Date:              Thursday, September 25, 2025

Time:              6:00–6:45 pm: Arrive and mingle

                        7:00 pm: Dinner

                        8:00–9:00 pm: Presentation

Place:             Hilton Osaka (Umeda), Gin Room, 4F

Cost:              FEW members: ¥6,000

                       Nonmembers (women only): ¥8,000 

Register:        Hilton: By Wednesday, September 17, midnight

                             [FEW Kansai members may participate in monthly meetings via Zoom if unable to join in person at the Hilton.    

                          Please go to the  EVENT page for details.]

The kimono is one of the first images that comes to mind when thinking of a cultural symbol of Japan. Though its traditions have evolved over centuries, the art of kimono remains a mystery to many – both Japanese and non-Japanese. Season, formality, and occasion all influence the choice of kimono, and coordinating its many elements requires knowledge, skill, and an eye for detail.

At our September meeting, we will explore the world of kimono with Catherine Nakamichi. Catherine’s journey began over eight years ago, when she and her daughter joined the Zen Nihon Waso Consultants Kyokai (All Japan Waso Consultants Association), a nationwide organization dedicated to kimono dressing, etiquette, and traditional Japanese handiwork. Since then, she has built a collection of 84 kimono, delighting in selecting and wearing them with attention to seasonal and symbolic motifs. Through active participation in association events, Catherine has developed extensive expertise, and in July 2025, she served as translator, interpreter, and English emcee for a kimono show at Expo 2025 in Osaka. Join us as she shares her knowledge of the history of kimono, its types, and the art of coordination, offering a rare opportunity to appreciate this iconic cultural treasure and the skill needed to wear it.