Atasuki (襷/たすき) is afashion accessory used for holding up the long sleeves of the Japanesekimono. It is a sash made from either cloth or cord that loops over each shoulder and crosses over the wearer's back. The bottom of the kimono sleeves can then be tucked into the loop, holding them back for convenience and functionality.
In modern Japanese history,tasuki were used by many people as everyday practical accessories, but in ancient Japan they were an exclusive accessory used by theShinto clergy during ceremonies.[1]
TerracottaHaniwa dating to theKofun period that were excavated inGunma Prefecture depict Shintomiko wearingtasuki.[2]
During the Edo period (1603–1867),tasuki were worn by manual laborers for the mobility they would have had if they were not wearing kimono.[3] Thetasuki allowed the kimono wearer to work without large sleeves getting in the way of the job, and without risking damage to the garment's sleeves.
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Tasuki are still used for both practical and aesthetic reasons even for modern wearers of kimono.
People involved in the proceedings of Japanese festivals, such asJapanese traditional dancers at odori festivals or those tasked with pulling thedanjiri at theDanjiri Matsuri weartasuki over their kimono oryukata for unimpeded movement. As manydanjiri andodori festivals are held outside during the summer,tasuki also help the wearer keep cool while they work.
Bōsōzoku motorcycle gang members weartasuki for aesthetic reasons, as a part of their special attack clothing (特攻服,Tokkō-fuku),[4] an attempt to imitateWorld War IIkamikaze pilots.[5]
