Could a single garment, often unseen, truly be the unsung hero of Japanese traditional dress? Indeed, the humble juban, or undershirt for the kimono, plays a pivotal role, protecting the wearer and preserving the beauty of the kimono for generations.

The juban, known by variations such as juhan and jiban, is more than just a simple undergarment; it is a vital component of the wafuku ensemble. Its story is one woven through centuries of cultural evolution, from its origins as a practical layer to its later development into a canvas for exquisite artistry. Initially, its function was straightforward: to safeguard the precious kimono from the inevitable soiling caused by sweat and body oils. The juban is a testament to the Japanese dedication to preserving their cultural heritage.

The origin of the word "juban" itself is fascinating, as it is believed to be a phonetic adaptation from the Portuguese word "gibo," a type of vest. This linguistic borrowing, a testament to the historical influence of foreign cultures, is rendered in Japanese using phonetic characters, highlighting the ongoing exchange of ideas that has shaped Japanese culture. As time passed, the juban underwent a transformation. It gradually became more than just a utilitarian piece; it developed into an expression of individual style and artistry. The fabrics evolved from simple cottons to luxurious silks, and the embellishments became intricate, often reflecting the wearer's status, taste, or the occasion for which the kimono was intended.

For those attending formal occasions, a white juban is typically worn, adhering to the established customs of Japanese traditional dress. However, beyond this specific rule, the juban offers a degree of flexibility in its design and choice of materials. Unlike the kimono, which often adheres to specific sizing conventions, the juban might not always conform to standard sizes, further emphasizing the bespoke nature of traditional Japanese garments. The length of the juban is important, as it should extend to the ankles, ensuring that it adequately covers the body and protects the kimono from contact with the wearer's skin. The nagajuban, or long juban, is often a source of confusion, because of its variations in length or specific usage within the complete kimono outfit.

The Azabu Juban area of Tokyo offers a unique glimpse into both tradition and modern living. This vibrant neighborhood, located close to the bustling Roppongi district, manages to retain the charm of shitamachi, the old Tokyo downtown. The area is renowned for its culinary delights, offering a wide range of street food vendors that attract locals and visitors alike. Many have a long history, the shop was founded in 1909, and the azabu juban shotengai (shopping street), boasts a 300-year-old history. The area is also known for its historical significance, having once been home to the largest horse market in the Edo period. The kanji used to write Juban can also be read as mafu or asanuno. The first kanji means "hemp, cannabis sativa," suggesting a connection to hemp production, however, historical records focus on the area's equine trade.

The Azabu Juban Matsuri, a summer festival, adds to the neighborhood's allure. The event, a two-day affair, takes place on Saturday and Sunday, transforming the streets into a lively celebration of local culture and cuisine. For those seeking more in-depth cultural experiences, the area also houses historical and cultural attractions. The area is home to Juban Inari Shrine, the Kimichan Statue, as well as Amishiro Park. For those interested in finding hotels near Azabu Juban, the area has many options available.

The Seido brand is an interesting point of note. This japanese brand is fully handmade in Japan and managed by practitioners, and produces traditional garments for Iaido, Kyudo and Kenjutsu practitioners. These garments include the classic jacket style juban/hadagi with okumi cut. Made of 100% cotton, and sweat absorbing, these juban are extra comfortable on the skin. This shows the intersection of traditional craftsmanship and modern practice. The product comes with multilingual customer support and international shipping from Japan.

The role of the juban extends beyond mere protection. It's an integral part of the overall aesthetic. When a kimono is worn, the collar of the juban is visible, along with a glimpse of its sleeves. This allows for the addition of a haneri, a decorative collar that serves both aesthetic and practical purposes. The haneri can introduce a touch of color or pattern, while also protecting the juban collar from body oils, thus extending the garment's lifespan. It is a testament to the detail oriented and multilayered nature of Japanese dress.

For those seeking a culinary experience, Azabu Juban is a haven for food lovers, with a variety of local favorites on offer. "Juban" also happens to be the name of an inventive izakaya, where the creative spirit unfolds through community, and every meal is designed for discovery. The area also offers opportunities for entertainment and sightseeing. Fans of "Sailor Moon" will recognize locations from the popular anime. This area is popular with both japanese and international buyers who look for exclusive and prestigious real estate.

Below is some additional details about the juban, the kimono undershirt, and the cultural and historical significance of this essential garment, a table designed to be easily inserted into a WordPress site:

Feature	Description
Name	Juban ()
Also Known As	Juhan, Jiban
Type	Undershirt/Undergarment for Kimono
Purpose	Protect Kimono from Sweat and Oils Provide Comfort Add Layers of Design (visible collar and sleeves)
Materials	Historically Cotton, Silk, Hemp; Modern options include Synthetic Fabrics.
Appearance	Often white for formal occasions Can vary in color and design for casual wear Length extends to the ankles
Key Features	Can have a haneri (collar cover) for design and protection May or may not adhere to standard sizes, bespoke tailoring is common
Cultural Significance	Symbol of Japanese attention to detail and preservation of beauty. Reflects the wearer's status and taste. A crucial element in the traditional wafuku ensemble.
Origins	Rooted in centuries of cultural evolution The word "juban" is of Portuguese origin

Here is some additional information about the Azabu Juban Area. This is a table designed to be easily inserted into a WordPress site:

Feature	Description
Area Name	Azabu-Juban
Location	Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Character	Mix of traditional "shitamachi" atmosphere with modern amenities.
Key Features	Azabu-Juban Shotengai (shopping street) - 300 years old Diverse street food vendors Annual Azabu Juban Matsuri (summer festival)
Historical Significance	Formerly home to the largest horse market in the Edo period.
Attractions	Juban Inari Shrine Kimichan Statue Amishiro Park
Nearby Districts	Roppongi
Known For	Unique culinary experiences Blending the old and new of Tokyo

If you want to read more about Juban. Here is the link: Wikipedia

Antique Japanese Juban Kimono Silk Juban with handmade Etsy

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