1. Where can I buy Yukata and how much? - You may wish to check some online shops and search for "Yukata". A popular online shop among Japanese people is "Rakuten" https://global.rakuten.com/en/ . You can probably purchase a ladies' Yukata and Obi set for about $80 (not including shipping costs).
2. When do people wear Kimono in Japan? Can you wear formal Kimono by yourself? - People wear Yukata, a casual summer Kimono for going to summer festivals and for evening strolls. Yukatas are easy to put on by yourself. More formal Kimonos are worn for attending tea ceremonies, weddings, graduation parties, New Year celebrations and so on. With some practice, you may be able to wear a Kimono by yourself. However, many people require professional assistance when putting on the Kimono. Such services can be very expensive.
3. Do you take off your socks when you wear Geta (i.e. wooden clogs)? - People put on a pair of Japanese socks called Tabi when they wear the Kimono. You can wear Geta with bare feet.
4. Why does it take so long to get a black belt in karate? - Many Japanese arts such as flower arrangement, tea ceremony, calligraphy, taiko, dance, karate, judo etc. take many years to master because there are numerous levels before reaching mastery. It does not take so long to learn the basic skills.
5. How much do Japanese drums cost? - It starts at about 20,000 yen ($250). Larger and better quality drums are more expensive and can cost more than $60,000. Some are custom-made and therefore even more expensive.
6. Where can I buy calligraphy brushes and inks? - In Edmonton, there are a few Chinese stationery stores and bookstores where calligraphy brushes, paper and inks are sold.
7. Where can I buy green tea in Edmonton? - Most grocery stores sell green tea leaves. Matcha (i.e. powdered green tea for tea ceremony) is available at specialty tea stores.
8. Where can you learn Ikebana in Edmonton? - The Edmonton Japanese Community Association (EJCA) has an Ikebana Club. Please contact EJCA if you are interested. http://www.ejca.org/club-ikebana.html