Kimono made from Thai fabrics draw crowds at Tokyo show
Japanese visitors show strong interest in kimono made from Thai fabrics at a Tokyo showcase promoting Thai national dress and craftsmanship
- A Thai national costume showcase in Tokyo attracted strong interest from Japanese visitors for its display of kimono made from Thai fabrics.
- The fusion of the traditional Japanese garment with Thai textiles was presented as a form of cultural diplomacy, making Thai craftsmanship familiar to a Japanese audience.
- The interest was particularly noted for a garment worn by Princess Sirivannavari, which exemplified the blend of the two cultures' dress traditions.
- The event was organized by Thailand's Ministry of Culture at the Tokyo National Museum as part of an effort to promote "Chud Thai" (the Thai national costume) internationally.
Kimono made from Thai fabrics attracted strong interest from Japanese visitors at a Thai national costume showcase in Tokyo on September 17–18, 2026, Culture Minister Sabida Thaiseth said. The Ministry of Culture organised “Chud Thai: Knowledge, Craftsmanship and Practices of the Thai National Costume” at Hyokeikan, Tokyo National Museum. The event was lively, drawing large numbers of Japanese visitors and international tourists.
Royal Thai dress and traditional crafts on display
Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya presided over a fashion presentation featuring all eight styles of royal Thai dress, known as Chud Thai Phra Ratcha Niyom, alongside three styles of men’s royal pattern shirts, or Suea Phra Ratchathan.
Demonstrations showed the processes involved in making traditional Thai jewellery and other crafts. Techniques included decorative metallic-thread wrapping, silk embroidery on frames, silverwork and goldwork, and silk weaving with auspicious motifs.
The displays presented the value of Thai craftsmanship in a contemporary setting.
Kimono connect Thai and Japanese dress traditions
Sabida described the enthusiastic Japanese response as an example of cultural diplomacy through fashion, noting that Thailand and Japan both have distinctive national costumes.
Sabida highlighted visitors’ interest in using Thai fabrics to make kimono, such as the garment worn by Princess Sirivannavari. The approach offered another way to present Thai textiles through a form of dress familiar to Japanese audiences.
Second overseas showcase supports heritage bid
Sabida said the Tokyo event was the second overseas presentation of royal Thai dress and men’s royal pattern shirts as Thailand’s national costume. The first took place in The Hague, the Netherlands, in April 2026.
Thailand is advancing the nomination of “Chud Thai: Knowledge, Craftsmanship and Practices of the Thai National Costume” for intangible cultural heritage recognition by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), with consideration expected in December 2026.
The initiative aims to preserve the knowledge, craftsmanship and Thai identity associated with national dress while promoting Chud Thai internationally as living heritage.
