Traditional Japanese Tie-On Pockets and Other Kimono Pockets // Pocket Swap 2021

[@sandieinatlanta9587]

When giving a handbag, which these pockets actually are, my mom and my MIL always added 18cents for good luck and money for making a phone call. That would have been 10cents US when I was young but I have no idea if they still have such a thing as a phone booth any longer. The 18 number comes from the Hebrew tradition of 18 being the magical number for Life. A sweet tradition. I have an Extra Pocket, made by friend Hellenne Vermillion, which does not tie but is worn on a long fabric strip across my body. She used a piece of a hand painted silk fabric for the facing and cotton which is quilted for the back. I love the one you made.

[@azdajajeanne]

do you ever just marvel that matsunaga speaks german AND english AND japanese? because that's amazing. those have gotta be three of the most complex languages on the planet.

[@cynthiahowe8697]

I am in USA in the state of Texas. I used to do some civil war era reinactment and I have the pattern for the pocket they wore under the hoop skirts and it looks the same as your pocket. I found the same pocket very handy under my rennaisance skirts I wore to a faire. They either wore pouches or bags hung from a belt around the waist then. The pocket was worn under the skirt and put at the opening of the skirt for easier access. My daughter and her husband were left a beautiful kimono when a friend of the family passed. She had it displayed in her bedroom. My daughter wishes to wear it but they did not receive the obi with it(the lady's daughter kept it though she was supposed to) I have been doing research to see what I can make so she can wear it properly your videos have been most helpful. Will be adding more pieces to the outfit as we can. Thank you so much. We want to learn more and do honor to the kimono.

[@sds4846]

I am a non Japanese practicing tea ceremony, and that is also one of the reasons why I started wearing kimono while in Japan, and the main reason I still wear kimono back in Italy. And of course I'm a kimono lover, although I don't get much occasions to wear it in a more modern fashion, so I really enjoy your videos. It was so nice hearing you talk about tea ceremony as it is very much linked to kimono manners as well. I actually love your pocket on the kimono, I think it looks very cool!

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Thank you!! 🧡🧡

[@HandmadeDarcy]

Ah! The irrepressible urge to write a poem! 😂😂 I didn't expect to hear words from my study of Japanese woodwork in a kimono video! I am getting my head around shaku for carpentry, and have just started carving in hopes of making netsuke but didn't realise they had this use. Thank you!

[@MarvelousD-rw1gp]

Old school old Europeans medieval DONT DO IT.😂🎉😅

[@DisasterAuntie]

Your pocket sewing looks very right to me. I've done a little European historical reenacting, and from the 16th century onward, these tied pockets are used. You made a smart fabric choice, and the sewing techniques are extremely similar so even if a "costume police" person comes up and starts examining the status, they won't find fault.

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Oh! That makes me really happy. Thank you!! Kimono sewing hasn’t really changed since history and I love how similar historical/traditional sewing techniques from different cultures are.

[@sarianneroodenburg2092]

Happy that this comment is already here, now i don't need to type it myself :)

[@DisasterAuntie]

@@BillyMatsunaga I got excited about the same thing when I saw you doing the unshin stitch, because it is very similar to what I would call in English a running stitch. It only shows that some techniques are great, the way they were first discovered so long ago!

[@bcase5328]

If you were to sew that pocket pattern again, I would suggest sewing the edging on the opening before sewing the back and the front together.

[@secundrabeasley855]

I do not sew. I love watching other people do it, but sewing scares me. Seeing you create a pocket, has given me the nudge and confidence to create one. Thank You for this video.

[@ceruleanskies001]

Just do the thing! I was scared for the longest time and I had a strong perfectionist streak that held me back. I started with low risk stuff and maybe this pocket will be your way to get your feet wet

[@ragnkja]

A pocket is a good first project and incredibly useful, especially if you tend to wear feminine clothes (which, as we know, tends to be woefully lacking in pocket space nowadays).

