着物ファッションショーでの挨拶 2006年11月10日在ヒューストン日本国総領事 加茂佳彦
Good evening ladies and gentlemen.
I am very proud to present a truly first rate show of kimono fashions to you tonight. This show will provide you with the unique experiences of seeing some of Japan’s most precious and expensive kimonos and of seeing a show that combines some of the best that Houston has to offer together with some of the best that Japan has to offer as well.
This show has been collaborated on by a visiting kimono master group led by Mr. Minoru Matsumoto and some wonderful volunteer models and dressers from Houston.My heartfelt appreciation goes to Mr. Jobe and the many other people of the Art Institute of Houston, which has been our local collaborator in putting this show together.Without their help, creativity, and curiosity, this show would never have been possible.The Japan Foundation has also been most generous in sponsoring the tour of master Matsumoto’s group to the southern U.S. cities of Atlanta, Fayetteville, Houston, and Miami.In fact, Mr. Tsujimoto, the director of the Japan Foundation’s New York office, and Mr. Nakamichi, the senior officer from its Tokyo Headquarters, are here with us tonight.Please stand to be recognized gentlemen.Our thanks to the Japan Foundation whose help and insight can always be counted on in presenting Japan’s very best.
Costumes reflect a nation’s history, and Japan is no exception.Master Matsumoto’s brilliant lecture yesterday on the history of Japan’s costumes provided a great deal of insight.For instance, a beautiful kimono can tell us that Japan thrived on silkworm in the past, and that she cultivated craftsmanship in looming, dying and weaving.It also can show us how Japan’s aesthetic temperament in art and design has been developed and refined to a world class level of sophistication.In other words, a closer look at a simple kimono can give us a better understanding of how Japan came to produce renowned woodblock print masters who revolutionized the western art scene more than a hundred years ago, and/or how a local loom machine manufacturer called Toyota in central Japan has become one of the most successful automotive manufacturers in the world.
This evening’s show is directed by Mr. Minoru Matsumoto who has been in the traditional costume dressing business for many years in Japan.He has worked as the professional dresser for some of Japan’s most famous Kabuki theatre actors including Danjyuro Ichikawa XI and Ennosuke Ichikawa.He is famous for creating several quick change costume techniques for the Kabuki stars.Since setting up his own company, he has been active in introducing the joy of kimono dressing to his audience through various cultural events both at home and abroad.His current activities include directing the children’s Kabuki, the samurai procession, and the traditional kimono show.
Ladies and gentlemen:Let us begin the show and please join me in welcoming Mr. Minoru Matsumoto and his group.