1.
long-sleeved kimono; furisode
A formal kimono with very long, flowing sleeves, traditionally worn by young unmarried women on ceremonial occasions such as Coming of Age Day and weddings.
成人式に振袖を着る。
To wear a furisode at the Coming of Age ceremony.
祖母の振袖を受け継いだ。
I inherited my grandmother's furisode.
振袖のレンタルは予約が早いほど良い柄が選べる。
The earlier you book a furisode rental, the better the patterns you can choose from.
Composed of 振る (to swing, wave) + 袖 (sleeve). The name refers to the long, swinging sleeves that can reach 100-115 cm in length. The most formal type of kimono for young unmarried women.
TYPES BY SLEEVE LENGTH:
- 大振袖: the longest sleeves (~115 cm), most formal
- 中振袖: medium-length sleeves (~100 cm)
- 小振袖: shorter sleeves (~75 cm), less formal
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 振袖を着る: to wear a furisode
- 振袖のレンタル: furisode rental
- 振袖姿: the appearance of someone in a furisode
CULTURAL NOTE:
Most commonly worn at 成人式 (Coming of Age Day, January), where twenty-year-old women celebrate adulthood. Also worn by young women attending weddings as guests. After marriage, women traditionally switch to 留袖 (short-sleeved formal kimono). Many families rent rather than purchase 振袖 due to the high cost.