INTRODUCTION

First of all I would like to thank En Nizam Bin Yusof for giving me this wonderful

opportunity to do report on similarity and differences between cultures of Malaysia and

Japan. Third language is a subject offered in diploma programme at Universiti Teknikal

Malaysia Melaka (UTeM). Language that I choose to learn is Japanese Language. I choose

Japanese Language because I wanted work in Japan. Knowing the language will be an extra

advantage for me other than technical skills I possess. Other than that recently I am addicted

to Japanese animated series such as One Piece and Fairy Tail. I have an interest to watch

these animated series without subtitles. To be able to do so I have to understand and speak

Japanese language very well.

Malaysia and Japan are very unique country in terms of cultures. Dressing culture of

people in each nation is very different and interesting. In Japan we have traditional costume

called kimono and in Malaysia each race has its own traditional costumes such as baju

kurung, cheongsam and saree. This kind diversity made me choose dressing culture in Japan

and Malaysia as my topic for this assignment. During the period of this assignment I wish to

learn about the dressing culture of Japanese people more deeper.

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JAPAN

INTRODUCTION

The kimono is a Japanese traditional garment worn by men, women and children. The word

"kimono", which literally means a "thing to wear" (ki "wear" and mono "thing"), has come to

denote these full-length robes. The standard plural of the word kimono in English

is kimonos, but the unmarked Japanese plural kimono is also sometimes used. Kimono are T-

shaped, straight-lined robes worn so that the hem falls to the ankle, with attached collars and

long, wide sleeves. Kimono are wrapped around the body, always with the left side over the

right (except when dressing the dead for burial.), and secured by a sash called an obi, which

is tied at the back. Kimono are generally worn with traditional footwear

(especially zōri or geta) and split-toe socks (tabi). Today, kimono are most often worn by

women, and on special occasions. Traditionally, unmarried women wore a style of kimono

called furisode, with almost floor-length sleeves, on special occasions. A few older women

and even fewer men still wear the kimono on a daily basis. Men wear the kimono most often

at weddings, tea ceremonies, and other very special or very formal occasions.

Professional sumo wrestlers are often seen in the kimono because they are required to wear

traditional Japanese dress whenever appearing in public. Up until the mid 19th century it was

the form of dress worn by everyone in Japan. That began to change slowly with the import of

suits dresses and other western fashions during the Meiji Era. Thanks to the popularity of

ukiyo-e woodblock prints in the West at the beginning of the last century, the kimono-clad

maiden became one of the quintessential images of Japan. Dressing up in the kimono and

other accoutrements of the geisha or maiko is still one of the more popular activities for

visiting tourists.

TYPES OF KIMONO

WEDDING KIMONO : Uchikake - the wedding kimono. Worn by Japanese brides at traditional Japanese weddings.

FURISODE KIMONO : The most formal  and gorgeous kimono for single Japanese girls and women.

YUKATA KIMONO : Summer casual kimono worn by Japanese men and women.

HOUMONGI KIMNO : A formal kimono worn by married Japanese women.

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TOMESODE KIMONO : Formal Japanese kimono worn by a Japanese woman to special family functions.

PARTS OF KIMONO

HOW TO WEAR KIMONO

1. Hold the two collar ends (erisaki) with the right hand. Place the yukata to the right side and take a step forward.

2. Bring the yukata over the back of the body. Open it up.3. Wear the yukata over the shoulders. Hold both overlaps with both hands away from

the body.4. Hold the yukata tightly and lift it off the floor. Lower the yukata slowly to adjust its

length. The skirting of the yukata is worn just above the ankles.5. Continue to hold the yukata tightly. Bring the left overlap over the body and adjust its

width such that its edge runs along the right point of the hipbone.

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yuki   - sleeve length

ushiromigoro   - rear main section

uraeri   - inner collar

doura   - upper lining

sodetsuke   - armhole seam

fuki   - hem guard

sode   - sleeve okumi   - front panel below the

collar

miyatsukuchi   - opening below

armhole

sodeguchi   - sleeve opening

tamoto   - sleeve pouch

maemigoro   - front main

section

furi   - sleeve below armhole

tomoeri   - overcollar

eri   - collar susomawashi   - lower lining

6. Continue to hold the yukata tightly. Open up the left overlap and bring the right overlap over the body. Lift the end of the right overlap by about 3-5cm.

7. Continue to hold the yukata tightly. Bring the left overlap over the right overlap and hold its end with the right hand. Take the first waist sash (koshi himo sash) with the left hand.

8. Remove any creases around the stomach, waist and back with the left hand. Tie the koshi himo sash around the waist.

9. Insert both hands into the openings under the arm (miyatsuguchi). Use both hands to remove any creases around the waist on both the back and front of the body.

