Tokyo to celebrate Japan's traditional attire

The Nihombashi district of Tokyo is to celebrate the kimono, that unmistakably Japanese garment for both men and women, in the upcoming Tokyo Kimono Week 2010.

A series of events have been scheduled throughout the district, which used to be the heart of the kimono industry in generations gone by. And despite its name, the festival lasts for well over two weeks.

Jointly sponsored by the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Tokyo, and department store operators Mitsukoshi, Mitsui and Takashimaya, one of the highlights of the event will be a fashion show for kimonos held at the Mitsui store in Nihombashi, in part organized by Giorgio Armani Japan.

In addition, kimono experts will hold classes on how to master the tricky art of putting the garments on; there will be a parade of men and women in kimonos through the district; a photo shoot; the crowning of the Tokyo Kimono Queen; a sale of new garments at several stores and a kimono concert at the Mandarin Oriental.

The hotel has been active in creating a "sense of place" in the old heart of the Japanese capital and is continuing that commitment by its participation in the kimono festival.

The hotel will hold a concert in its Grand Ballroom on October 31 featuring Mutsumi Miyazaki, the Kyoto-born xylophone player who is also famous as a collector of antique clothing and a kimono designer. A dessert buffet will also be provided by the hotel's award-winning pastry chef Hiroshi Igarashi.

Tokyo Kimono Week 2010
October 20 - November 9

Venues: Events will take place at venues throughout the Nihombashi district of Tokyo.

The Tokyo Kimono Concert will be held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Tokyo, on October 31, 2010. Doors open at 5 pm and the one-hour concert will start from 6 pm. For more information and reservations, contact the Tokyo Kimono Club on +81 3 5652 5403. The Mandarin Oriental Hotels is at 2-1-1 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-8328. Tickets are Y8,000 (€69.67). Tel. +81 3 3270 880 http://www.mandarinoriental.com/tokyo/

Further information: Tel. +81 3 5652 5403 http://www.tokyokimonoweek.jp/ (in Japanese).

JR