Pages

Friday, September 5, 2014

{Japanese Fireman's Happi-Coat from my 2007 Trip}

Guess this time I need some help from my dear Japanese readers... 
When we each received one, at the Sayonara party in July of 2007, I guess we were told it was a Japanese Fireman's Happi-Coat.
But I don't know anything about it. 
If you know more about its meaning, according to the Kanji symbols, please let me know!
Yes, I was fortunate to be one of two chaperones (pictured to the right) and also the team leader, for a group of 6 teenagers from Dublin, Georgia to visit our Sister City of Osaki in Japan.
We all received such a heavy, black cotton, Fireman's Happi-Coat!
Sorry, but I cannot read these characters in Kanji...
~0~
Okay, here is the FULL explanation; thanks to blogger friend Miyako from Orchid's Daily Voice:
The fireman's happi-coat is made of thick cotton (I think yours as well) and it soaks water well. They used to wear them pouring water over themselves to fight against fire.
Nowadays the coats are mainly for ceremonies.
The Kanji characters mean:
Osaki-city must have Sanbongi-town; its town's name. Yes Sanbongi-town is where we stayed!
 means 'fire company'
and means 'head of the company'.
The large Kanji in the back resembles the very same as the top 3 on the front's left side... 
But to me it is a puzzle!
It did not come with a sash so I had to make my own.
With a roll of Offray ribbon and some DMC cotton thread, I managed...
Shiny DMC 5, black cotton thread from France.
Yep, two hand crocheted belt loops and I did sew them onto the cotton fabric.
For the sash I did stitch two layers of ribbon together after first having made a diagonal seam in both ends.
Here I am wearing my Japanese Happi-Coat, complete with self-made sash and together with the Zori Sandals...
Photo is taken on our balcony next to last year's polyurethane balustrades from Vintage Woodworks, Texas on the Italian CERDOMUS ceramiche tiles that Pieter laid himself.

Related link:
{10 Things to Learn from Japan... after the Earthquake and Tsunami!} | previous post by me showing the special LOVE gift I bought for the mayor of our Sister-City
{Japanese Yubikan from 1692 that I visited at Iwadeyama Osaki JAPAN, collapsed by earthquake} | previous post by me showing our group during visit of building that collapsed...
{News from Our Sister-City Osaki in JAPAN + Join NISSAN with Donation!} | previous post by me showing pictures from my visit

42 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Dearest Theresa,
      It sure is and I bet I will learn more about it too!
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  2. Dearest Mariette,
    you look wonederful in this coat :O)
    Happy week,
    Love and hugs,
    Claudia

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Claudia,
      Thank you and I'm so glad to know what it was all about!
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  3. lieve mariette ,
    Jammer genoeg kan ik je er ook niet mee helpen ..
    ik ben benieuwd na de reacties van de japanse lezers ..
    maar je bet er een mooie gordel voor gemaakt .
    een fijne dag ..veel liefs

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lieve Nieneke,
      Ja hoor, ik ben er al achter en ik heb het er boven in mijn post ook ingezet. Kon helaas de japanse characters niet overnemen...
      Kan hem goed gebruiken zo.
      Liefs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  4. Liebe Mariette,

    Theresa schreibt es immer gut. Da kann ich zustimmen.
    Sonnige Grüße
    Elisabeth

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Liebe Elisabeth,
      Ja und nun wissen wir auch wie und weswegen diese Feuermannsjacke benutzt wurde. Sie ist so dick aus Baumwolle damit es viel Wasser aufsaugen könnte womit die Männer sich übergossen haben um so in das Feuer zu gehen zum hand löschen...
      Nur noch decorative heute.
      Lieber Gruss,
      Mariette

