The Japanese kimono is an expensive article of clothing. Take special care to make it last a long time so you can pass it on to future generations.

Instructions

1. Lay the garment flat on a bed or a clean rug, with the arms outstretched and the front facing up.
2. Fold the left side of the shoulder section (which will be to your right, since you are facing the kimono) out to the right. Lift the seams with the motion, so that the entire shoulder panel is directed this way.
3. Repeat the same step with the right shoulder, turning it out to the left along with the whole panel. Both the right and left sides should now be facing out like wings.
4. Fold the entire kimono in half, going lengthwise, so the width will be decreased.
5. Accomplish this by lifting the left side up and over onto the right.
6. Do the same thing with the sleeves, placing the left sleeve over on top of the right one.
7. Fold the bottom third of the kimono up so it rests on the rest of the garment.
8. Fold the left sleeve inward onto the kimono, leaving the right one alone.
9. Lift the second third of the length up and fold it toward the top, so it rests on the fabric above it.
10. Turn in the remaining sleeve on top of the kimono body. If you have done this correctly, you should be left with a rectangular shape.
11. Wrap the folded kimono in rice paper to protect the fine fabric.
12. Store with great care in a cedar chest or bureau.