In Japanese language, the term Tashinami (n. 嗜み) has several meanings. It is a modest way to express having some knowledge of something, or sometimes it means modesty itself.
When dressed in Kimono, your movement is restricted because of the tightness, however, the restriction makes you look well-mannered in a way. You might find it uncomfortable until you become accustomed to it, but if you reduce the amplitude of your movement, you'd feel more comfortable in a sophisticated way.
For example, if your walk with strides just like when wearing Western cloth, your move won't suits your Kimono. Please try to make your steps narrower, then you will find it easier to move in an elegant manner. In addition, when you raise your hand, you have to hold your sleeve at the same time so as not to show your elbow out of your Kimono. Well, compared with Western clothes, wearing Kimono requires a lot of attention. Basically, your hands and arms should not be raised above your shoulder.
I like the term Tashinami. For instance, it sounds more elegant to say "I have some taste for Sake (お酒を嗜む)" than saying "I like drinking (お酒を飲む)", right? Elegance is the key for the beautiful Kimono style.
Wearing Kimono has it's own Tashinami, in other word, the aesthetics. The term Tashinami is also used for leaning something. For example, I myself Tashinamu (verb. learning) Okoh (お香, traditional incense-smelling ceremony) and Shinobue (篠笛, Japanese bamboo flute). If you use the term Tashinami or Tashimamu in your conversation, it will make you sound extraordinarily polite to Japanese people.
Click here to see a Blog by a Former Maiko, "Do You Know?"
