Koshihimo

Koshihimo, or koshi-himo, is a waist cord or narrow belt used in traditional Japanese dress and in some martial arts training. The term literally means “waist cord” (koshi = waist, himo = cord).

In kimono dressing, the koshi-himo is employed to secure the garment around the body before the obi is tied. It helps gather and hold fabric at the waist to create the proper silhouette and to keep the kimono in place while the obi is applied. The cord is typically made of soft cotton or a synthetic material and is designed to be tied securely around the midsection, with the ends tucked or tied in a way that suits the wearer’s method. After the obi is fastened, the koshi-himo commonly remains hidden beneath the obi.

In martial arts and related training contexts, koshihimo may refer to a similar waist cord used as a teaching aid or grip drill. Its use is not universal across styles and can vary by school. When employed in training, the cord can help provide a controlled grip around the torso or serve as a temporary substitute for a belt during certain drills or demonstrations, though it is not a standardized piece of equipment in all disciplines.

Etymology and usage: koshi (waist) + himo (cord). Variants in how the cord is tied and worn exist depending on the garment style, regional practice, and the specific training tradition.