Kumihimo, Emondou, and more... My Wrap Up of 2021
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ก.ย. 2024
- A lot of things happened of camera during this year, so here is a tiny wrap up of what I did in 2021. I'm going to talk about my new hobbies: kumihimo (組紐) and emondou (衣紋道). I'm also going to talk about my ups and downs this year held for me.
Follow my Emondō school on Instagram:
...
Thank you so much for watching!!
Meet me on Patreon in an online kimono workshop twice a month!
/ billymatsunaga
You wanna know more about kimono? Find more on my blog.
→ kumakimonokoi.... ←
Instagram
@biriinyan (www.instagram....)
Twitter
@briinyan ( / biriinyan )
Intro Soundeffect:
Kabuki Shout ち音楽堂 (www.c-ongaku.co...)
I don't know why anyone would say you are boring. Your channel is unique and very interesting. I've learned so much about kimono and Japanese culture from you. I loved your video on switching out your closet for the different seasons, and the one on how to clean a kimono, and when you and your husband make those hangers for your kimono. So many things to learn that I never even thought about. Your amazing, and I enjoy your channel a lot. Please continue to put up videos, I'll watch them all. I hope you have a great 2022, you deserve it. Thank you for all that you did last year.
I agree. I find these videos absolutely charming. And to be honest, bizarre and funny. It is so so rare in this world to encounter someone so willing to go so deeply into such a peculiar and beautiful thing. It's like an alien coming to our planet and deciding "forget total annhilation of the human race, i'm really into this flower arranging thing." Or making jam. I'm mesmerized by these videos and often laugh out loud. But in a good way. You just obviously love everything about this culture you find yourself in. It's impossible not to be a fan. Simply carry on!
It breaks my heart that people are being hard on you for trying to spread kimono culture internationally :( I have been learning about kimono as a way to connect better with my Japanese heritage, and I follow you along with a handful of Japanese-language kimono TH-camrs, but because my Japanese is so poor, your videos are a huge part of my education. I’ve been spending New Year’s with my Japanese mother (she was born and raised in Kyoto, moved to Canada for graduate school and had me here), and she had recorded some Japanese TV about kimono dressing, and we were watching it together, and I was able to explain things to her that she didn’t know about kimono, thanks to your videos. In my opinion, you are doing important cultural work, and helping me personally (and obviously so many others!!) connect with Japanese culture. Even for people who do not have Japanese heritage, learning about another land and other lifeways broadens one’s horizons, and is good for releasing closed-mindedness in this (sometimes cursed) world. Anyone who would try to stop you or gatekeep you is actually doing harm to the very people they think they are protecting. I applaud you for being strong (you are so strong!!) and carrying on to share your light with the world. There are so many people like me out there to whom you make a really big, meaningful difference. You are helping me reclaim part of my soul that I have been chasing my whole life as a person of mixed ethnicities living in North America. I have felt so cut off from Japanese culture, being raised in Canada, and you are directly helping me in very deep ways to feel more whole. Seriously, thank you.
I think the people who are being hard on her and other channels like this, are just cautious, sensitive and worried. Because where they are from, some cultures *don't* like it if people of a different culture or race wears their traditional clothes or hairstyles. In fact they can get very offended if people do.... So they assume Japan will be the same. But Japan is a bit unique in being very happy when foreigners wear kimono and embrace and spread the culture. But they don't know because they have probably never visited Japan. (Or are unable to broaden their view beyond what they experienced where they grew up).
@UCWYqh4T3YLtUZ8xZqQ1EhoA Isn't it ironic, then, that in their haste to protect other cultures, they don't take the time to learn about the cultures they are claiming to protect, and how they might each be different and require (or not require) different kinds of protection? ... I guess this is a problem that we see all over the place.
That was a wonderfully selfless message of hope. You can reclaim your heritage and looking the part in full kimono costume would be delightful to see. I’m blonde and I love the costumes and tradition too. It is important to us on the outside looking in for Billy and Shogu and his family teach with the grace that they do. There are a lot of us out there. 👏🏼👘🪡🧵
YOU ARE NOT BORING……I LOVE WATCHING……DO WHAT YOU LOVE AND IGNORE THE HATERS……I AM A 76YR OLD PORTRAIT ARTIST AND IF I HAVE LEARNED ANYTHING IT IS FOLLOW YOUR HEART AND ENJOY THOSE WHO FIND JOY IN THE SAME THINGS YOU DO……I HOPE YOU GET THE 20K FOLLOWERS YOU WANT VERY SOON….
I'm a 56 year old quilt maker. I love your channel and your personality is a joy.
I think it's hard for foreigners living outside of Japan to understand what it's like to be in the kimono hobby here. I just recently dipped my toe in with kitsuke lessons and wearing kimono to my school`s tea ceremonies, local festivals, and sightseeing around Kyoto. I`ve made more Japanese friends through kimono and kitsuke in the last three months than I have in any other hobby in the last three years. People are genuinely delighted that a foreigner is interested in this aspect of their culture, which many hobbyists are trying hard to protect as fewer and fewer people wear kimono. Now, would I casually wear a kimono when I return to the USA? No, I don't think I would, unless attending a Japanese cultural event. I think wearing kimono outside of Japan is a more sensitive topic, especially in places where Japanese people have been historically oppressed. But wearing a kimono in Japan (correctly) is cultural appreciation, not cultural appropriation. I support you 100%!
Your content is always so inspiring. You are a great source to contextually learn about kimono for those that can’t read Japanese. Keep doing what makes you happy! I’ll still be here.
