The Kyoto Imperial Palace in western Japan is preparing for summer with a centuries-old tradition of changing furnishings to match the season.
“Koromogae” is performed in May and November every year. The custom is believed to be the origin of the modern practice of switching wardrobes twice a year.
On Tuesday, five officials of the Imperial Household Agency replaced winter furnishings and floor coverings with summer ones in the emperor’s daily residence Seiryoden.
The officials spent about an hour to change the curtains of the Michodai canopy, a space for taking a rest, to the summer version that features patterns of white cranes with spread wings.
An official said he imagined how Koromogae was done in ancient times while he was engaged in the work.
He also said he wants visitors to look at the summer decor and feel the season.
AloJapan.com