Hakama - Kamishimo, Kataginu, and Naga-bakama

Kamishimo, Kataginu, and Naga-bakama

Hakama traditionally formed part of a complete outfit called a kamishimo (上下 or 裃). Worn by samurai and courtiers during the Edo period, the outfit included a formal kimono, hakama, and a sleeveless jacket with exaggerated shoulders called a kataginu (pictured).

Samurai visiting the shōgun and other high-ranking daimyo at court were sometimes required to wear very long hakama called naga-bakama (long hakama). These resemble normal hakama in every way except their remarkable length in both the back and front, forming a train one or two feet long and impeding the ability to walk normally, thus helping to prevent a surprise attack or assassination attempt (see image here). Naga-bakama are now only worn particularly in noh plays (including kyōgen), Kabuki plays and Shinto rituals.

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