Aww, thank you so much!! ❤️❤️
It always makes me sad when I follow a channel for their really unique, niche content and they slowly move away from it and towards the more conventional things that give more views. I always appreciate your style and really like seeing your content on the breadth of kimono culture! The different ways to wear kimono, historical contexts and how they change over time, deep dives into specific topics and such. My favorite video this year was just you nerding out over the old kimono sewing books, and I really strongly connected because that's something I would nerd out just as much over! Keep doing you!
AMEN!
Agreed!!
Thank you ❤️❤️❤️ (it was one of my fav videos I did so far 😊)
@@BillyMatsunaga I love that one also
You are not boring, and anyone who needs more "energy" from you can just go find another channel. You have been VERY helpful, very entertaining, and incredibly useful. I am very excited about your new interests. Please show us your new hobbies. We, in this corner of the world, are very interested. (I don't dare use the terms because I am not familiar with them, but these are exactly my daughter's new interest, too.) Do what makes you happy. If you pander to people, you will only be unhappy, and your content will suffer. Make the channel you want. We will be here.
"Diversity is a two way road." Perfection in five words! I am also going into the kimono world for a profession. Thing is, I'm American. I'm getting enough pushback before even getting into college to understand how much hate I will get by being the person who makes the kimono from the thread up! You help inspire me to go after what I love, and show me that it's possible. So I'm glad you keep your head up, you deserve to hold yourself with dignity!
Push back from who, Americans? Not Japanese people right. Sigh... I don't understand when people who are not even Japanese are getting offended about people enjoying a culture that has nothing to do with them personally even 😂
@@SkyeAten
Yuppppppp!
Ugh, it irks me so much to hear that you've been harassed by people in the costuming community for being a white person teaching kitsuke. Like yes sure, you are white. So what? You live in Japan, you understand Japanese and, most important of all, you have an F-ing certificate as a Kimono teacher (& stylist! :P). Meaning a Japanese school said "Yes, she knows her shit. She's good" but a bunch of (I guess) white people feel entitled to do gatekeeping on who should or shouldn't teach about non-white traditional costume. GREAT. It baffles me that this people can't see the difference between cultural appropriation and embracing the culture you are currently living in -__-
Anyway. I honestly love your videos. I love how they are a love letter to Japanese culture and the amount of research that goes to every single one of them. I love how instead of just limiting yourself to How-to-kimono tutorials you expanded into the historical origin of Kimono and its evolution, the tiny subtleties on formality and manners, etc. And of course I love your quite and calmed demeanour and how this makes your videos a chill and relaxed experience.
And whoever it was that called you boring can go and F themselves. There, I've said it.
👏🏻 here here!
My father said the same thing that it’s not your culture when I told him about buying my first kimono. But I am studying to be an anthropologist so I don’t know why he got it in his mind that I am interested in learning about many historical cultures.
You should tell him in that case, everyone should stop wearing western clothes then ☠️ 😂 joking... I know there are some culture that are extremely sensitive about other cultures or races wearing their traditional clothing, but Japan is not like that... Japanese people overwhelmingly like it when foreigners wear their traditional clothes. I've heard it over and over again living here and wearing kimono as a foreigner. And some Japanese people have even made videos of it. As long as it's worn in a respectful way, it isn't a problem. Don't let you father discourage you 😊
Ms. Matsunaga, you are the main reason i started hand sewing again, and you made me want to start weaving fabric for kimono. Your content is always delightful and beautiful as well as methodical and calming. You are doing absolutely wonderful work in a rare and unusual field on this platform. Please be easy on yourself and take all the time you need to do what you love
I found you thru the Costube community so there is one positive, for me at least. I am a Japanese-American sansei and have lived my whole life in a white world other than my family. I have found your videos fascinating and so enlightening from a cultural standpoint. Please continue to make your content your way - it is NOT boring! shinnen omedetô
Hey, i don't comment a lot since I'm shy haha. I wanted to say that you are the person who awakened my passion for kimono and for sawing. Without you I would have never sawed my first kimonos and recently I made a haori! They are not perfect, but it's just so much fun to saw while watching some random videos from your channel. So yeah, I just really wanted to thank you. Its cliche, but you did change my life, you gave a knew thing to love
Happy new year! I can’t speak Japanese so I’ve learned everything I know about kimono from you, and I am so grateful. Now every time I see something kimono related, I start to hear your voice in my head🤣
Your not boring and I think that is awesome that you come from a different country and you adopted a different country culture and you are certified kimono stylist. You own it💜. I would love you say some German phases. Do you make German potatoe salad? My German cousins always make it for me.
Honestly really disappointed in any costubers who tried to make you feel like you're doing something wrong. For a group that is always going on about understanding cultural context or history, I'm unpleasantly surprised at the notion that any of them would be so single minded as to tell a woman who lives in Japan, speaks Japanese, is married to a Japanese man, and was professionally trained in the art of kimono and Japanese dress that she should be rejecting all of that because "she's white." You're not boring, you're one of my favorite fashion/dress content creators and I wish you all my best for this new year. ❤
Oh my goodness! It is such a pleasure to hear you talk, pretty much about anything! I really enjoy the videos where you sew and simply talk to the camera. It's really nice when you do give us factual information about kimono related things, since it's impossible to find it in English, but to be honest I would watch an entire video of you talking about anything :) I cannot even express how much joy it brings me to see you so bright and happy in videos.
You are not boring, you are relaxing to watch. I love learning about other cultures. I will never wear a kimono again but I love learning what I didn't know when I did, lol. I am sorry the costume group didn't work for you but there are bitchy people everywhere who desperately need to pull other people down in order to feel bigger, like a frog inflating themselves. Ignore them.
Do save a hobby for yourself, that you can enjoy and mess around with without worrying about filming it or monetizing it. It keeps you sane.
