Japanese traditional coordination
A “Hakama” is a traditional Japanese garment, typically paired with a kimono. It is resembling wide-legged pleated pants or a divided skirt. The combination is often completed with an “Obi” belt. It is commonly worn for formal occasions, graduation ceremonies and traditional performances.
By the way, I’d like to let you know a certain custom of pregnant women in Japan.
There is a tradition in Japan to pray for safe birth.
In the Japanese zodiac calendar, which is based on the twelve-animal cycle of the Chinese zodiac, there are “Inu no Hi” which refers to the “Day of the Dog” in the calendar. In this system, each day is associated with one of the twelve zodiac animals, and the Dog (Inu) appears approximately once every twelve days.
In Japan, “Inu no HI” is considered an auspicious day, especially for pregnant women. Dogs are known for their easy and safe childbirth, so it is believed that praying for a safe delivery on “Inu no Hi” can bring good fortune to expectant mothers. It is common for expectant mother, especially around the fifth month of pregnancy, to visit a shrine or a temple to pray for a safe delivery and receive a “Hara Obi”- a traditional belly band that is to be worn on this day for extra protection and support.
In recent years, many don’t actually use the “Hara Obi”, but a girdle-type one.
Once your baby is safely born, how about remaking your precious “Hara Obi” into a babies’ kimono, and making a matching Hakama with your favourite Japanese pattern for a cute babies’ Hakama coordination?
The Japanese patterned fabric is overlaid on the kimono collar. The area around the baby’s neck is made of soft and comfortable knitted fabric, which is safe for the baby’s delicate skin.
In this prototype, the collar and Hakama are the same colour of the same pattern. It is difficult to see in these images but the part of “Obi” belt is made of plain grey.
You can match the collar, Hakama and “Obi” in any way you like. This is where the individuality of the coordination comes out, and where Japanese traditional coordination is the fashionable and profound!
The Hakama is about size 80. When the baby is younger, it can be worn like balloon pants with the hem squeezed. And when the baby grows taller, it can be also worn with the elastic at the hem pulled out.
If there is leftover fabric in the “Hara Obi”, it can be used to make a front-opening short bodysuit(Japanese style) and/or to make handkerchief, reversible baby bib, or sweat-absorbent pad with one- point embroidered.
We will do our best to accommodate delivery dates, for example, if you want to dress them for a special event. Please contact us as soon as possible.
Hakama coordinates that are not “Hara Obi” remakes are also available, please feel free to contact us.