Photo= Participants in the male kimono-dressing class learn how to tie belts (NHK Culture Center, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto)

An increasing number of men in kimono are enjoying sightseeing in Kyoto. It seems that, as the number of events in which kimono-wearing participants receive a discount is increasing, the experience of wearing kimono for men is gaining in popularity, even among foreign tourists.

An event, "Kimono de kampai," or making a toast in kimono, was held at Kyoto International Conference Center, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto in mid-March to enjoy long-established restaurants' boxed lunches while cherry-blossom viewing with sake and wine. A number of men among the approximately 300 participants wore kimono.

A male participant in kimono said, "I can enjoy a sense of style different from in Western clothing. I was inspired by my wife to wear it and this is my fourth time to participate." He said that he would take a walk in Shimogamo Shrine on his way home. Apparently, as an increasing number of women are enjoying kimono, the trend has also spread to men.

On the other hand, with the growth in the number of foreign tourists, the number of private companies renting kimonos has also increased. Reportedly, they have been attracting more and more Chinese and Taiwanese customers. One company said, "The service is popular among foreign customers who want to feel as if they live in Kyoto, rather than just visiting sightseeing spots."

NHK Culture Center at Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, held a kimono-dressing class for men. About ten men who live in the Kansai region learned fashionable dressing skills, including basic knowledge of kimono, how to tie the belt, and the appropriate demeanor.

Ryoko Masaki, the instructor and kimono-life producer who presides kimono-dressing classes in Kyoto City, said, "As a growing number of tourists visit Japan, Kyoto citizens also have been re-discovering the goodness of Japanese culture and coolness of male kimono. I hope that the momentum of enjoying traditions with a new sense will be enhanced more in the future."