Hello here from 2023 when I found your videos, which are so well done, informative and helpful! You really helped me gain confidence in wearing kimono inspired outfits far away from Japan, in Eastern Europe. Thank you for being with us!
Billy- I’m so glad I found your YT channel thru costube in 2020. How else would I have learned so much about kimono?! Keep doing what you are doing. Your channel is a breath of fresh air!! HNY! All the best in 2022! 👘
Hi! I know this year was hard but I want to thank You as You are the person who introduced me to kimono - I love Your videos (and that You also speak in english) because I can learn so much from them. I live in eu so It is actually pretty hard to buy kimono or obi but I will definitely book a lesson when I actually will have an obi to use! Happy new Year and thank You for all your hard work!
You are not even close to boring! I love listening and learning from you, this is one of my favorite channels on here!
Sending you lots of hugs from the UK, Billy! You are amazing.
As for viewers, please consider quality over quantity with your regular viewers wse are watching because we want to hear what you have to say. I know there are a lot of vloggers out there getting gazillions of viewers because they pander to popular interests, but I for one am not watching their videos, what I like about vloggers like you, and Chris Broad (aka Abroad in Japan), Tokkidoki Traveller and the rest of them is they don't just do a video of themselves going to all these really cool places (and stuff their faces) but they also give background to the places they are visiting, you are like them. I'm not 'into kimono', however, the historical background you offer with your videos about kimono are fascinating and I look forward to watching everything you have to offer. My favorite video has to be the one where you talked to the kimono fabric shop owner about the history of some of the patterns in the weaves you see today, that some of them came from India by way of Thailand (?) to Japan and then back and forth a few times over the centuries as trade offered a way for these patterns to influence various cultures. You are creating an accessible (to the rest of the world) library of information.
You are also being bullied by ignorant people for 'cultural appropriation' because they are making uninformed snap judgments and attacking you to promote their self allocated 'woke' status. These are horrible people. It is hard to ignore them because they can be relentless. I am truly sorry that is happening to you. There are so many things I could say like 'just ignore them' or my hubby just said what you are doing is 'cultural APPRECIATION' or 'cultural IMMERSION'. The thing is, it;s hard to move on when others behave that way toward you and I don't want to dismiss how you feel because your feelings are valid. They are horrible people though and I hope that helps. There is no 'good solution' to blocking them and moving on, dismissing them from from your thoughts. That dreadful phrase, sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me is pure gaslighting, not all of us can dismiss the haters so easily. Just please remember that not everyone feels that way, that many of us appreciate and enjoy your videos.
Another of my favourite videos of yours was your trip to Arita. I am a potter by trade, I got my degree almost 12 years ago and am now a full time professional, so learning about Arita was awesome. I hope that if I ever have the chance to visit Japan other than changing planes, I would very much like to visit Arita. I even looked it up on google last night and used streetmap to wander along the street that has at least 20, TWENTY! Ceramic shops! Sounds like heaven to me. but so does the garment district in Tokyo as I sew, spin, knit, crochet AAAAANND felt as a hobby, so fabric shops are goldmines for me. See? You tick lots of boxes for me. Also, as a full time professional potter, I almost exclusively sell my work at fiber and textile shows around the UK. I make tools for textile artists, so these are the best venues for me, and all of my freinds are a part of that world so I am never far from it. In fact, at the Knitting and Stitching Show (London) in October, one of my neighbors was selling cut up kimono and obis as fabric samples, this made me sad but also happy. If no one is likely to ever wear these garments again, then upcycling is awesome, but if the garment is beautiful and good to wear, it is sad to see them cut into pieces because all to often those pieces will languish in a stash for months, years, decades.
Please keep doing what you are doing. it is amazing and wonderful and enlightening. The haters are a bunch of jerks. And please remember that if you can't do a video this month/week, that's ok, LIFE HAPPENS.
Happy new year!
Sorry to hear 2021 didn't go quite as you wanted it to. I do feel that 2021 was the year of shock - after all 2020 gave we then had to start dealing with it all. It's been commented on on other media that collectively we have lost a lot, days and months melt into one and we struggle to remember what we did at the beginning of the year. Don't be too hard on yourself I love your content (like so many other people here do), you need to do what makes you happy for a bit. Re-invigorate yourself and the rest should hopefully follow :) Happy new year and here's to 2022 (no pressure 2022 but you need to be better than 2020 and 21)
Billy you're not boring and your videos definitely don't suck! Perhaps those people are saying that because they are actually jealous? I found your channel about 6 months ago and I really enjoy your content. It's always interesting and informative. You put so much time, energy and care into your videos. Your passion for kimono culture and dedication to continued learning is very inspiring. I hope you continue to follow your heart and be your authentic self. がんばって！☺️
I loved watching the making of Kimono. I want to wear Kimono but I’m blonde and Japanese people are privileged to have their own impressions of a blonde lady wearing a Kimono. I love that you have integrated so well. The Tabe lesson was so valuable, ‘being of the big foot brigade’ myself, I’ll be making my socks from now on, thanks to you. I’ll keep watching your tutorials with gratitude.🇦🇺I also watch Shogu with his family on what goes underneath and personal preferences. Now to your footwear vid. Keep up the brilliant work on TH-cam Billy. Very valuable to non Japanese people to understand the formulae when in that country.👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🏵👘🪡🧵
When I started to learn wearing kimono, all your tutorial videos are THE ONES that really help me grow! Super well done videos and they are NOT boring! Keep up the nice work, take as long as you need. Thank you for the nice contents.
