Recording our essay celebrating the 25th anniversary of Spirited Away gave Maya one more reason to be excited: she could finally wear her yukata again.
A yukata is a lightweight, informal type of kimono traditionally made from unlined cotton. In Japan, yukata are commonly worn at summer festivals and fireworks displays. Guests at traditional inns, known as ryokan, are also often given one to wear during their stay.
The terminology can be confusing because “kimono” refers to a broad family of garments, ranging from casual to formal. The silk kimono typically worn at weddings and ceremonies requires several layers and elaborate accessories. A yukata is simpler, more comfortable, and better suited to warm weather. It belongs to the same family but takes far less preparation to wear.
Living in the West, however, Maya rarely has an occasion that feels right for wearing one. Celebrating 25 years of Miyazaki’s film seemed like the perfect excuse.
The yukata also has a fitting connection to Spirited Away. It developed from garments worn while bathing, and cotton versions became popular as public bathhouses spread during Japan’s Edo period. Its history is closely connected to bathing, comfort, and the pleasure of slowing down.
A summer festival would have been lovely, of course. But this time, a visit to Miyazaki’s bathhouse felt just right. See the video on YouTube or linked below:
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