What does it mean when a samurai only wears one sleeve of their kimono? (Seen in anime)
In anime, it's common to see samurai characters wearing only one sleeve of their kimono, leaving the other arm exposed. This practice, known as katabira-de, has several symbolic meanings:
- Freedom of movement: The loose, flowing kimono can hinder movement, especially during combat. By exposing one arm, samurai could move more freely and unsheath their swords quickly.
- Ruggedness and toughness: Leaving one arm bare conveyed a sense of masculinity and resilience. It showed that the samurai was unafraid of the elements or the hardships of battle.
- Practicality: In the heat of battle, having one sleeve off allowed samurai to wipe sweat or blood from their faces without exposing their entire body.
The one-sleeved kimono also had specific names depending on the sleeve that was left uncovered:
- "Migi katabira": Right sleeve off
- "Hidari katabira": Left sleeve off
Related Questions and Answers:
- Why is the sleeve often held in the mouth? To prevent it from dangling or getting in the way.
- Is it realistic to wear only one sleeve in battle? Historical evidence suggests it was more common in fiction and art than in actual warfare.
- Are both sleeves ever removed? Rarely, but this symbolized maximum readiness for battle.
- Does the one-sleeve kimono have a name? Yes, it's called "katabira".
- Were one-sleeved kimonos worn by other Japanese people? Yes, but they were most commonly associated with samurai.
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