A show of the traditional Japanese summer garment

CEBU, Philippines — A traditional Japanese summer garment was featured in a cultural festival that took place recently – the yukata, worn by Japanese nationals and Cebuanos during this year’s “Summer Bon Odori Festival.”

The yukata is a type of dress that’s popularly worn in summer festivals and fairs in Japan. It is regarded as the “casual” version of the kimono, different from the kimono in the sense that the yukata are made of lighter fabrics. The lightweight factor makes the yukata an ideal dress to wear during humid seasons, as opposed to the kimono which is typically tailored with insulator-lined fabrics.

Worn by both men and women, the garment’s name translates to “bath clothes,” as these are also traditional after-bath clothes in Japan (though not exactly limited for that purpose).

This year’s “Bon Odori,” which was staged at the open air grounds of Jcenter Mall in Mandaue City from April 28 to 29, included a “Yukata Competition,” where a young Japanese lady won, among eight other contenders.