Stepping into the role!

Ask the average person what they think of when asked about Japanese culture, and there's a good chance samurai and ninja might come to mind. But there's more to discover than just what we see in episodes of Naruto or Tom Cruise's "The Last Samurai"! Thankfully CIEE students had the enthusiastic guides of the Samurai and Ninja Museum in Kyoto to talk about the differences between the two classic warrior groups found in historical Japan. But CIEE students took it one step further (literally!), as they practiced getting into the proper form for flinging a ninja star against a target wall. Apparently some students show talent for being a medieval spy warrior in historical Japan! Beyond that, students learned many interesting details about Samurai families and the armor they wore. (Whiskered mustaches were attached to helmet faceguards for a very ingenious reason!)

Who knew that there's more than one form of kimono? CIEE students certainly know it now! Being in Kyoto in the summer months is the perfect opportunity to try on the "yukata", a lighter summer version of the kimono. But being a lighter version of the kimono doesn't make donning a yukata a cake-walk for a beginner. Fortunately the skilled staff at the Miyabiyuki studio graciously lead our students through the art of twisting himo (cloth bands) and obi (broad decorative waist bands), around one's yukata in order to hold everything in just the right place! 

What better way to feel in tune with the local culture than by dressing the part?