[@secundrabeasley855]

@Chele Hi! Thanks for the reply. I hesitated doing a pocket because I wear jeans all the time. Ironically I had a pair of jeans that are beyond repair. I plan to use the fabric as my starting point to start the pocket.

[@secundrabeasley855]

@Ragnhild Hi! Thanks for the reply. I hesitated to making a pocket due to my love of blue jeans and jeans overall. I am going to make the pocket and watch how it disturbs and changes my wardrobe, for the good. Thanks again for your reply!

[@ragnkja]

@@secundrabeasley855 For a pocket that stays put comfortably, you can either thread the ties through the belt loops of your jeans (which does affect where you’ll want to tie or otherwise connect them) or you can put belt loops on your pocket and thread it onto your belt, like the pocket Gilbert Dolthalion made for Noelle (Costuming Drama).

[@AnnaMorimoto]

This is how you know Billy is part of the Historical-Sewing / Costube community. Tie. on. Pockets!

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Haha! Yes, I guess it’s official now 😂🧡🧡🧡

[@gigglepantsiii9350]

I'm so happy that most of the people who've made pockets for the exchange have added snacks to the pockets before sending them out to their new homes

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Hehe! Yes, it was a very good exchange of sweets 🧡🧡

[@Hairspring]

I love watching your process. I fell in love with kimono construction many years ago when I first took an unwearable kimono apart for the fabric and noticed all the little tricks and dramatically different construction in it! So it's really fun watching someone coming at more western sewing from a background in kimono sewing. It's really great how practical and accessible your approach to everything is.

[@DanceswithDustBunnies]

Thank you for explaining about the inrō and pipe case (I don't see the Japanese word for that). I have a beautiful set made of wood my grandparents brought back from Japan in the late 40s. It's most likely very old and unlike the ones you show, the inrō and pipe case are connected to each other with silk cord. It still has the pipe inside.

[@WantedVisual]

I found out over a year ago that I live very close to the Storck Werksverkauf in Germany, and this video reminded me that I *urgently* need to go there and buy my weight in Werther's for a fraction of the cost.

[@BillyMatsunaga]

OMG!!! I’m so jealous!! Get something nice and probably also some Knoppers when you can 🧡🧡

[@FlybyStardancer]

You did an amazing job for a first pocket! It came out super cute! I also loved the discussion of the various places that you can tuck away items in kimono.

[@jackiejames4551]

You could start a new trend in Japan, tye on pockets over your kimono. Both pockets are so beautiful and we'll done. Thank you for sharing them with us.

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Haha! We’ll see if it’s gonna be a trend or not. But it would be really cool 💜

[@aperfecttouch]

So incredibly beautiful!! I loved seeing the creation of your pocket and all the historical details. The pocket from Amy looks so wonderful and natural with your kimono! Thank you for being part of #pocketswap2021 !!

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Thanks for hosting the pocket swap 🧡🧡

[@robynm5944]

Love the pockets, they’re both so beautiful! I’ve been contemplating using a chatelaine in place of a woman’s netsuke.

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Thank you! That’s a great idea!!

[@vandilore]

i was think of getting a chatelaine too! i think it would work fantastically with the obi and add some jangly flair

[@SabineK.]

Sometimes it is so easy: the obi is the pocket 🙂 Nice Video!

[@Mommamacnz]

The pocket you made is really lovely and the one you got is amazing. I found it really interesting hearing about pockets in kimono

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Thank you!! I’m happy you enjoyed the video 😊

[@ThisChaoticKnight]

I have been looking for an inro for some time, not that I will bea able to wear it with my kimono, but I want one. They are super cool. And I love the idea of a tabako ire (or maybe tabako ire like pouch) used with a notebook and pen. That's amazing and I already need one, haha

[@BillyMatsunaga]

I totally agree! They’re so cool! It’s sos sad that the nicest once are also super expensive, because of the craftsmanship that goes into it.

