A day for the haneri; part of a kimono undergarment

Today, and January 15th annually, is Haneri no hi 半襟の日.  It is a commemorative day dedicated to the elegant han‑eri; the decorative collar sewn onto a juban 襦袢, the undergarment worn beneath a kimono. The haneri is the white collar you can see above the kimono line at the neck, indicated by the blue arrow in the photo below.

Haneri are interchangeable. Beyond protecting the juban, the han-eri also allows wearers to express personality through subtle patterns, seasonal motifs, or refined embroidery. The day was established in 2001 by the Kyoto Haneri Furoshiki Wasō Wholesale Cooperative, with the goal of revitalizing kimono culture and encouraging greater appreciation for this small but expressive accessory. 

The date carries layered symbolism. January is the first month of the year, a time associated with “straightening one’s collar,” both literally and metaphorically. January 15 also aligns with 小正月 (Koshōgatsu), a traditional moment of renewal, and for many years it was celebrated as Coming‑of‑Age Day—a holiday strongly connected to kimono wearing. These overlapping meanings make it a fitting occasion to honor the han‑eri.