      Delete
  5. Ik had het niet direct als een brandweer jas gezien. Meer als een soort huisjasje. Het staat je goed.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Beste Marianne,
      Ja, voor mij is het nu een echte huisjas en tegenwoordig is het ook alleen nog maar ceremoniëel. Je kunt nu het antwoord lezen in mijn blogpost. Heb het aangevuld en het is interessant en ook best moedig geweest in vroegere tijden!
      Liefs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  6. Dear Mariette,you look so preety in your Japanese Happi-Coat!The Sayonara Party must been very interesting!Like the Japanese colture!Have a lovely day!Hugs!
    Dimi...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Dimi,
      Thank you and more important we all now know its full meaning. I have added it to my post, thanks to blogger friend Miyako from Japan.
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  7. Hi, Dearest Mariette; Oh, all eight member's smile made me really happy as well, which must prove the lovely time you all had♡♡♡ The fireman's happi-coat is made of thick cotton (I think yours as well) and it soaks water well. They used to wear them pouring water over themselves to fight against fire. Nowadays the coats are mainly for ceremonies. Osaki-city must have Sanbongi-town(三本木- 町); its town's name. 消防団 means 'fire company' and 分団長 means 'head of the company'.
    Your hand made sash looks wonderful matching with happi♪ Great to see the flags of two countries at the sayonara party and SO happy for the precious experiences especially the young ones had in Japan.
    Sending Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan to my Dear friend in America, xoxo Miyako*

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Miyako,
      Thank you SO VERY MUCH for your full explanation! Yes, before Sanbongi-town merged to become Osaki-city, it was named like that! It is also the town where all of us stayed and I was in the home of a Zen monk, with his family. The son was also a Zen monk...
      With the sash together I now can wear it and with many washings it will slowly soften up a bit. It is indeed very heavy and thick cotton but now I know WHY!
      Yes, all 8 of us had a super time!
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  8. Wow how wonderful you've got fireman's happi! The happi is very cool! You look very 粋! (This is pronounced "Iki." We use this word to describe refined/cool/stylish,etc.)
    Miyako san gave the perfect explanation about happi. And your sash matches it perfectly!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Tamago,
      Thank you for your kind words! Yes, I was very happy with Miyako san's great explanation. Wish they had given us a small piece of paper with the complete story instead of just saying this is a fireman's coat... It is remarkable how they used it by dousing themselves with water in order to stay safe, while distinguishing a fire.
      Glad I now can wear it and it will become somewhat softer over time with enough washing.
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  9. It is a lovely coat and you did a great job with the sash. Must have been a wonderful trip. We hope to make it to Japan one day as my husband as business contacts there who would like us to visit. Of course, my oldest son says we aren't allowed to go without him. Ha! Have a great day. Tammy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Tamago,
      Thank you and yes, I love it now even more so, being able to wear it and also knowing its full function back in time!
      It will be hard for you to put all travels on hold while your oldest son is in college... That means you have to put things on hold again for the youngest. You for sure will make it to Japan one day and it is such a lovely country with a very rich culture and delicious food!
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  10. Hi Mariette,

    Wish I could help you on the happi coat, but unfortunately I can't. I see that Miyako already explained to you. That's good. The coat looks lovely on you!

    Happy weekend!

    Madelief x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Madelief,
      Indeed, Miyako did help me out in a great way and I do cherish this lovely authentic piece in which brave men controlled the fire.
      It does make a great house coat and I love it!
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  11. Dearest Mariette, what an interesting post!!!! And thanks to your dear friend Miyako, you were able to find out more about the japanese happi-coat. With the sash you made, it looks perfect on you!
    Many hugs, dear friend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Marie-Anne,
      Thank you very much and yes, now the story is complete! Blogger friends are there to help each other and it is lovely to share some cultural knowledge.
      Now the weather will get a bit cooler, this Happi-coat will be great to wear!
      Sending you big hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  12. How adorable you look in your Happi ("Happy") coat. Great gams, Mariette. I have a dear friend who volunteers her time as a guide at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and she specializes in Japanese art. I must pass this along to her. I know she'll love it.