10. Hold the centre line on the back with the left hand and adjust the distance between the collar and neck by pulling the collar ends with the right hand. Please note that the distance between the collar and the neck should be the size of a clenched fist.

11. Fold the top right overlap to make a triangle shape.12. Bring the upper left overlap over the upper right overlap. Tie the upper overlaps with

a second koshi himo sash.13. Check that the top and bottom parts are aligned.14. Check the centre line on the back.15. Hold the obi board (obi ita) with the left hand. Please note that obi ita is used to

maintain the shape of the obi tie.16. Wear the obi ita on the front of the body.

Picture of girls wearing kimono.

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MALAYSIA

INTRODUCTION

Malaysia is a truly blessed country with a good blend of ethnic races and cultural diversity.

Due to the influx of Chinese and Indian migrants into Malaysia since the early 19th century,

various cultural elements from these ethnic groups have been introduced into Malaysia. This

provides a good mix of cultural diversity in addition to the Malays and the indigenous

inhabitants who were already residing in the country. Among the cultural elements influenced

include clothing, food, ethnic celebrations, as well as religious and cultural practices. This

article will focus on the traditional clothing of women in Malaysia.

1. Baju Kurung (Malays)

Baju kurung is the traditional clothing worn by Malay women. This attire is a loose-fitting

blouse that is usually worn over a long skirt. The blouse stretches in length to approximately

knee-level. The outfit is complemented with a shawl (selendang) or a headscarf (tudung). The

baju kurung replaced the "kemban", which was a sarong wrapped around the body above the

chest, as more Malay women became Muslims around the 20th century. The baju kurung is

an excellent replacement for the "kemban", as it adheres to Islamic guidelines that the body

should be fully covered (with the exception of the hands and the face) and that the clothing

should not be tight fitting. The baju kurung can be worn for any occasion and traditional

events such as weddings and funerals (white is normally worn as a sign of respect).

baju kurung.

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2. Cheongsam (Chinese)

The cheongsam, also known as qipao in Chinese or "long dress" when translated directly

from Cantonese, is the traditional clothing worn by Chinese women. The cheongsam is a

stylish tight-fitting garment that comes in one piece. It has a high or stand-up collar, a slit on

one or both sides of the skirt, and buttons or small clip closures near the shoulders. This outfit

is normally made from soft exquisite materials such as silk or satin, hence displaying charm

and elegance. The colour of the outfit is usually red, which symbolizes prosperity in the

Chinese culture; however, it can also come in other colours such as white. The cheongsam is

worn on special occasions, such as during Chinese New Year celebrations and also weddings.

3. Sari/Saree (Indians)

The sari is the traditional clothing worn by Indian women in Malaysia. This attire is made up

of a cloth which could range anywhere from 4 to 9 yards (usually 5 to 6 yards) which is

wrapped around the waist, with the pallau end of the cloth (the printed or extensively

embroided end) then being draped over the left shoulder. A similar shaded petticoat goes with

the sari as a supporting garment, as well as a blouse called choli which could either match or

contrast the shade chosen. The sari is regularly worn as everyday wear for Indian women,

although sari made with exquisite material, texture, design and colours are preferred for

special occasions.

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5. Baju Kebaya (Baba Nyonya/Peranakan)

The Baba Nyonya culture, or also known as Peranakan, is prevalent in the state of Malacca in

Malaysia. This culture came about when Chinese migrants married local Malays, which led

to a fusion of the Chinese and Malay cultures. The baju kebaya is the traditional clothing

worn by the Peranakan women, and it made from kain rubiah (silk voile) coupled with the

intricate embroidery of colorful silk thread along the borders and edges of the dress. A set of

three "kerosangs", or brooches, fastens the kebaya edges together. The baju kebaya normally

has a floral design which makes it appealing to the eye, but sometimes can have other designs

too such as butterflies. Other accessories that may accompany the baju kebaya include the tali

pinggang (waist belt), kasut manik (beaded slippers) and dompet manik (beaded purse)

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CONCLUSION

Japan and Malaysia are both very unique in terms of cultural heritages. When it comes to

traditional costumes cultures of both nation differs very much but the occasion people wear

the traditional costumes are similar to each other such festivals, wedding, funeral and some

other. As the educated civilization of this modern world we must be able to understand and

accept the similarities and differences between our cultures to strengthen the bond exists

between two nations. At the same time we must teach our culture to the next generation so

that the culture would not vanish as time passes and younger generation appreciate the

meaning of cultural importances. To we will forge unity in our diversity!

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