Languages News

Years 9 to 12 Japanese excursion - NGV Kimono Exhibition

Sasha Molner, Year 10 Japanese

On August 19, students from Years 9 to 11 visited the Kimono Exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV). 

Our tour guide spoke in Japanese, which was fantastic because we were able to understand much of what she said.

We began by looking at women’s kimonos, where the length of the sleeves indicated whether the woman was married or not. We also explored the different symbols used in kimono designs, such as bamboo and cranes.

The crane, for example, represents a long marriage, as cranes are believed to live for 1000 years and mate for life. We also saw men’s kimonos, children’s kimonos and even gender-neutral kimonos. The variety of designs and colours was fascinating.

Personally, I loved the skull kimono designs, as well as the men’s kimonos that looked plain on the outside but revealed symbolic designs on the inside, representing the wearer’s identity. I also learned how Moga (modern girl) and Mobo (modern boy) influenced the kimono’s evolution, creating simpler and bolder styles for younger generations.

The highlight for me, however, was the kimono paintings, with their beautifully steady brushstrokes and bright, striking colours.