A dedication to "taimono"

Today, and February 10th annually, is Taimono Day (太物の日). Of all the types of anniversaries, commemorations and observances Japan has each day, I particularly like the ones that highlight Japanese tradition. And "taimono day", certainly does this.

The date for "taimono day" comes from a neat bit of wordplay — fu (2) and to (10) combine to echo futōmono, the term for “taimono,” or garments made from thicker threads like cotton, linen, or wool. The day was established by Kodama, a kimono shop in Miyazaki City, together with taimono fans who wanted to shine a light on these everyday, easy‑to‑wear fabrics.

In contrast to silk kimono, which are called gofuku, taimono has always been the clothing of daily life — practical, breathable, and comfortable. If you look at old Edo‑period shop signs, you’ll often see “Gofuku / Taimono Merchant” written together, showing how central both types were to clothing culture. Taimono Day  reminds us that traditional clothing isn't always formal and we can appreciate the more practical, meaningful garments too.