💐 Billy, I’m only speaking for myself. I became extremely interested in geisha when I read the original book on the Secret Life of Geisha. Then I saw the movie. After that I dated for a short time the man that decorated the set for the movie. When I love the idea of wearing kimonos and the whole history etc. I think of the “old time ways” of that life style. The elegance, the slide out drawers of kimonos as pictured on the movie. The whole elegant customs of the old days. I would love it if you would include in your videos going into the old parts of Japan and interviewing older women and finding out the old ways and maybe they have old elegant kimonos and see how they store them etc. Living there you have such access to talking to so many older women who know the old ways. Please don’t get depressed about numbers on here. You are very intelligent and interesting and you have wonderful access to interviewing and trying to keep the old ways and knowledge alive!!! I’m very envious of you and your access to all this. I hope you consider this! 😊🤗❤️👍🌸
I've loved kimono for a long time. I started seriously collecting kimono this past year, and I found your channel. After watching and learning from your videos, I have seriously considered taking kimono super serious. I am a historical costumer, and learning how to sew kimono and professionally style it is a new growing dream. You have truly inspired me to seek out the kimono life. I am learning Japanese, and I'm seriously considering kimono schooling or kimono sewing school if I were to ever go to Japan, thanks to you!
I have enjoyed all your videos, and I love that you try to stay true to yourself. Don't get overwhelmed with the algorithm, just do what you want :)
I don't think you are boring, I'd love to just listen to you talk about youtube, kimono, and anything.
I really appreciate the "non-tutorial" videos, they give a good insight into kimono in life, kimono are more then just pieces of cloth after all!
Whoever said that you are boring just need to watch another YT channel.
I love that this channel represents the tranquility that a kimono and the Japanese culture has. 💜
Oh Billy. You are never boring. And yes it all boils down to personality and the love for the content. If they dont like it dont watch it. I look forward to more historical type videos in 2022. Im listening and watching as i sew some projects. "Happy Kimono life and Happy New year!"
*_* lovly Video
ich habe dich auch erst dieses Jahr kennengelernt und es war eine der besten Ereignissen des Jahres
Liebe Billy. Ich bin begeistert von deinen hilfreichen Videos und deiner unglaublich sympathischen Art. Vielen Dank dafür! 😊
Ich trage mittlererweile fast täglich Kimono wenn ich rausgehe, und ich konnte typische Anfängerfehler dank deiner Videos beheben. Es gibt immer wieder etwas neues dass ich dazu lerne dank deiner Hilfe.
Es macht mich traurig dass es Leute gibt die dich wegen den Kimonos beleidigen. Aber leider gibt es immer und überall solche Ignoranten. Da muss man drüberstehen.
Ich wurde auch schon einmal deswegen beleidigt. Aber zum Glück findet der Grossteil der Mitmenschen die Kimonos sehr schön, und vor allem von Japanern bekomme ich sehr viele Komplimente.
Ich freue mich auf weitere Videos von dir, egal ob es Lehrvideos sind, oder Videos aus deinem Leben in Japan. ❤liche Grüsse und ありがとうございます, Grisu🤗👘🪭
Hi Billy! your channel is super interesting. you make a complicated subject accessible to people who do not speak Japanese. You are a very good teacher, smiling, funny and cheerful ♥️♥️♥️. Don't listen to those who find you boring. I'm always looking forward to your next video. And for your secret project, take all your time, I'll always be here to wait😃😃😃 If you want to talk about TH-cam you can count on me to listen to you😉 🥰 Plus I love your Vlogs💜💜💜 See you very soon dear Billy😘😘😘
I think your content is wonderful! I am aiming to learn Japanese while I thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. Then I want to hike in Japan and enjoy wearing kimono and yukata while off trail.
Billy! You realy are not boring. It is so interesting to learn about contemporary Japanese life. I love the combination of German and Japanese I see in you. It is always good to keep your mind occupied and broaden your horizon. Please keep being Billy. Genau so ist ganz gut!
Your videos aren't boring, they're more chill and informative. I recently discovered your channel and easily went down the rabbit hole of ten hours of content going "oh I need to know this too". It's also really helpful as a foreigner learning Japanese language and culture.
You are NOT boring. You are the most interesting person I’ve come across lately. Thanks for sharing your passion for kimono and fabrics. I know what you mean that the demands of an audience can suck the joy out of one’s interests. Decades ago I used to blog about gardening. At first it was fun to connect with others. But then they acted like I owed them something, that I was suppose to report on my life to keep them entertained. I walked away from that. I’m glad you found new things to learn this year that brought you joy. あけましておめでとう🎉
I really dislike people who gatekeep for another culture. One would think that if you are in the country learning something from the culture from people who are part of that culture and they aren't keeping you from learning then what business is it of those who insist on being the gatekeepers. You are being taught by the very people who have a say in whether or not you can learn and be certified to teach other and they aren't saying, "No, you're a foreigner. You aren't allowed." Frankly, I'd just tell them where they can go with the imperious gatekeeping. And it wouldn't be anywhere pleasant. Happy New Year to you, your husband, and dear little Franzl He's so adorable.
I bought my first kimono about 3 years ago and didnt know much except how to wear yukata(first gifted about 4 years ago) thanks to the UNIQLO video, opened it up to admire it and realized I didnt know how to fold it back up(have a bad habit of just throwing my yukata over the back of a chair) and thats when I found your folding video. Every time I needed to fold one back up id watch your video again until I finally remembered how to do it. Ive watched almost all your videos by now and any time I forget something or I want to try something I find the video again for reference. I have always wanted to own and learn more about kimono and sewing. Your channel really helped and continues to help me learn and be inspired to keep up with it. 2021 was definitely worse than 2020 and Im sure 2022 is going to be rough as well. Thank you for taking the time and energy to make videos like this that are more intimate and talking about real life struggles. It is a great thing to be able to relate to someone you look up to and be inspired to keep moving forward no matter what your struggles are. Please continue making the content how you want to and dont shed tears for those people who try and cause trouble just for drama. Happy New Year! I hope this year is a good one. Keep inspiring and sharing 🖤
Your channel (and you in general) is definitely not boring, and whatever you decide to show us in your videos always proves interesting, inspiring or educational in many ways.
