Haten Kohro to wear Kiwi-made recycled Kimono costumes at Auckland shows

International Japanese performance group Haten Kohro will perform at Auckland Japan Day 2019 wearing costumes made from pre-loved kimonos by Kiwis. Photo / Michael Craig

An international performing group from Japan will wear costumes made from recycled kimonos by Kiwis for their Auckland shows.

Haten Kohro, which performs traditional dance, samurai fights and Japanese rock music, will hold shows at the Auckland Japan Day tomorrow (SUNDAY MAR 3) and at Unitec on Monday and Tuesday.

Noriko Collins, who works with fashion designers to turn discarded and unwanted kimonos into modern garments, offered to make the costumes.

Natsuna wears a costume made from pre-loved kimono belts designed by Unitec costumes students. Photo / Michael Craig.

"I thought this would be a great cross-cultural project, a way to get New Zealanders involved with Japan Day and to welcome Haten Kohro on their first tour here," Collins said.

Nine outfits were designed and made by Unitec costumes students and local designing enthusiasts recruited by Collins.

"This is purely something that we are all doing for the love of it, and no money is involved," she said.

Masaki comes from a family of real ninjas. Photo / Michael Craig.

"The students have made beautiful costumes out of my vintage kimono, and I am very much proud of this collaboration."

Band member Natsuna, 33, who performs sword combat and modern dance, will be wearing a costume made from a few types of pre-loved obis or kimono belt.

"I am very impressed with what the students have designed, and I will proudly wear it for my show," Natsuna said.

International Japanese performance group Hatenkohro wearing costumes made by Kiwis from pre-loved Japanese kimonos. Photo / Michael Craig.

"New Zealand is a beautiful country with beautiful people, and I am grateful that this has made us feel ever more welcomed."

Since its creation in 2016, Haten Kohro have performed around the globe including in Europe and China, and will head to Romania and Russia following their NZ stint.

Collins said it was a privilege to have Haten Kohro perform here because "even in Japan, it is a rare opportunity to get to watch their shows".

Their only public performance here will be at Auckland Japan Day, the biggest annual Japanese festival in New Zealand.

The festival, which started in 2001, will this year be held for the first time at Eden Park.

Other Japan Day highlights include Asian food stalls, Japanese arts and crafts and cultural performances.

What: Haten Kohro, Japanese international performing group
Where: Performing at Auckland Japan Day 2019, Eden Park
When: Sunday March 3, main show 1pm
Cost: Free