with a pale purple ribbon, wore a crepe Haori coat of a muted greyish-purple hue…
from “The Gold Demon”
This is the outfit MIYA SHIGISAWA wears when she visits the Karuta (card game) gathering at the beginning of the story.
“KONJIKI YASHA (The Golden Demon)” begins with about 30 men and women gathered together enjoying a Karuta game during the New Year’s holiday. This Karuta gathering, outwardly a normal New Year’s party, actually had an aspect of a matchmaking party. At the time, dating and gatherings between men and women were strictly restricted, but the New Year’s Karuta gathering was one of the few social occasions where men and women were allowed to gather and play.
For this reason, young ladies from good families—who were usually kept sheltered as ‘sheltered daughters’—would wear expensive and gorgeous kimonos to showcase themselves.
Meanwhile, MIYA SHIGISAWA was wearing a chic haori in a modest, subdued tones. However, her hairstyle was a high, voluminous evening updo adorned with a light purple ribbon, a fashionable and cutting-edge style. This was also a symbolic hairstyle of a modern girl who was sensitive to fashion trends.
Many of the young ladies gathered at the Karuta gathering showcased their beauty through traditional Japanese hairstyles and the splendor of their Kimonos, but MIYA SHIGISAWA highlighted her beauty with a cutting-edge hairstyle and a carefully calculated fashion choice of a Kimono in chic, understated colors.
MIYA SHIGISAWA’s attire, which displayed an elegant understated quality, is described as ‘shining nobly like a star at dawn’.
And so, TADATSUGU TOMIYAMA, the billionaire who attended the Karuta gathering wearing a huge diamond ring, was completely outplayed by MIYA SHIGISAWA. You could say it was her victory. And you could also say that this was the beginning of the tragedy.
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