Your videos often seem much less staged and acted out compared to so many other youtube videos nowadays, and it gives them such fresh atmosphere.
Also people who try to ban non-japanese people from learning about japanese culture don't get that people like you also contribute so much to keeping traditions alive and passing them further...
Du bist eine der coolsten Leute die ich über Sozialmedia hab folgen und wahrnehmen dürfen. Mach weiter mit den tollen Sachen die du machst. Leider sind viele einfach leise Betrachter und interagieren selten bis nie (wie ich zum Beispiel). Da müsste sich mal ändern damit Leute wie du auch die Wertschätzung erhalten die sie verdienen. You rock!
I love all that you said about finding things to learn and challenge yourself and focus on your growth and that means so much to me 💚 I have done the same this year and I agree, it makes such a difference. Thank you for sharing!!!
Thank you for all you do, by the way. I love your perspective as a hobbyist.
It does make a huge difference! ❤️❤️
aw billy!! i havent even watched the video yet but im reading the comments, you're not boring!! because of you ive bought kimono and i plan on wearing it nice and neat like you've taught me! thank you so much for being around, it means a lot to me and im sure a lot of others :) happy new year!
Hi! I found your channel through TH-cam recommendation and was instantly hooked. You’re not boring at all for I suddenly became interested in kimono after watching just one video of you.
I’m Japanese born and raised in Japan and one of my sisters is a certified kimono teacher. My mother owns quite a number of kimonos which she’d always wanted to pass down to all of her three daughters, but I’d never had interests to inherit it because kimono needs a lot of work and effort to put on and maintain until I watched your videos.
Thanks to you, I rediscovered how beautiful kimonos are and changed my mind on owning them. I think you look very beautiful and natural in kimono and I don’t understand the resentments you get for wearing kimono at all. Thank you for promoting kimonos and the kimono culture!
I have no clue how I found your channel but I just really like seeing all the kimono content. I don't wear kimono but it's fascinating.
Oh my Goddess! There is an utter lack of TH-camrs who are chilled out and watchable! Don't ever change! X
You and your videos are not boring! I personally have not watched as many of your videos this year because I only like to watch them if I am going to be attentive to it, and it was a difficult year to concentrate for me. I always love watching when I really give myself the time to focus on it. I'm grateful you continue to create videos even when it's hard ♥️
i only just found your videos and have been watching many of them. My mother was from Osaka, my father american. THey lived in Japan for a few years together and then moved many times around the world. I recently inherited many of their kimono and was trying to learn about them and found your videos which are informative, interesting, & in english! I know my mum would be so interested in the fact a 'foreigner' had embraced japanese culture and tradition as you have. And I enjoy so much being able to peer into Japan thru your eyes. When I was in my 20s I was able to travel to Japan for my work but not recently. I love most japan culture but do not speak the language so its always nice to find these things were i can see and learn more about it. Thank you for your work!
I love your content! I'm so sorry that you felt sad about who you are because I think that your hobbies are super interesting and inspiring! Not boring at all, you are passionate! Be proud!
I just saw this video after watching millions of yours! You are very knowledgeable and an inspiration, I bought all my kitsuke and kimono because of you! So excited to build my kimono style.
Billy, you are not boring and you most definitely are cool! I watch your videos not because i'm super into kimonos but i find them interesting and i am interested in all kind of dress history and dress making. I have got so many new things out of your videos that don't come up in "modern and western" videos. Hope you have a good new year and all of your projects thrive!
I am awed and inspired by you. I admire your curiosity, your patience, your approach to learning new things. Your attitude toward growth (as in, the failures that lead us to achievement) is really role model level content. While I love the tutorial stuff (it's how I found you) it is so so satisfying to get learn from a real person, who has an actual life outside of content creation. I appreciate so much that you're willing to be vulnerable, tell us about your setbacks, what you struggle with, etc, AND your pride in what you've accomplished, what you've overcome. From all of us who have been put down by small people, from all of us who are following our passion even when we're told it's boring or might not make us rich... We love you, Billy. So grateful for you.
There is nothing boring about you. You are charming, smart and caring. Mostly people are lashing out because of problems they have themselves. So be yourself do what you love and your confidence will attract others. Also I usually don't comment, but I really enjoy your content. Also:明けましておめでとう❗
Your YT channel has brought me so much happiness in gaining kimono knowledge and skills and your overall life philosophy is in complete sync with how I feel about so I look forward to expand my kimono journey in 2022. Happy New Year, dear Billy and family!
I find your channel very peaceful and have enjoyed the things you've shared this year. If you feel ready to share your kumihimo in the coming year, that would be wonderful, but I think you're right that it's important to have things that you do off-camera, too.
First I want to wish you a happy New year! I enjoy you and your content. They make me smile and learn at the same time. The fact that you not only wear kimono but also teach how to do so is inspiring. Don't listen to those negative pple, you do what you enjoy for making content and we will enjoy watching it. I first found you looking for Japanese content while learning the language and I am glad for it. Thank you also for little clips of your hedgehog. So very cute and always a nice surprise.
Billy NooOOOOO
I just started really watching your channel- I started when I was visiting Japan because I didn't know how to tie an obi but you got me into actually collecting Kimono and not just admiring them from afar. You're not boring-! You're bubbly and fun and you have a beautiful passion that puts this spark in your eyes when you show us things. I love your content! Hearing you say you cry over this broke my heart. We have so much to learn from you so please continue!
