The Hakama Research Project : Telling the Whole World that Hakama are Cool!

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26350082
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Clothing life/Dwelling life
• Research Institution: Bunka Gakuen University
• Principal Investigator: SATO MARIKO 文化学園大学, 服装学部, 准教授 (10409336)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 袴 / 快適性 / 機能性 / 民族衣装 / 和服 / 着物 / 伝統 / クールジャパン

Outline of Final Research Achievements

A hakama is distinctive type of traditional Japanese clothing. It is made by sewing two trapezoid-shaped pieces of cloth together at the front and back in order to cover the hips and legs. It features a pleated front and a panel against the lower back, and is worn by securing two sets of ties in the front and back. This study analyzes a variety of factors with the goal of making hakama a cool Japanese fashion item with worldwide popularity. Our analysis included a market survey, an examination of how hakama are presented in manga, awareness surveys both in Japan and overseas, evaluations of hakama functionality and comfort, and a study of the role of hakama in traditional activities. As a result, we were able to demonstrate the potential for the hakama to become a new form of expression in Japanese fashion, making it clear that this traditional piece of clothing is both comfortable and highly functional.

Free Research Field

服装機能学