On August 20, 2025, Heian Shrine in Kyoto's Sakyo Ward hosted an airing-out event for costumes used in the procession of the Jidai Matsuri, one of Kyoto's three major festivals. Under blue skies, fresh air was blown through the Heian period costumes that adorn the ancient capital in autumn.
The Heian Kosha, organizers of the Jidai Matsuri, conducts this event to prevent insect damage and mold. As the daytime sun gets stronger every year, there's a risk of damaging the costumes, many of which are made of silk. This year, the airing-out took place in the shade, away from direct sunlight.
Amidst the scorching heat that began in the morning, costume shop staff carried out boxes of costumes for approximately 30 people from the storage room and, drenched in sweat, laid them out on sheets. They aired out the costumes, focusing on the women's procession, including the gorgeous hitoe (single-layered kimono) worn by Murasaki Shikibu, as well as the procession of Meiji Restoration patriots such as Sakamoto Ryoma, and efficiently inspected them for missing pieces.