No Billie, you are NOT boring!!! I love your content and you are a lovely, funny, learned lady! I found you earlier in 2021 and binge watched ALL you old videos. Thank you for helping keep me sane this last year. Happy New Year wishing a wonderful 2022 for you and your family 🦔🤗❤️🎉
Hi Billy! I really enjoyed this video today. You were so enthusiastic and glowing with life and it seems to me you are more confident in being you. In fact the creators I watch I do so because they seem to me them being themselves. One creator said, The Hoof GP, that the more he was himself the better his channel did. So keep being you, it’s you I like! Take care and be well! Kelly
Liebe Billy, dank dir hab ich mir einen Haori genäht, und weiß überhaupt, was ein Haori ist (und trage ihn jeden Tag). Du bringst uns die japanische Kultur näher und was mich fasziniert, das simple, minimalistische Nähen ohne Schnittmuster. Zudem hatte ich nie eine Connection zum Nähen (nur) von Hand. Jetzt hat es mir sogar richtig Spaß gemacht, den Kragen anzunähen. Es ist wundervoll, wenn du etwas findest, was dich ein kleines bisschen ausflippen lässt. Und wir freuen uns darüber, wenn du es zu uns weiterträgst und uns was von deiner Euphorie abgeben möchtest. Mein nächstes Projekt wird ein Yukata sein. Wenn meine Kinder es erlauben, wird der dann irgendwann 2023 fertig :)
Ganz liebe Grüße aus Deutschland und ein schönes und neugieriges Jahr 2022.
I am sorry that I do not comment often at all but I have been super enjoying your content and the fun things you get up to. Thank you for doing all that you do and sharing it with the rest of us. Your lil hedge hog is omg super cute.
First of all: happy new year!
I assure you: your are not boring. For me it's nonsense thinking of you in that way: your content is very clear and informative for us not-Japanese speaking folks. I like a lot your tutorials but also your not-tutorials videos, post and content. I appreciate very much your passion for what you do (kimono dressing, junihitoe, sewing...) and the fact that sometimes you give us a little "insight" of your daily life with its ups and downs. Thank you very much Billy
The kimono you have on in this video has such a cozy look to me. Very excited to see your New Year's outfit :)
I understand 2021 being a rough year, it was for me, too. I will say I look forward to all of your videos. I was really excited to know you were part of the pocket swap and to see what you made. The braiding looked beautiful and maybe you will feel comfortable enough to share your process or maybe you won't. You do content that works for you and those that enjoy you will see your enthusiasm.
Billy, you are anything but boring. Your videos are informative, fun, genuine and soothing, and I thank you for them. I hesitated for years to get myself a kimono or at least a yukata but felt awkward and uninformed, so I let that opportunity slip when I was in Japan 3 years ago. But then I decided to just go for it and purchase something this past summer. So I started doing my research online, and that’s how I came across your youtube channel. Now I have a long playlist with your videos that I watch and re-watch while dressing and tying musu obi. I own three vintage silk kimonos, a fukuro obi, a nagoya obi, two hanhaba and a nagajuban and the whole related paraphernalia. You have given me the confidence to just get into kimonos without worrying that I’m not Japanese and may come across as a pretentious amateur. It’s fun and my little hobby that helped maintain sanity this past year. So thank you, I’ll be looking forward to your videos this year too. 明けましてあけまして。
やっほ〜、Billy先生！YOU ARE NOT BORING!!! And your kimono stuff is great! I'm a weaver so I know about kumihimo. I think it's a great adjunct to your studies! And, your Junihitoe studies are fascinating. I'm curious to know more about it. When you can, of course! And as far as the haters, just remember you're the only one you have to please. There are a lot of miserable people out there. Don't let them bring you down. And stop beating yourself up about what they think. It's a very interesting aspect of Japanese life that many others wouldn't know anything about if it weren't for your TH-cam channel. Keep up the great work and 明けましておめでとうございます。本年もよろしくお願いいたします。
I'm sorry that you have had some negative experiences during 2021, I've enjoyed your videos as I too love textile crafts even though I don't wear Kimono. I hope 2022 is better for us all and that you achieve any goals you set yourself. best wishes for the new year.
You are definitely not boring. Some people just don't find certain subjects interesting and that's their loss. I was diagnosed with migraines and took the medicine and when it didn't work I went to a new doctor. That doctor diagnosed me with "Migraine level sinus headaches" and once we treated it as a sinus headache my life has been so much better. I never had plant allergies, took the allergy tests and all that but all of a sudden my body decided to be sensitive during certain parts of the year, usually when the weather changes. We haven't completely ruled out pollen but if it is, it's something that blooms in the autumn.
I have really enjoyed your videos this year! I also studied kimono sewing in Kyoto. Now I’m back in my country and try to keep wearing and enjoying kimono and your channel and Instagram are very inspiring. Keep doing your thing, you’re doing great!
Goals can be hard burdens when you don't meet or exceed them. Just remember, each view is someone that enjoys what you are presenting. All these comments of support are for what you have enjoyed doing as your hobby. For your health, please don't give in to try to fit a mold of someone else's design or stretch yourself thin. Even if you posted once a year, your content is still valued and appreciated. You are doing wonderfully! The day I discovered your Kimono how to and tips, I felt less down about my humble efforts of making and wearing my own yukata.
I have done kumihimo for many years, I find it relaxing. I used to take my marudai to friends houses when being social, it was always a talking point. Lots of resources for patterns. And a bonus is you get to use them! Love your channel. Caroline, uk.
Oh Billy, you are NOT boring. Big hugs to you. Also, one time the Closed Captioning said "criminal teacher" instead of 'kimono teacher', and i could not stop laughing at the thought of sweet, kind, you teaching CRIME! hahaha. I hope 2022 is better for you.
