In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Kyoto-Boston sister city relationship, Mr. Keiichi Hanada, hair stylist of Kyoto, demonstrated traditional Japanese hair styling at the Japan Society of Boston center at the Showa Boston Institute on October 14, 2009.
Hanada demonstrated ukiyo or "pictures of the floating world" hairstyle of Japan's Edo period (1603-1867), saying this "time of peace" allowed ornate hairstyles to develop.
Ms. Michiko Imai, a master calligrapher at Kaji Aso Studio in Boston, modeled in formal kimono. Styling her long black hair, Hanada used boxwood combs and white thread made of paper called gomu to fold hair and attach hair extensions. Lastly, he placed kanzashai with amber carvings, flowers, and peace signs. Michiko described the style as "heavy."
Fashion in the Edo period represented a woman's social and marital status and wealth. Lipstick made of Beni flower was expensive; painting layers until the red changed to green represented wealth. A layer of Sumi ink underneath a layer of Beni could also achieve the green lips. "Same as owning Gucci bags today," said Hanada.
Today few stylists know how to do this hair style and makeup. It's no longer common knowledge in Japan. Even those who know how to wear traditional kimono do not wear this hairstyle. Hanada learned the style from 'how to' books and woodblock prints of the Edo period. A letter from Daisaku Kadokawa, Mayor of Kyoto, welcomed the continued practice of Japanese historical art traditions.
This event was Hanada's first classic Japanese hair styling in the U.S., and it was sponsored by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, City of Kyoto, Kyoto-Boston Citizen's Association, The Traditional Art of Beauty Association, Kyoto Prefectural Executive Committee for the 26th National Cultural Festival, The Agency of Cultural Affairs, and Japanese Government, and co-sponsors including Ayumi Bridal Co. Ltd., Hyakunichiso Co. Ltd, Josei Mode Co. Ltd., Kami-no-Bunk-sha Co.Ltd, Ohkubo Co.Ltd.
Hanada demonstrated ukiyo or "pictures of the floating world" hairstyle of Japan's Edo period (1603-1867), saying this "time of peace" allowed ornate hairstyles to develop.
Ms. Michiko Imai, a master calligrapher at Kaji Aso Studio in Boston, modeled in formal kimono. Styling her long black hair, Hanada used boxwood combs and white thread made of paper called gomu to fold hair and attach hair extensions. Lastly, he placed kanzashai with amber carvings, flowers, and peace signs. Michiko described the style as "heavy."
Fashion in the Edo period represented a woman's social and marital status and wealth. Lipstick made of Beni flower was expensive; painting layers until the red changed to green represented wealth. A layer of Sumi ink underneath a layer of Beni could also achieve the green lips. "Same as owning Gucci bags today," said Hanada.
Today few stylists know how to do this hair style and makeup. It's no longer common knowledge in Japan. Even those who know how to wear traditional kimono do not wear this hairstyle. Hanada learned the style from 'how to' books and woodblock prints of the Edo period. A letter from Daisaku Kadokawa, Mayor of Kyoto, welcomed the continued practice of Japanese historical art traditions.
This event was Hanada's first classic Japanese hair styling in the U.S., and it was sponsored by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, City of Kyoto, Kyoto-Boston Citizen's Association, The Traditional Art of Beauty Association, Kyoto Prefectural Executive Committee for the 26th National Cultural Festival, The Agency of Cultural Affairs, and Japanese Government, and co-sponsors including Ayumi Bridal Co. Ltd., Hyakunichiso Co. Ltd, Josei Mode Co. Ltd., Kami-no-Bunk-sha Co.Ltd, Ohkubo Co.Ltd.