It’s become a tradition for me to use my koinobori obi on Children’s Day (こどもの日, Kodomo no Hi), because the motif is so unusual and so perfect. This year I chose to pair it up with this bamboo houmongi, which is vaguely representative of chimaki, a sort of traditional steamed mochi dumpling that is often wrapped in bamboo leaves. Admittedly mostly I just chose it because I liked how they looked together.
The obi has very faint hits of pale, icy blue so I used an obiage that coordinated there, and then some warm reddish accessories that match the kimono well. Thankfully the whole outfit came together quickly and easily, because I was fighting off the early stages of a migraine when I started. But I was determined to get the outfit up today, and I’m glad I did.
I may have no children of my own, but today is a day for me to appreciate all the kids in my life. My niece and nephew, my friends’ kids, the kids who hang out in the store where I work. They all bring me joy and humour in different ways, and I hope this year brings them all the best 💖