One of the most recognizable aspects of Japanese culture, the kimono was once a vital everyday garment worn by adults and children across Japan. While the basic form of the T-shaped, straight-seamed, front-wrapping kimono has changed very little over the centuries, the onset of the twentieth century ushered in a variety of influences, including western-style clothing; a desire for practicality and comfort; the emergence of Japanese identity in the wake of World War II; pop culture; and high fashion.
