The jūnihitoe is an extremely elegant and highly complex kimono that was only worn by court-ladies in Japan. Literally translated, it means “twelve-layer robe”. The older term, still used by scholars but not widely recognized in mainstream Japan, is Karaginu Mo. This is in reference to its Chinese coat (Karaginu) and apron-like train (Mo), the defining parts of the costume. Continue reading «The Jūnihitoe Display at Kyoto’s Imperial Palace!»

Hirohito, posthumously in Japan officially called Emperor Shōwa or the Shōwa Emperor, (April 29, 1901 – January 7, 1989) was the 124th Emperor of Japan according to the traditional order, reigning from December 25, 1926, until his death in 1989. Although better known outside of Japan by his personal name Hirohito, in Japan he is now referred to exclusively by Continue reading «Famous Birthdays Today: 1901 Hirohito, Emperor of Japan.»

Emperor Go-Shirakawa (後白河天皇 Go-Shirakawa-tennō) (October 18, 1127 – April 26, 1192) was the 77th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. His reign spanned the years from 1155 through 1158. This 12th century sovereign was named after the 11th century Emperor Shirakawa and go- (後), translates literally as “later;” and thus, he is sometimes called the “Later Continue reading «Famous Deaths Today: 1192 -Emperor Go-Shirakawa of Japan.»