The environment surrounding the kimono (traditional Japanese clothing) has recently been changing. A wide variety of yukatas (casual summer kimonos) are currently available, tourists can rent kimonos in tourist destinations, and everyday kimonos sell better than festive ones in the kimono industry. However, clothing study at the universities continues to focus, both theoretically and practically, on traditional Japanese sewing technique based on traditional principles. We therefore provided students with practical education beyond the fields of Japanese traditional clothing construction and clothing design, to improve their knowledge and skills, and develop their clothing sense and creativity. In addition, collaboration with industry gave them a glimpse of the actual conditions of the clothing industry. After four years of such experience, through which students came to understand the kimono culture from a new point of view, they became more proactive. Therefore, our initiative suggests promising alternative form of kimono education.田中淑江,髙橋由子,宮武恵子
