The exhibition attracted a total of 98,065 visitors across both venues [Moscow and St Petersburg] including a record-breaking 65,565 at Manege.

This exhibition of 15 kimonos at the SieboldHuis, part of the Leiden TextielFestival 2015 program, was seen by over 16,000 visitors; this is the most popular exhibition of the SieboldHuis Leiden in the last 10 years, way ahead of blockbuster shows such as “Hokusai” or “Hello Kitty”.

This exhibition traces the kimono from its inception some eight hundred years ago to its role today as a symbol of Japanese culture with increasing sway on the contemporary fashion scene.

The Institute made a great effort to create a unique atmosphere for this show, constructing a Japanese gate for the entrance to the exhibition, an imitation of a Koi pond and educational hands-on workshops about the kimono creation process.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Her Excellency Takako Ito, the Consul General of Japan, as part of the programme celebrating 90 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and Canada. Ms Ito gave an overview of the ancient tie-dying technique Tsujigahana and the importance of Itchiku Kubota’s incredible work in reviving it.

The installation in the MoMu Gallery Antwerp featured six kimono from the Symphony of Light series and two kimono from the Mount Fuji series, all showcased in Belgium for the very first time.

The Musée National des Arts Asiatiques presented a selection of 14 Kimono from the Kubota Collection which were worn by major Japanese Noh artists in theatre plays created and designed by Itchiku Kubota. This exhibition partly travelled to Nice, where 7 Kimono were showcased.

The Musée National des Arts Asiatiques presented a selection of 14 Kimono from the Kubota Collection which were worn by major Japanese Noh artists in theatre plays created and designed by Itchiku Kubota. This exhibition partly travelled to Nice, where 7 Kimono were showcased.