After 3 years of prototyping and field testing, the Hakama and Furisode set is now ready for prime time.
The "Hakama" is the long black skirt-like bottoms worn on top of the Furisode. The Furisode (pronounced "Foo-ree-sow-dare") is the long white gown-like garment worn beneath the Hakama - it's a type of Yukata but has long sleeves hence the name Furisode [振袖], meaning "swinging sleeves."
Our Hakama and Furisode does not strictly follow the conventional design and has been modified for a slightly new take on this garment type. Our modified version is also much easier to dress than a human version - many humans in Japan need to pay a specialist just to put on their Furisode and Hakama in a process called "kitsuke" [着付け].
The Furisode can be worn on its own like a Yukata with the red sash belt. The belt is called "Obi" as in "Obi-wan" ;-)
In this mode, folks would typically wear footwear called "Tabi" [足袋] - we don't sell any, so I will prepare and distribute some Tabi patterns for free - it's similar to the Tabi that comes with our Ninja uniforms.
When the Hakama is worn over the Furisode, the footwear tends to be boots.
While the Hakama and Furisode would traditionally be worn on occasions like the "coming of age day" [成人の日] and during a graduation ceremony - your Smart Doll can wear this set on any occasion such as sky diving (only during calm conditions) or a triathlon.
Made in Gifu Japan.
How to wear
One of the photos in the pool is a numbered grid - each number corresponds to the instructions below. You may need to zoom in on the photo to get a better look.
- The Hakama has white stitching at the bottom to ensure the pleats stay neat and folded in the package. Use your laser finger (scissors will do) to cut away the white threads. Ensure to do this slowly - do not cut the Hakama or your Smart Doll with cry and then slap you.
- Note that the Hakama should be worn with the "MIRAI" label on your Smart Dolls' right hip.
- Wear the Furisode on your Smart Doll like so.
- The collar has velcro at the tips, which should be secured like so.
- Thread the inner belt through the slot located on the hip on the opposite side.
- Tie a snug bow at the back.
- The front of the Furisode should look like this.
- Take the red Obi belt and wrap it around the waist like so.
- Snap the buttons at the back of the Obi. Remember that the ribbon on the Obi is not stitched down, so if you tug on it, it will come undone. If this happens, your Smart Doll is unlikely to slap you because you should manage to tie a bow at the back. If you don't know how to tie a bow, then your Smart Doll will slap you multiple times.
- The back of the Furisode should look like so.
- Furisode Mode complete!
- You can attach a telescopic stand at the back like so - and if you are going to proceed to the next Hakama Mode then you should attach the stand now.
- The Hakama has a loop belt that should be pulled around the waist and snapped into place *below* the Obi.
- This is important and something that I forgot to do after I took a zillion photos that I can't use anymore. Make sure the red Obi is showing above the Hakama like so. I used to make the mistake of completely covering the red Obi with the Hakama.
- Pull the Hakama *over* the Obi like so.
- Snap the buttons on the back, and you are done. The back may look odd, like a camel hump, but this is how a Hakama is traditionally worn. And you are done!
Reasons not to buy
- The ribbons on the Hakama are pre-tied and stitched so that you don't need finger ninja to get it looking good. The red Obi is pre-tied but not stitched down, so if it comes undone, you will have to tie it yourself. It is, however, just a simple bow.
- Boots, shrines, humans, rivers, or buildings are not included.
- Why get this when you could instead buy nearly 600 packs of "Ramen Express by Chef Woo Hotter and Spicier Ramen Noodles, 2.25 oz" at Walmart. However, if you ate instant noodles every day for nearly two years, you may die from malnutrition which would make your Smart Doll sad - sad because nobody would be around to buy them goodies anymore. Unless they know where you hid your credit cards.
Product safety information
Manufacturer information:
Danny Choo / Culture Japan
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https://shop.smartdoll.jp/
