In order to boost the "Miyako-oji Opening Parade," the opening event for "The 26th National Cultural Festival in Kyoto 2011" which is being held at various locations in Kyoto Prefecture from October 29, with high school and university students in kimono, Kyoto student groups and others are providing kimonos and obis for free and urging people in kimono to gather along Oike-dori Street. They are preparing approximately 5,000 kimonos for women, to showcase Kyoto's traditional beauty with many young people.

This event is being organized by the kimono project team of "AIESEC Kyoto University Local Committee," and other groups which make efforts to get young people to readily wear kimonos, with the slogan "Kimono Jam 10 29 (Wafuku)." Kimonos and obis are being offered with the support of the executive committee of "The National Cultural Festival in Kyoto 2011."

At the opening parade, there will be local performing arts, and approximately 3,000 participants. Many participants, including "Miyako Odoriko-tai," or a women's dancing group, wear Japanese dress. The Kyoto kimono project team and the executive committee are planning to hand out leaflets and posters at all universities and high schools in Kyoto Prefecture, and fill the streets with young people in kimono in order to create the aura of Kyoto.

Kimonos and obis can be borrowed from October 1 to 28, from 1:00 p.m.to 7:00 p.m., on the first floor of Mielparque Kyoto in Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, and need to be returned by November 15. A student I.D. or another form of identification must be shown. During the above period, wearing kimono in various places, such as the venues of the National Cultural Festival, which is being held until November 6, is recommended.

For more information, contact the National Cultural Festival kimono center at 075-352-3666 (Japanese language inquiries only).