Image provided by Imagine One World KIMONO PROJECT
Started in 2014, the Imagine One World KIMONO PROJECT has aimed to create 207 unique kimono to represent every nation expected to take part in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. This multi-year project has provided a one-of-a-kind opportunity to spread the beauty and mastery of Japanese craftsmanship around the globe.
As the world gathers together in Japan, we will deliver a message of peace -- that "the world can be one" -- through Japan’s KIMONO culture. Large and small countries, living national treasure kimono creators and emerging kimono artists, are all equal. The beauty of Japanese traditions will impress and encourage the people of the world and illuminate the fire of hope for tomorrow.
-Nobumichi TEJIMA, Imagine One World
Each kimono and obi were crafted by hand, incorporating national symbols, colors, scenery and even some indigenous techniques to make every piece unique to the nation being represented. The designs express a message of mutual respect, unity and hope for a world without boundaries.
Join JASH and Imagine One World as we celebrate the Tokyo Olympics with an inside look at the KIMONO PROJECT and view the kimono designs for the USA, Greece, the IOC Refugee Olympic Team, and more.
Content will be in both English and Japanese with translation.
This webinar is free with registration. Click the button below to register:
About the USA Kimono
The United States of America’s kimono was crafted by Masaru Naruse. It incorporates symbols such as various state flowers, baseball, football, Hollywood movies, and the Statue of Liberty. Presidents Lincoln and Kennedy's statues, the bald eagle, and the Apollo Space Program are also represented in the body of the kimono.
Red stripes lay on a white obi, reminiscent of the Stars and Stripes, overlaid with olive branches. Each branch, styled after the Presidential emblem, contains 13 leaves and symbolizes the artist’s desire for World Peace. This obi was produced by Nakai Textiles under the supervision of Hakushen.
Featured Speakers:
Nobumichi TEJIMA, Board Chairman, Imagine One World KIMONO PROJECT
Mr. Tejima began his career at Asics Co., Ltd. as a member of the promotional and event management team. He then moved to the baseball industry, becoming a founding member of Japanese Women’s baseball in 1999 and in 2004, the inaugural director of the All Japan Baseball Conference.
Mr. Tejima was appointed a director of Imagine One World in 2015 and became the Board Chairman in 2019.
Masanori MURAKAMI, Director, Imagine One World KIMONO PROJECT
Mr. Murakami played for the Nankai Hawks in 1963 before going on to become the first Japanese baseball player to sign as an MLB player in the US. From 1964-1965, Murakami was part of the San Francisco Giants.
Mr. Murakami is currently a United Nations Goodwill Athlete for Refugees as well as a director of the KIMONO PROJECT.
Sumire WAKANA, Director / Web Production / Model Supervision Guidance, Imagine One World KIMONO PROJECT
Ms. Wakana is an instructor and curator of traditional Japanese cultural arts such as kimono, shodo calligraphy, tea ceremony, and ikebana floral arrangement at the Hanshin Institute of Culture and Tourism.
Under her guidance, the models of the KIMONO PROJECT are able to showcase the kimono beautifully and gracefully.
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