Have you ever reached for your obijime (a cord tied over the obi) and paused, thinking, “Wait, is this how it goes?” Even when we were first learning kitsuke (dressing in kimono), we only knew the basic knot, and struggled to copy the lovely knots we’d seen in photos. As it turns out, the basic knot and the kanau knot aren’t the only ways to tie an obijime. Today, let’s go through the basic knot and then explore the variations that branch out from it, along with the occasions each one suits, one by one.
The Knot Changes the Impression, Not the Formality
Here’s something reassuring to know up front. The formality of an obijime — that is, how it matches the formality of the kimono — is actually determined not by the way it’s tied, but by how it’s braided or woven. Flat braids (hiragumi), round braids (marugumi), thin cords (sanbu-himo), and so on each fall into formal or casual categories depending on their construction. The knot itself is better thought of as something that changes the visual impression or overall mood of your look — once you see it that way, choosing becomes much easier. If you’d like a fuller rundown of obijime and obiage (a fabric accent above the obi) formality and color coordination, see How to Choose Obijime and Obiage: The Basics of Formality and Color Matching.
The Basics of the Standard Knot
When people think of tying an obijime, this standard (hon-musubi) knot is usually the first one that comes to mind. You cross the two cords, pull them snug, then loop and finish once more — simple, but it holds firmly and finishes neatly. It works for both formal and casual occasions, making it the true “ABCs” of obijime knots. When in doubt, mastering this one will see you through.
Incidentally, some people search using the term “fude-musubi” (brush knot), but in most cases this actually refers to the same standard knot — just a different name for an identical technique.
Other Types of Knots Beyond the Standard One
Once you’re comfortable with the standard knot, it’s fun to try a few different looks.
The kotobuki knot looks quite similar to the standard knot, but its distinguishing feature is that the tassels point upward. Because the knot flows from bottom to top, it’s cherished as an auspicious, celebratory knot.
The ichimonji knot tucks the tassels inward so the cord appears as a single straight line — like the character for “one.” It’s also handy when your obijime happens to be a little on the short side.
There is an important caveat here, though: both the kotobuki knot and the ichimonji knot only work with flat-braided (hiragumi) obijime. They won’t turn out the same way with round braids or thin cords, so it’s worth checking how your obijime is constructed before you attempt either one.
Another knot often used with furisode (a long-sleeved formal kimono) is the fuji knot. It creates a crisp, polished impression and suits festive occasions such as seijin-shiki (the Coming-of-Age ceremony) beautifully. There are plenty of other playful furisode obijime arrangements too, such as the tama-musubi (ball knot) and ribbon knot — if you’re curious, it’s worth checking articles on preparing for seijin-shiki as well.
When the Kanau Knot Comes Into Play
Now, about the kanau knot mentioned in the title — this is actually a fairly unusual choice for obijime! It’s far more commonly seen as a way to tie haori-himo (the decorative cord fastened at the chest of a haori jacket), but using it for an obijime is much less common. Even specialist kimono shop (gofukuten) examples have noted comments like “this is the first time I’ve seen it used on an obijime.”
The name kanau is said to come from the shape of the knot: viewed from the front it resembles the character read kuchi, meaning “mouth,” and from the back it resembles the character read ju, meaning “ten.” Put the two together and you get the character read kanau, meaning “to come true” or “to be granted.” It’s a small bit of trivia worth remembering — the kind of thing you’ll want to share with someone.
So, if you’re thinking of trying a kanau knot on your obijime, it’s best approached as a creative arrangement rather than a standard choice. Bringing a knot you’re used to seeing on haori-himo over to your obijime gives your look a distinctive, stylish edge.
Choosing a Knot for the Occasion
With all these knots in mind, the way to choose is actually fairly simple. When in doubt, go with the standard knot. For celebratory occasions where you want to invoke good fortune, choose the kotobuki knot. If your obijime is too short, the ichimonji knot comes to the rescue (both limited to flat-braided obijime). For a glamorous furisode look, the fuji knot is the way to go. And when you want to add a touch of individuality, the kanau knot is a fun arrangement to try. Thinking of them in this order makes them easy to remember.
Once you’ve tied your knot, how you handle the leftover tassels matters more than you might think. The convention is to tuck the tassels from bottom to top for celebratory occasions, and from top to bottom for occasions of mourning. Paying attention to the direction of the tassels, not just the knot itself, makes your whole look come together beautifully. If you find your tassels tend to fray or come undone, you may also want to bookmark Why Do Obijime Tassels Fray or Spread Out? Fixes and Prevention Tips.
In Closing
Obijime knots aren’t limited to just the standard knot and the kanau knot — there’s also the kotobuki knot, the ichimonji knot, the fuji knot, and more, each suited to different occasions and types of obijime. Remember that the braid determines formality, while the knot determines impression — keeping this distinction in mind will make choosing your obijime knot far more enjoyable from now on. Start by mastering the standard knot, then gradually expand your repertoire to match your mood and the occasion.