"Silk kimono" a Higashiyama-sanjo Kimono seller tells us, "are meant to last up to 100 years if kept in a good condition. Anything beyond then are antique items too fragile to wear. Our kimono and fabrics here are from early Showa (1926-89) or Taisho (1912-26) era. Those from Meiji (1868-1912) are rare." Silk was the main reason Japan's early trades with China started and continued during the seclusion period (early 17C-1858). Today, various types of silk are used as the kimono material as well as the strings for the Japanese musical instruments (eg koto, shamisen). "There has been some reviving interest in old kimono but because they are not suited to today's lifestyle, it is difficult to maintain young generation's interest. Many families still have kimono in their kura (store houses), but the maintenance is difficult and many become wasted". Kimono materials are also used for furoshiki (wrapping cloth) that can be used to carry items of various sizes and shapes. "Eco-bags" are being promoted and many supermarkets are stopping to supply plastic bags. Gift-giving, including gift-wrapping, is an important aspect of socialisation in Japan. Use of old shilk materials in various forms, including furoshiki, may offer one way of creatively conserving this Japanese culture.
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