[@bonnie-gracemacklin1889]

I absolutley loved this video! Combining my love of kimono and historical video all in one! When I lived in Japan I only managed to wear kimono once, but you're inspiring me to learn more and possibly wear them in my daily life. If you ever want to visit Australia, send me a message! You'll find many eager kimono enthusiasts here :D I look forward to seeing your video next week :)

[@BillyMatsunaga]

I’d love to go to Australia and also meet a dear friend (Sala Okabe, a fellow kimono stylist). But I’m happy to inspire 🧡 kimono so great for daily life!

[@fikanera838]

I love the fabric you used to make your pocket. 🙏🏽 It has a beautiful pattern, & I also love the reverse side, with the bold stripes! ❤ Thankyou for this video. I'm going to look for the other pocket swap videos now!

[@BillyMatsunaga]

I hope you like the other videos, too 🧡🧡

[@fikanera838]

I did, very much! I'll keep checking back to see the new ones as they're posted!

[@MrZeagans]

I've been fascinated by inrou (inro?) and netsuke for some time now. Last year I made an inrou from paper mache for my phone and painted it with acrylics. I made a simple netsuke disc from slate stone and an accent bead from a carved avocado pit 🥑 with an ocean wave 🌊 theme. It was awesome. Then my phone was damaged and my new phone was too large for the inrou 🤦🏻‍♂️. I love making traditional external pockets for daily use. I made a Scottish sporan inspired leather belt pouch too which has been fun. Love your videos! So inspiring. Making me consider sewing a men's kimono ensemble 🤔😊

[@anabeatrizpalermo]

10:57 it looks like 18th century western pockets!

[@brunoconte2054]

Amazing topic! Loved your video! When it comes to the tea ceremony mens situation it’s hard to tell specialty because men don’t wear kimono as much as women do, some of the etiquette’s been lost unfortunately. Doing tea ceremony as a host or a guest wearing a suit is a thing apparently. But I would say it depends on the occasion: on not too formal or practice occasions people leave their suikiyabukuro on on their side or behind them. But when it comes to formal occasion like a chakai or a chaji, very often the host prepares a room for you to remove your coat and basically get ready with your tea stuff. After that you’d leave whatever you were carrying behind before entering the actual tea room anyway. In that idea that where the tea room is no regular room you don’t “do stuff” or get ready in the tea room, when you enter the tea room, you’re all set. That kinran fabric pocket you made looks gorgeous btw! Bruno

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Thanks so much for enlightening me!! (You know, I should have just pinged you before making this video 😅😅)

[@brunoconte2054]

@@BillyMatsunaga don’t be silly, everything you said was accurate 😜 those are just nerdy details I wanted to share.

[@susannahallanic1167]

Thank you for sharing this! When I 7-years-old my parents took me to see Sayonara. Truthfully, I don't remember much about the movie except the cherry trees in blossom and the elegant kimonas with very wide belts. I've been sewing for decades by now. I know a bit more but not nearly enough to dress true to Japanese culture. It is always wonderful to watch your videos.

[@lenabreijer1311]

Lol back in the 80s when I had a kimono, I simply slip stitched the back of my sleeve closed to make it a safe pocket. I had friends who were studying tea ceremony and I had a car. It was interesting but ultimately not me.

[@nerl7473]

Love the orange/green plaid print!

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Thank you!!!

[@dirgniflesuoh7950]

I love the word "sleevedog" ... And both the kimonos You are wearing, fabulous. So interesting video, Thank You!

[@hayleycloster2993]

The pocket you made is absolutely gorgeous! Also, Kaldi at either クレア Aeon, Hikari no Mori, Sakuramachi, or even Yatsushiro sell the 40g M&Ms (現在、オンラインで在庫がなさそうけど、人気商品なので必ずまた入荷するよ！) They also have a special at the moment for グリューワイン which you mentioned you like!

