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Celebrating the day of ‘adulthood’ with Kimono

 🍶Happy Seijun no hi 

Seijin no Hi (成人の日), known as the Coming-of-age day, known as the Coming-of-age day is a national holiday to celebrate a whole generation turning 18 years old (previously was 20), a commemoration of their new beginnings as an adult.

What’s the deal? 

This is our statement denim jacket, ‘Flower Wall’ made from Yumi’s Mother’s very own Kimono Obi from her Coming of age ceremony from decades ago.

Naturally, this beautiful fabric would not have seen the day of light had it not been for Yumi upcycling her mother’s vintage silk Obi.

 Due to the speciality of the fabric, Yumi has also upcycled it into a lampshade for her bedroom, as well as framing the remaining square of her mother’s kimono as a soulful reminder of how the brand was started. 

credit: KTW photographer

Today, the second Monday of January is an important welcome to their newfound adulthood, entry into society and the responsibilities that come with a new milestone. A day where the young adults of Japan are encouraged to embrace the marking of their reached maturity and a sense of belonging into a new phase of their lives, leaving behind their adolescence.

Coming of age ceremonies have been celebrated in Japan since 714 CE and one of the highlights of the day is the beautiful traditional furisode kimonoa long sleeve style of kimono distinguishable by its long sleeves, worn by young women.  And traditional Hakama, or western suit for the young men. Kimono rental services, stylists and traditional makeup/ hairdressers are all booked and busy for the masses of young adults on the big day. 

👘 Rental Kimono?

Yes, you heard correctly. Traditional kimonos, especially ones worn for special ceremonies are mostly made from pure Japanese silk, something you cannot wear for all kinds of occasions so newer generations are increasingly deciding to opt for rentals as this is the cheaper and more sustainable approach. 

However…

There are still thousands of kimonos tucked away into the quiet corners of the Japanese households as the heavy silk is deemed too extravagant for everyday wear. What a waste, no?

🕊️ The REC way :

Following the motto of “Mottainai”- ‘no waste’,  4649.REC found a way to customize and grant these special fabrics a new life.

This is why the new floor lamps and lampshades made with colourful silk Obis are ingenious additions to the 4649.REC range of bespoke upcycled products. 

credit: @kendal___eline

🧡 We wanted to REConnect with the very pieces of our culture that celebrate a new beginning in life and proudly use them in our daily lives instead of it being wrapped up in dark corners.

🙏

There are precious stories of youth and memories of a day that commemorates a young person’s journey into adulthood within the seams of their kimono. One of the commitments of the REC way is to REinvigorate by REConstructing something you can appreciate every day alongside the roots of its history.