Kimono Fashion Show

　On May 31, Consul General Murabayashi and his wife organized a kimono fashion show at their official residence, inviting female politicians, businesswomen, consuls general of various countries, members of the Consular League of Houston, and Ikebana International board members.

　After opening remarks from Consul General Murabayashi and the British Consul General's wife, who is the president of the Consular League of Houston. The event began with a performance of Nihon-buyou, a traditional Japanese dance, by a Japanese instructor. Next, Mrs. Murabayashi gave a presentation about kimonos and other traditional Japanese clothing. Then, a fashion show of kimono, jinbei and yukata was offered. Kimono instructors from Japan and Japanese female volunteers wore authentic kimonos while the consuls general of various countries and their wives wore kimonos and yukatas owned by the Consulate General of Japan. In addition, a kimono instructor demonstrated how to tie an obi (sash).

　Attendees spoke highly of the event, commenting that it was a rare chance to see and try on kimonos and Japanese clothing, and that it was a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Japanese culture.