Very late to the party, but I want to let you know that you’ve helped me ease my depression and anxiety disorder by introducing kimono fashion properly so I could get into this new hobby! Now kimono fashion is part of my regular wardrobe, and makes me appreciate Japanese culture even deeper than before. You’re very inspiring, please keep up your good work and be yourself. Take care!
You're definitely not boring!! My fiance and I have loved watching your videos for the past ~2 years that we've been subscribed. We've been inspired to buy several types of kimono (second-hand) and practice wearing them. While your tutorials have always been very helpful, I think the things I enjoy most are learning various history surrounding kimono and getting to see you wear and care for your kimonos in your daily life. I'm a fashion major who loves textiles, so I've always been in love with the different fibers, weaves, dyes, and patterns of kimono. I would love to wear them more often! But I've always been afraid of appropriation/judgement for not being japanese (unless I'm at a festival.) But your videos inspire me to hopefully have the courage to wear them more. Or at least incorporate pieces like haori into my daily wear!
Thank you for continuing to make content.
Here I am finding this more than a year later... I'm fascinated to learn how different historical dressing is. I'd never thought of that... More things to add to my list of things to learn.
Ignore the haters. Your videos are amazing!!! I've been a Japanophile since I was a kid. I learned Japanese at school but it's not good enough to watch totally Japanese language programs. Your videos give us all an insight and an understanding that we can't otherwise obtain as readily. You should be proud of your Chanel. I've only just discovered your Chanel a week ago..I've binged watched so many of your videos already😏 I've made a Yukata before but after watching your videos I'm confident to try making a Kimono and a Haori..and maybe Hakama. Thank you for sharing your videos.
Watching from Australia
Watching your videos is relaxing, never boring. You are living my teenaged-self's dreams! And... You have a hedgehog! Ppl that say negative things about you are just jealous that you are able to live your best life!
My sweet dear, you are never boring, and I actually like you for being you and the way you are, I love it! I cherish each person for their uniqueness.
I find all your videos interesting. I am still catching up as 2020-2021 brought a kind of crafting and sewing down for me after years of enjoying it. I guess my autoimmune didn't help either, stress makes it all worse. Now where I have been taking new natural medicine specifically made for me and my symptoms I have slowly been getting better (my autoimmune is rare and "untreatable") and now am actually picking up artwork again. And by the way I had the same attitude about the pandemic as you have mentioned, my interest in biology taught me that it is never that simple. Like you I prefer the Japanese new year from what friends have told me. I like quiet. My mom is from Berlin and when I was a teen she separated from my dad and moved back and I was suppose to go to the American German high school get diploma and then Abi and move back. Didn't happen. I hated new years so loud and stinky, but I miss Pfannkuchen, and the deli. I am happy to be in the US and we had to cancel out trip to Germany for the 3rd year now.
Oh I can't wait to see your finished knitting project. I just started knitting again, I have been knitting for years, learned it in boarding school from my German teacher. I am knitting a lace shawl in thicker lace I started in 2019 so don't feel bad, I just undid several projects started in 2019 that I can't figure out where I am or just don't like. My favorite knitting is doll clothes of all sizes, I just got a Licca family
this summer from a family in Hawaii with some extra surprises and several mooks for Jenny, Licca and Blythe. I love rescuing dolls and fixing them. I love that I can figure things out with just a few Japanese words.
I think that is absolutely fantastic that you got to take real junihintoe (spelling?)(I am dyslexic) lessons, how fascinating.
I also love when you geek out over old sewing books about kimono. I had one from the 1980s and now I have one reprinted in 1972, with even baby clothes and kimono and other fine things.
Cool you took up Kumihimo. I am so happy for you that you found a loom on YJauction. I love kumihimo, and the real looms are expensive when you are on a fixed income, so I use those cheap foam ones for now and turn them upsidedown. And I used embroidery thread. I have made 4obijime so far, but the mice found 3 of them, sadface. I might have to invest in the real threads as Wisconsin mice don't like silk or rayon. Books in English are few, I wonder if the Japanese ones can be used without much Japanese... I really need to start learning Japanese again.
My big projects at the moment are my antique and vintage juban, they all need resewing. I fit the smaller size, I am 5'2", except arm length, where do such long arms come from?... so I edge out as much sleeve length as possible.
Whaaat!? I didnt know I was so boring... thanks a lot Billy Lol!!! I'm just kidding. I have always been into Kimono since I was in Junior high in the late 80s. I love kimono so much so, that I used to dress up my saxophone case in obi made from a top sheet and a white rope for a obijime!!! Lol...
Franzel cuteness with his new girlfriend is the best way to finish off the year! 😍
Both you and your channel are so amazing!! I love the mix of tutorials, history lessons, and vlogs. 💕
Wishing you and your family a very Happy New Year!! 🎉
Quick question in regards to the collar, is it done with a running stitch or back stitch? It’s very handy that they’re interchangeable!! ❤️
Billy, I didn’t realize how much your videos meant to me until this one. I have loved kimono and Japan in general for many years, but found it hard to really express that while living in the US. You have given me the confidence to accept this, surprisingly large, part of my personality which has trickled into other areas of my life. I feel more comfortable with myself in general and I can more assertively speak up for myself and my likes and dislikes.
When you put so much of yourself into your work it is hard not to take critiques personally. Everyone has to find their own way to grow professionally (and personally for that matter). I am in a very different but somewhat public field and I have found it helpful to compartmentalize when it comes to feedback. I just do not allow myself to take critiques as a personal attack or insult, rather I try to be as objective as possible. Very nasty critiques are not helpful and I ignore or distill down to their essence to see if there is something I can do better. Useful feedback I take seriously and try to act on.
I think you are an absolute joy and have so enjoyed learning more about Japan and getting to know you a little via these videos. Keep being yourself!
