This listing is for a woman's Japanese summer kimono - called a yukata. These are unlined cotton robes usually worn to casual gatherings or for summer festivals. Yukata are also sometimes offered to guests in Japanese inns and hotels. Yukata are popular these days as bath robes, beach or poolside cover ups, or for Japanese festivals or sushi parties anywhere in the world.

This unusual design - squares that are spread out like a deck of cards - features an imprint on the top card that includes a large cross in a circle with two kana characters ("ka"?) and what might be a rice plant along the top. The kanji might loosely translate to "cooperation" or "association" - suggesting this kimono was made as part of a group representing a cooperative brand. We imagine it was a sake brewery guild since we interpret the imagery to include a rice plant!

An added surprise is an inside pocket on the inner front right panel! This kimono also has a 5" tuck at the waist that could be let out if you needed more length.

We paired this yukata with a hanhaba (half width) obi that has a series of hair pins, small florals, and a hemp leaf pattern along one edge. Bright red with a bright yellow backside.

As with most light-colored kimono, there are a few light blemishes, see last photos, but they don't distract from the overall beauty.

See the videos below for how to put on a casual kimono or yukata as well as a slide show of many beautiful ones!