[@michellecornum5856]

I think you did really good with your pocket. What fun! I'm glad you were in on the pocket swap!

[@sharonrimsza7960]

That pocket rocks!

[@conradbaker]

TIL that otaiko can be a backpack at the same time lmao. This was a fascinating topic altogether. Thank u very much.

[@mariebray9831]

Yay, second time I didn't get interrupted in my watching. Lovely.

[@calliecordoba532]

Beautiful custom pocket and sweets🍬!!! Thank you for sharing🌷

[@limegreen1989]

I adore both pockets, they are gorgeous!

[@frances6827]

Glad you wore it as I've never seen it worn and I didn't know what it was. I also love your orange/green kimono.

[@valeriegirard4798]

this kind of pocket is so nice. I love it... and maybe sew one soon ;)

[@Traeonna]

Love this so much! As soon as my workshop is unpacked (this house move is taking forever), I am so going to make one of these!

[@purpleicicles]

I loved the rundown of pocket options, so thank you Billy! One question though; why can't women use hanging storage & netsuke? You mentioned the obi is wide and worn quite high, but doesn't that just mean you need a longer cord between the hanging object and the netsuke? Thanks again for the first-class education I always get from your videos! I'll be making another haori soon and will definitely be sewing in some pockets into the lining as the gap at the back of the sleeve really worries me! 😂

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Because the netsuke is put on after the obi is wrapped and the struggle to put this through 15cm of tight fabric is real. Another problem is that netsuke for men are really big and then you would have something to press against your chest all the time. Not comfortable. It’s not impossible, but it simply doesn’t make lots of sense. What I’ve seen is putting a tabako ire with a hook on your koshihimo. That’s something to go for 😊

[@purpleicicles]

@@BillyMatsunaga Ahhh, that makes sense! Thank you for the additional explanation on top of a great video! ❤️

[@ragnkja]

The secret pocket is brilliant!

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Absolutely!!

[@thetimetravellingtailor6323]

"Nezuke attatched pockets don't work on women's kimono because the obi is too wide" has now made me determined to find a way to make this possible haha

[@avilynnindelible6964]

I was wondering, do hand fans still get tucked into the obi or do they just get in the way of female kimono wearing.

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Yes, they are still put in the obi.

[@TealCheetah]

The pocket turned out so lovely!

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Thank you!

[@Dolleemixtures]

loved this vid and this whole series. Plaza in Japan always used to have m n ms. Haven't been for a year though ❤️

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Thank you! The series is so much fun! I watched all videos that came out so far. Haven’t thought of Plaza! Thank you!

[@wieslawapisarska-grabowska9048]

Beautiful pocket, still thinking what I can put in😃

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Thank you!

[@davushng5054]

I recently discovered the big ohashori (made from shortened kimono for wearing hakama) can be used as a pocket, though I only have the guts to put my right hand in it as it doesn’t seem secure to put valuable items.

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Oh, that’s true. You can of course use the ohashori, too. But that would not be traditionally done (since the ohashori is an invention of Meiji period)

[@davushng5054]

@@BillyMatsunaga Do you think ohashori in general is a sign of modernity in female kimono fashion? I’ve been wondering about this for a while.

[@Becky_Theroux_Gockel]

I have always learned so much from your videos. I love Kimonos, they are made from such beautiful fabric. The pocket you made is so beautiful!!!

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Thank you! 😊

[@Black_Samurai-fish]

I just sew in pockets to all my juban sleeve and keep things in my sleeves 😅

[@madelcarmencaleromolina2891]

Thank you so much for sharing your findings due to your research. It was really interesting. I also love the bag that you created. It is an accessory that I would wear. Have a beautiful Sunday.

