I have seldom been so disappointed in a kitsuke book. Why? Because it was billed as being bilingual, "written in both English and Japanese". And yes, some of the captions and write-ups are translated into English. SOME of them.

Unfortunately, ALL the best parts of the books - the "tips" and "points" that give special hints on kitsuke, the sections on when each type of kimono is worn, and virtually every section that describing kimono, obi or accessories at any length... are written IN JAPANESE ONLY.

This may be a fine book for a Japanese person to use; but if you do not read Japanese, and you really want to learn kitsuke, do NOT buy this book. The photos and drawings are simply too scant to compensate for the lack of explanatory English text.

Very, very disappointing. ( )