The word kimono often conjures up an image of the draping, cinched-at-the-waist attire, often with patterns of delicate blossoms, that Japanese women might wear. Kimono is a Japanese word which translates to “thing to wear”: ki meaning “wear” and mono meaning “thing.” These women are cloaked in yukatas, a summer, lighter version of the traditional kimono.

I was struck by the juxtaposition of the modern — technology — with the traditional — yukatas — in this scene. The ladies were hypnotized by their mobile phones at a street intersection, loosely anticipating the traffic light signaling them to cross..

(photograph taken in Kyoto, Japan near the Sagano Bamboo Forest)