Kimono culture - a dying art?

Beautifully patterned kimonos may be enduring cultural symbols of Japan, but the industry that produces the garments is in steep decline - and it is feared that soon there could be no craftsmen left with the skills to make them.

In "Mastering the Art of the Kimono" - for BBC Radio 4 - the BBC's Japan correspondent Roland Buerk investigates the crisis facing the industry, and meets some of the people who make, sell and wear the colourful gowns.

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Mastering the Art of the Kimono is on BBC Radio 4 on Wednesday 23 November 2011 at 1100 GMT. Also available on BBC iPlayer.

Audio and most images from Ruth Evans Productions. Music courtesy KPM Music.

Slideshow production by Paul Kerley. Publication date 23 November 2011.

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