Kilted in Japan!

**COScotsman** · 31st August 24, 09:10 AM

Sounds like a great trip! We lived in Tokyo for a couple of years and in Hatsukaichi-shi (Hiroshima pref) for a total of 8 years. This was in the 90's. Love the people and culture. Wasn't kilting then. What reactions did you get from the locals?

**Norm** · 1st September 24, 01:19 PM

Originally Posted by COScotsman

Sounds like a great trip! We lived in Tokyo for a couple of years and in Hatsukaichi-shi (Hiroshima pref) for a total of 8 years. This was in the 90's. Love the people and culture. Wasn't kilting then. What reactions did you get from the locals?

A few asked me about my kilt, a few gave a quick glance, but nothing more. As hot as it was, I hope that my kilt put a bug in their ear to give it a try, maybe start a trend. During a tea ceremony, the older Japanese gentleman who dressed me and my friend in kimono was curious about my kilt, and really surprised and delighted to see I was wearing traditional Japanese shorts (fundoshi). He later told the rest of the staff. A little embrace of a culture seems to really break the ice. My only regret was not bringing a couple more kilts. I just did not know how people would respond.

**COScotsman** · 1st September 24, 02:29 PM

Originally Posted by Norm

A few asked me about my kilt, a few gave a quick glance, but nothing more. As hot as it was, I hope that my kilt put a bug in their ear to give it a try, maybe start a trend. During a tea ceremony, the older Japanese gentleman who dressed me and my friend in kimono was curious about my kilt, and really surprised and delighted to see I was wearing traditional Japanese shorts (fundoshi). He later told the rest of the staff. A little embrace of a culture seems to really break the ice. My only regret was not bringing a couple more kilts. I just did not know how people would respond.

I was impressed to see some all Japanese pipe bands while living in Tokyo. They were quite proficient and worn the kilt well.

**Norm** · 7th September 24, 03:46 PM

Originally Posted by COScotsman

I was impressed to see some all Japanese pipe bands while living in Tokyo. They were quite proficient and worn the kilt well.

I went on YouTube and sure enough, there was a Japanese piping band in red kilts marching down the street and playing excellently. I never heard of something like that, but it was great to see. I guess our answer to that would be a skinny Scottish sumo team... hmmm... I don't think so.