Never in my life have I commented on a youtube video, I suppose I am making up for lost time with this one? Sorry for the wall of text!
Happy New Year! Please don't think that you are boring - you have inspired me so many times to learn more about the Kimono that I love. In fact, you've helped me be more comfortable expressing my love for the Japanese culture on a whole. (I'm not Japanese and people don't understand why I love it so much) Please keep doing what you love, at your own pace and I (and I'm sure many others) will be happy to support you and stay with you through many more years.
Hi Billy, I don't usually comment but I just wanted to offer a word of encouragement and say thank you for all you do to provide resources and information and content about kimono. As a cosplayer, it feels really important to me to honor the clothing that is often a part of the characters I cosplay and it would be nigh impossible to produce or dress anything kimono related in an appropriate manner without your help, so really, thank you.
Definitely NOT boring. All the very best for a happy and productive New Year.
Hello, I just wanted to say that I really enjoy all your content. I like to sew, but I don't wear or collect kimono. Still, I find it very fascinating to see your collection and learn about taking care of it and all the other things you discuss (including vlogs of your adventures). Since I can't understand Japanese, its been really nice to find such content in English. I'm sorry to hear you have had trouble finding a good space to talk with other creators, but I hope next year will be better for you.
You're not boring. You're passionate. I hear it when you're talking about all the new things that you're learning, but you have that for a lot of what you're teaching us, as well. Honestly, your content was one of the things that held me together, this year, and the only reason I haven't seen everything yet is because I have it saved in 'Watch Later' because I find it inspiring and calming, and I've almost been rationing it for when I need it. I'm sure that's not great for the algorithm, but it's also not because I'm disinterested.
As to the cultural appropriation argument - when you are living in the country whose culture you are learning and partaking of, there is no possible world in which the correct word isn't 'assimilating'.
If you were in America wearing kimono, I could see maybe someone feeling hurt because they can't wear the same thing without facing racist stereotypes, or the like. That's not to say you should stop in that context, but you might have to navigate the hurt, there. None of that makes any sense, wearing kimono in the Japanese context, because no one there is excluded, in that way. It just gets read as cultural appreciation.
Also - aren't most of your credentials recognized by the Japanese government? They can handle their own gatekeeping, thank you.
Get whatever distance you need. That sort of toxicity is uncalled-for.
Frohes neues Jahr! Deine Videos sind überhaupt nicht langweilig, wer sowas sagt ist extrovertiert und kann jede Menge andere Videos anschauen. Bleib wie Du bist (nur hoffentlich gesünder)!
I loved all the content this year!! You are never boring. I’m sorry to hear about your allergies, that’s not fun. I really want to hear more about kimono from you. Kumihimo is so fun!
Just found you recently. Thx for putting yourself out there. Everything you’ve put out there is interesting to me. Thx for not giving up 😊
The kimono set you're wearing in this video is very beautiful, I really love how the orange and that yellow-green play together. ♡
O; BILLY! We don't just "like you", we LOVE YOU!
For me, personally, you've made me feel okay wanting to study and collect antique kimono and realize that I can wear it regardless of not being Japanese. You've give me --and no doubt many others in this circle-- the confidence to do what I love even if those around us don't "get it". You're not boring! You're passionate! Your content is some of my favourite on YT! You're invaluable!
Of all the thirty and some channels I'm subscribed to, if I only had to pick one it would be yours. Your videos leave me inspired and more passionate about kimono. The internet is a harsh place and I can understand how hateful comments can hurt, but it's so brave that you put yourself out there. I'm so thankful there are people like you sharing this information. Thank you Billy!
Billy, you are amazing! I don’t even remember how I saw the first video from you-I wasn’t looking for it-but I’m so happy to have found you. I haven’t had a pointed interest before in Japanese culture or kimono-just being a westerner who thinks they’re cool. Enjoying your personality and your content has given me a new appreciation for all the things you love so much about kimono and about Japan. Thank you so much for sharing your enthusiasm and talent with us all!
I like your calm vibes, and I love that you put out such amazing kimono information in English! It's something I've always admired, but I don't speak Japanese and it was always so hard to find accurate and detailed information before I found your channel. You've really reinvigorated my love of kimono!
I love watching your content (because of my volunteer things I sometimes watch them days/weeks later) and greatly enjoy everything. I am new and still trying to catch up with all your videos.
I am so glad I found your channel. It’s the best kimono related TH-cam channel in English and we are lucky you are making such high-quality videos for us!
Thanks to you I know much more about kimonos than most of my Japanese friends.
I found you through some costube collab and I was so excited when I discovered your kimono content. It’s sad to hear some of the costubers can’t appreciate what you are passionate about.
Living in Japan myself I am really interested in getting started wearing kimono but I am afraid that I won’t be able to stop buying beautiful things with no space in our small apartment.
For me a mysterious allergy against soaps/cleaning products turned out to be lemon/citrus. Hope its not that one for you because it blocks so much stuff. Skin on my scalp now needs to have vinegar water put on it after washing, years after I last used allergic shampoo 🙄
I admire your endeavors & enjoy your videos ! I do not see how anyone could say that you are boring! I have hesitated to make a comment after hearing you say DO NOT cut up kimonos.......my Art is making beautiful scarves & shawls from vintage & antique kimonos (those that are stained or torn/ripped). I hope that you could appreciate my Art form, as much as I do yours. I lived on Okinawa for 3 years with the US Navy - a dream come true, after my Aunt introduced me to all things Japanese when I was in grade school. She lived in Hiroshima for many years. I am missing Okinawa & mainland Japan terribly since I have been away & found your youtube videos when I was searching the hand-sewing techniques for making Kimono. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO !