Kaimaki (掻巻) serves as cold-weather clothing and bedding. The clothing is classified as hanten and is the basis of futons. Its appearance is just like a rounded Japanese kimono. It’s also called yogi (nightwear).
It’s a kimono stuffed with cotton, etc., , making it thick and has excellent heat retention, and is especially suitable for protection from the cold winter weather.
Kaimaki, which evolved from kimono: Roots and function
Kimono is well known as a traditional Japanese costume. It was originally introduced from ancient China. Later, the materials, manufacturing methods, designs, patterns, etc. were adapted to a Japanese style, establishing the kimono as a staple of Japanese culture that continues to this day.
Kaimaki evolved from the kimono, a traditional Japanese garment. Kaimaki also refers to the act of wrapping the hem or sleeves of a kimono around the body for comfort or protection. As kimono is a loose-fitting garment that is worn by wrapping it around the body, the act of kaimaki is quite natural.
The main purpose of kaimaki is to keep warm. In winter, temperatures can drop to below freezing in cold regions in Japan, and during the Edo period (1603-1868), rivers sometimes froze in Edo (present-day Tokyo) as well.
Kaimaki is particularly used in the harshly cold Tohoku and Hokushinetsu regions, with each region having its own characteristics such as shapes.
Kaimaki was not only worn but was also used to keep warm by covering the body while sleeping. It’s used exactly like a modern coverlet.
Today, kaimaki is still used like a futon, but it’s mainly worn as loungewear and is rarely worn when going out.
Development from Kaimaki to Futon
Kaimaki can be positioned as a primitive form of futon. Kaimaki is a type of bedding that was widely used in Japan from ancient times to the Middle Ages. Although it’s not as popular as futons these days, it is very important when talking about Japanese bedding culture.
Today’s kaimaki is a kimono stuffed with cotton, but the primitive kaimaki used by commoners was a cloth that was folded or wrapped around the body while sleeping. Its main purpose was to keep the body warm, and the thicker the fabric, the more effective it was.
Eventually, kimonos stuffed with cotton began to be used as kaimaki. People wore it during the day, and slept with it on or covered it over their bodies not to get cold when sleeping.
Specifications were also changed depending on the season. Kimonos were so valuable that during the cold season they were remade and stuffed with cotton to increase warmth. When the hot season approached, people took cotton out of their kimonos to keep them cool.
People of high status, such as samurai, would lie down on tatami mats and sleep with kaimaki over them. Commoners laid mushiro (筵) etc. and kaimaki on top.
Eventually, this evolved into futons, which were used as bedding specifically for sleeping rather than simply using garment or cloth.
Futons are laid out on the floor or tatami mats when sleeping, and folded and put away during the day. They are moved to the edge of the room or stored in oshiire (closets). This is a feature not found in conventional beds, but it’s no surprise if you know that futons originate from clothing.
In traditional Japanese society, large bedding did not take up permanent space in houses.
Kaimaki by animals
Apart from clothing, kamaki can also refer to the habits of animals. Reptiles and mammals sometimes wrap their tails around their bodies to keep warm and ensure safety. In addition to their own bodies, they may also wrap themselves around the surrounding environment, such as grass and leaves.
It’s a common sight to see baby mammals wrapped in their mothers’ bodies and tails. Curling up reduces exposed surface area, increasing warmth and safety. It also gives them a sense of psychological security.
The basic meaning of kaimaki for clothing and animals is the same, ” to wrap bodies.” Kaimaki is a habit that animals use to protect themselves, and it’s natural to think that this instinct also remains in humans.
Chashitsu as a hideout
What is Futon? Magical and freely foldable bedding
What is Tatami? Craftsmanship that breathes to this day
What is Mushiro? Rug passed down from time immemorial
Primate beddings: Trial and error over a long time
Author: Takuya Nagata. Amazon Profile
Follow @nagatackleA novel writer and creator. Graduated from UCA, the UK’s university. Discussed Japanese minimalism in the senior thesis. Founder of “MINIRISM” (minirism), the art movement that contributes to the development of societies, such as ecology and lifestyle. Later opened the knowledge hub “The Minimalist.”
Once travelled to Brazil and trained football at CFZ do Rio (Centro de Futebol Zico Sociedade Esportiva) in Rio de Janeiro. Played soccer for the Urawa Reds (Urawa Red Diamonds), one of the biggest football clubs in Japan, and toured Europe. Retired at a young age and voyaged alone to England. Established careers as a journalist, football coach, consultant, etc. across Europe such as Spain. The founder of “Propulsive Football” (PROBALL), the world’s first-ever competitive mixed football, facilitating diversity and spirit for equal participation in society.
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