Japan Fashion News: Kanzashi Pieces in History to Modern Young Ladies in Tokyo
Michel Lebon and Kanako Itamae
Modern Tokyo Times
Kanzashi in modern Japan can be found at the most exclusive luxury brands in this country to the vibrant backstreets of Harajuku, whereby kawaii culture utilizes this amazing tradition. Indeed, age groups differ enormously in the usage of kanzashi within the world of fashion, style, independent dressing and on cultural occasions. This is the beauty of kanzashi because this rich tradition is extremely flexible when it comes to highlighting natural beauty.
Lee Jay Walker at Modern Tokyo Times says: “The roots of kanzashi can be traced to the Jomon period however it was the Edo period that witnessed the flourishing of kanzashi. This reality is based on artisans throughout Japan using greater sophistication in this period of Japanese history. Therefore, these stylish hair ornaments became part and parcel within certain cultural themes during the Edo period. At the same time, kanzashi also had a unique defensive element based on the natural design and usage of kanzashi when attaching these adorable hair ornaments.”
This aspect is not difficult to understand about Kanzashi when you think logically. However, when you visualize ladies dressed elegantly it is more difficult to think about this reality. Of course, times have changed because today Kanzashi completely represents beautiful artistry at its finest when focused on the quality market.
Lidia Runnels comments: “A geisha wears her kanzashi in different ways to indicate her status. Maiko usually wear more numerous and elaborate kanzashi than full-fledged geisha and progress through several hairstyles where the kanzashi must be worn in a fixed pattern.”
“Typical materials used to make kanzashi are lacquered wood, gold and silver-plated metal, tortoiseshell, silk, and recently plastic. Early bakelite kanzashi are extremely collectible. Basic styles are complex hana (flower) and seasonal arrangements.”
At one point kanzashi was in decline because of the changing nature of Western hairstyles. Also, the onset of modernity challenged many traditional ways. Therefore, kanzashi was mainly only used during traditional weddings – or in the world of geisha and other traditional features of Japanese culture. This applies to special occasions whereby kanzashi came to the fore.
However, in recent times kanzashi is becoming popular once more for fashion conscious young ladies in Japan. At the other end of the market kanzashi is blooming in many nations and is linked with high culture. Therefore, prices can range vastly when it comes to buying kanzashi.
Of course nothing remains static because pure kanzashi is based on gold/silver plated metals, tortoiseshell, lacquered wood and silk – yet in the world of accessible fashion and accessories, then kanzashi is also being made by using plastics and other materials. This reality means that the price mechanism and usage are now extremely varied.
Indeed, if you visit the youthful fashion districts of Harajuku, Ikebukuro and Shibuya in Tokyo then clearly kanzashi is alive and kicking. This applies to the amazing world of kawaii culture and aspects of cosplay whereby kanzashi is an amazing plus for certain role-plays. Therefore, the amazing world of kanzashi can be witnessed in the most amazing fashion places in vibrant Tokyo and can be viewed based on modern anime and in the world of cosplay.
Traditional makers of kanzashi remain loyal to the firm foundations of this fashion piece in Japan. Also, international makers desire to maintain the high cultural aspect and rich artistry of kanzashi.
Overall, kanzashi is popular and appeals to women from all over the world and just like kanzashi changed during the Jomon and Edo period, the same is happening today. In this sense, kanzashi is a broad church based on traditional Japanese culture, being found in high society because of the rich artistry and individual skills going into each piece, or it can be found in fashion stores throughout the world with a more simplistic theme based on individual requirements. Therefore, the future of kanzashi appears extremely positive.