    Big bisous, ma chère,

    M-T

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Marie-Thérèse,
      Thank you for the compliments and yes, for anyone interested in Japanese art and culture will love this fascinating explanation about its former use. One can only admire those brave firemen that doused themselves with water in order to stay safe when distinguishing a nasty fire.
      Glad to share this, with Miyako's help!
      Hugs to you and a happy weekend coming your way.
      Mariette

      Delete
  13. Charming! You look great, Mariette!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Mariette sei fenomenale! Stai benissimo con questo look giapponese e complimenti per la tua creatività e per la tua continua voglia di provare, sperimentare, e rapportarti con ogni angolo del Mondo. Buon fine settimana. Paola

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Grazie carissima Paola ed è un piacere per chiedere i miei amici blogger giapponese spiegare circa questo capo unico e storico. Abbastanza coraggiosa per se stessi bagnando con acqua in questo cappotto di cotone pesante, solo per evitare di ustionarsi come un combattente del fuoco.
      Con la fascia, io ora goditela! Buon fine settimana a voi.
      Baci,
      Mariette

      Delete
  15. Dearest Marette,
    I love to talk about OSAKA-City I had reading for until 40 years ago?, sence I don't know about firemen use the happpie -coat..I was very happy Dear Mariette understand from Miyako san,thank you very much!
    We having a nice day for few days!
    Hugs and love to you!
    Michiko

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Michiko,
      No I cannot talk about Osaka-city as I never did visit... But our exchange was between Osaki-city. The story about the firemen's Happi-coat is very unique and historic and I sure am glad with Miyako san's help. Now I know what I am wearing with the added sash.
      Sending you hugs and love,
      Mariette

      Delete
  16. My dear friend Mariette,
    You look so beautiful in your Happi coat, and what a nice and interesting post you share with us. I'm very happy your friend Miyako explained more about it. Send you a big hug,
    Love
    Laura

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Laura,
      Thank you dear. Those cultural and historical things are quite interesting and why not share them. Sure, I owe it to Miyako for explaining all about it!
      Big hugs to you as well, we were traveling so that's why I react somewhat late...
      Hugs and happy weekend.
      Mariette

      Delete
  17. Liebe Mariette,
    du siehst mal wieder zauberhaft aus - mit der super Figur steht dir alles -

    wir waren in der Nähe von Arft und Langscheid in der Eifel - in der Nähe des Nürburgrings -
    es war wunderschön -

    liebe Grüße - Ruth

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Liebe Ruth,
      Danke, so mit dem selbst genähter Gürtel kann ich diese geschenkte Jacke auf unsere Japan Reise, auch wirklich tragen.
      Wir müssen da auch öfters gewesen sein aber nicht in der richtigen Zeit für die Heide. Traumhaft schöne Bilder hast du gezeigt.
      Liebe Wochenendgrüsse,
      Mariette

      Delete
  18. Mariette cara,sei fortissima e sei bellissima con il Kimono!!
    Ammiro tantissimo la tua voglia di fare e di muoverti sempre!!
    Io sono come te!! ;-)
    Un abbraccio cara amica mia!!
    A presto!!
    Sabry!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cara Sabry,
      Grazie mille per le tue parole molto carine.
      Questo cappotto ho avuto per diversi anni, ma con la fascia self-made ora io posso indossare. Qui potete leggere quello che realmente era:
      Happi-cappotto il vigile del fuoco è fatto di cotone spessi e in assorbe acqua bene. Usavano indossare loro versando acqua sopra loro stessi, per la lotta contro gli incendi. Al giorno d'oggi i cappotti sono principalmente per le cerimonie. Osaki-città deve avere Sanbongi-town(三本木-町); nello nome della città. 消防団 significa 'fuoco azienda' e 分団長 significa 'capo dei vigili del fuoco'.
      Buona domenica e baci,
      Mariette

      Delete
  19. Querida Marietta! Esa eres tu? Que guapa te ves amiga querida ! Que tengas un lindo fin de semana
    Besos

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Querida Angélica,
      Sí, era yo en la foto de los grupos de la derecha y la otra foto es de mí, ahora... He cosido un cinturón con bucles de ganchillo, puedo ahora también desgaste este chaqueta bomberos histórico de Japon.
      Besitos y un feliz domingo.
      Mariette

      Delete
  20. Replies
    1. Dearest Jo-Anne,
      Thank you and now I really can wear it with the sash added.
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  21. It must be an honor to have a coat like that.
    xoxo
    Coisas de Feltro

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Christina,
      It sure was and I am wearing it now, just got out of the shower after shampooing my hair. Love its heavy cotton and with the added sash it is functional.
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete

Thanks for your visit and comment.

Mariette...