[@BillyMatsunaga]

I’m happy you liked the video 🧡

[@くまこ-m1x]

はじめまして。私も熊本でチャンネル登録しています。ビリーさんの着物愛に頭がさがります。英語はわかりませんが（笑）必ず拝見し楽しんでいます。これからも応援しています。

[@BillyMatsunaga]

わぁー！ありがとうございます！もうちょっと時間があったら、日本語字幕を付けたいです。なかなか難しいですが…😭 チャンネルも少し大きくなったら、字幕を委託するつもりなので、もう少しお待ちください🙏🙏🙏

[@chichinn]

ahhhh yeah gimmi all the cute trinkets ❣️

[@arghc]

Is there another name for the women's netsuke you show at 20:16? Searching for netsuke or "women's netsuke obi ornament" only brings up the button carvings.

[@kaimacat]

Great video! Btw I can get M&Ms in all my local AEON stores.

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Unfortunately not in Kumamoto’s Aeon 😭

[@silkvelvet2616]

you had me at pockets!

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Yassss!! 😂🧡

[@xiola]

I love this! ❤️

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Thank you 🧡

[@habituscraeftig]

So ... now I want to know all the vocabulary for Japanese weaves (brocades included).

[@Alakanes]

That’s why you get your husband to carry he has so many options 😂

[@lets_all_love_lain]

hi i know this video isnt about kimono and accesories, but im a cosplayer making my own cosplay. ive read places that its okay to wear makeup and accesories with your kimono but some people say you cant. which is right???? and do i need to wear geta/wooden sandals with my kimono?? i have a condition called hydrosis which causes me to sweat a lot more so im scared the wood may go moldy

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Haha! Oh, that’s an endless story. Not wearing make-up is definitely not an option. Look at maiko and geisha! They wear heavy make-up. And that make-up was worn in history by everyone who could afford it. So whatever you hear about wearing make-up or no make-up: in the end it’s up to you!

[@lets_all_love_lain]

@@BillyMatsunaga thankyou!!

[@OddlyElly]

Ugh! English fabric terms are so annoying!! Brocade? But what kind of brocade?? What is made of? What's the warp/weft? 🤣 Hehe my dad has a yukata from when he lived in Japan and I loved it when he'd hide presents and snacks in his sleeves when I was younger 😂 so many Christmases and birthdays with surprises. Tie-on pockets with kimono looks amazing! Cultural mashup ☺

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Seriously!!! What weave are you taking about, when you say “brocade”?!?! 😂😂 snacks in the sleeves are the best 🧡

[@JohnMiller-zr8pl]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@rruu3674]

トライリンガルなんですか⁈

[@BoogsterSugar]

I'm living a non-binary life and starting into Kitsuke now, and I do say, taking it from both worlds is a blessing, and I thank the 陰間 and 花魁 before me for trend-setting and genderbending

[@chenico0908]

I always wondered how to use the toilet when wearing a kimono. Not yukata. KIMONO!

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Luckily I have a video on exactly that. Not yukata. KIMONO! 😉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXraYnyMotSNfqc

[@yms4355]

Hey! In English it's not "Sewed", it's "sewn"- I think. Then again, English is not my first language lol

[@xiola]

I don't know where you are referring to, but both are correct depending on the sentence... "i/he/she sewed something" vs. "the item was sewn..." "the item has been sewn..." "handsewn item"

[@ragnkja]

“Sewed” is the simple past tense, while “sewn” is past perfect, and needs an auxiliary verb, such as “to have” (e.g. “has sewn”) or “to be” (e.g. “is sewn”)

[@silkvelvet2616]

yes, to the usages, but ultimately, as long as she gets her point across, who cares? I know and come across so many native english speakers (as thier onlky language) with the most atrocious grammar..... Billy has how many languages? German, Japanese, English, does she have any more? She is one smart lady!

[@xiola]

@@silkvelvet2616 yes this. unless corrections are asked for, if the meaning is correct i don't think unsolicited corrections are necessary in casual communication (even though I actually do proofreading, lol... but I feel much differently when it comes to casual and verbal communication; I think it's fine as long as meanings are clear.)