The afternoon of the 2nd of August saw guests streaming into JCC for a ‘yukata workshop’. The workshop was co-organized by JETAA (Japan Exchange Teaching Alumni Association). The workshop was conducted by Ms Nathalie Ng, vice president of JETAA through the knowledge that she gained as a Singaporean who had lived in Japan. Ms Nathalie Ng of JETAA first gave a half an hour presentation which consisted of the various yukata trends in Japan, followed by a hands on session which enabled guests to practice wearing a yukata.
Yukata which literally translates to mean ‘bath’ clothes was originally worn by noblemen in the ‘Heian’ era during steam baths to avoid direct contact with the hot steam. Since then however the yukata has evolved and in modern Japan, it is worn as a casual summer kimono or a bathrobe.
Audience were told of the various occasions in which a yukata is worn. For example many Japanese people wear yukatas during summer festivals, firework displays and even in ryokans (traditional Japanese inns). A few audience members expressed that they had been to Japan and have stayed in ryokans where a complimentary yukata was given, but they had no knowledge on how to wear it.
Various photographs of popular yukata designs were shown along with the accessories that can be used with the outfit. Female audience members were also interested to see the hairstyles that were worn by Japanese women to compliment the yukata. Some even tried mirroring the hairstyles during the hands on session.
Ms Ng brought along fellow JETAA members who acted as live models for guests, showing them the proper ways to wear a yukata and to assist during the hands on session. During the hands on session, male and female guests separated into single gendered groups of 3. Within their groups, guests had the opportunity to take turns wearing the yukatas that were provided. Some viewers brought along their own yukata to try on with what they had learnt from the presentation.
Guests had a fun time trying on the yukata and posing for pictures with some even mentioning that they would apply what they had learnt during the workshop to an upcoming trip to Japan. Some guests had such a good time during the workshop that requests were made for more such workshops.
 
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