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The Finest Material: How to Style Traditional Japanese "Blue Tsumugi" Modernly.
A lifetime blue tsumugi A lifetime choice. The deep indigo color of the traditional Japanese "Blue Tsumugi" tells the story. A lifetime blue tsumugi A Choice for Life. The deep indigo color tells the story of Japan’s traditional "Blue Tsumugi" charm. Tsumugi is known as a Japanese silk textile that requires exceptional time and labor. This Blue Tsumugi features a beautiful deep indigo blue and a matte texture that enhances the wearer's elegance. This is more than just a fash

Hamanaka Akiko
Dec 111 min read


Architectural Silk: The Modern Armor for the Urban Avant-Garde
Architectural Silk: Where tradition meets modern structure. [ 日本語で読む ] [ Lire en Français ] Today, I want to talk about "Structure." Have you seen the latest video on my Instagram? ([Link to Instagram]) This silver coat is not just a piece of clothing. It is Modern Armor . In a chaotic world, what we wear should protect us, empower us, and define our silhouette with absolute precision. The Logic of Geometry The fabric is a rare silver silk, woven with a complex geometric pat

Hamanaka Akiko
Dec 41 min read


The Immortal Silk: Why Tsumugi is Designed to Last a Century
1. The Myth of Delicate Silk When you see a price tag of $1,480, you expect a lifetime investment. But many people fear silk is too delicate, especially when it comes to vintage kimono textiles. We are here to tell you: Tsumugi Silk is the strongest, toughest silk in Japanese history. Unlike delicate Satin or shiny Crepe, Tsumugi was originally a working-class fabric worn by farmers and artisans. It was engineered not for luxury, but for longevity . TSUMUGI silk duster coat b

Hamanaka Akiko
Nov 282 min read


The Art of "Hidden Luxury": Why this Silk Coat is Worth Every Penny
Look at this Duster Coat. A deep, quiet purple Tsumugi silk. It has the dignified presence that only 70-year-old vintage Japanese silk possesses. But the true value lies "hidden" . 【Uramasari: Hidden Luxury】The shock revealed when taken off. This lining design is based on a Samurai warlord's surcoat held in the MoMA collection. A shocking, vivid red. A massive family crest ( Kamon ) boldly dyed across the back. This is the traditional Japanese aesthetic of "Uramasari" (Hidden

Hamanaka Akiko
Nov 212 min read


The Sound of Silk: Why I Resurrect 100-Year-Old Kimonos
100-year-old history. My mission is to save these treasures from being discarded. No machines. Every stitch is done by hand to let the silk breathe. Title: The Sound of Silk: Why I Resurrect 100-Year-Old Kimonos Can you imagine how much authentic silk is thrown away every single day in Japan? The amount is staggering. Among them are "Tsumugi" silks, hand-woven over 100 years ago. They are discarded simply because they don't fit modern lifestyles. In Japan, we have a word: "Mo

Hamanaka Akiko
Nov 191 min read


Transforming children's kimonos into "adult-sized" versions!
A child's kimono, revived in a timeless shade of purple. "Small memories" sleeping in the back of the dresser. Children's kimonos. They are precious garments, filled with the love of parents and grandparents, and carefully stored away in the back of the closet. However, the size, color, and pattern are all child-sized, and there's no longer an opportunity to wear them... But you probably have a strong desire to "wear it again someday" or "not let these memories go to waste."

Hamanaka Akiko
Nov 101 min read


Moon and Rabbits Obi | A Gift from Madam
Full view of the moon and rabbits obi With the arrival of a quiet autumn evening, I remembered the moon and rabbits obi graciously gifted by a Madam. Unfolding the obi, the deep, serene ground color evokes a tranquil night sky, while elegant moons and playful rabbits appear delicately, creating a gentle and peaceful atmosphere. Rabbits have long symbolized abundance and harmony, while the moon represents serenity and beauty. Together, they weave a subtle story that invites

Hamanaka Akiko
Oct 231 min read


Early Showa Era Rinzu Komon | A Kimono Passed Down from My Grandmother, Surviving the War
This purple brocade kimono from the early Showa period was inherited from my grandmother. The pale komon pattern stands out against the noble purple. When I opened my grandmother's chest of drawers, my eyes fell on a deep purple rinzu komon (fine-patterned silk kimono). This color has long been considered prestigious, and the moment I held it in my hands, I felt as if I could sense my grandmother's feelings and the elegant lifestyle of the early Showa era. The kimono was orig

Hamanaka Akiko
Oct 231 min read


Kimono and Traditional Patterns in Anime|The Timeless Elegance of Haikara-san ga Tōru
The graceful world of Haikara-san ga Tōru , where Taishō-era kimono and Western influence blend beautifully The classic anime Haikara-san ga Tōru captures the spirit of the Taishō era —a time when Western influence met the grace of Japanese tradition. The heroine’s kimono, adorned with a striking yabane (arrow feather) pattern,symbolizes determination and a bright future —just like an arrow that flies straight ahead.This design was beloved by young women of the time,represe

Hamanaka Akiko
Oct 231 min read


Arimatsu Narumi Shibori Yukata, Indigo — Tradition and Summer Cool
Arimatsu Narumi Shibori Yukata in Indigo Summer is approaching, and with it, the season for yukata. Among them, yukata dyed using the traditional Japanese technique “Arimatsu Narumi Shibori” in indigo are highly valued both in Japan and abroad. Unique tie-dye pattern handcrafted by artisans Arimatsu Narumi Shibori is a dyeing technique with over 400 years of history in the Nagoya region, Aichi Prefecture. Artisans tie threads around the fabric before dyeing, creating unique

Hamanaka Akiko
Oct 221 min read


Autumn Chestnut Rice Made in Kimono - A Small Treat in Everyday Life
Today's special edition is about making chestnut rice, a taste of autumn, while wearing a kimono. Even ordinary household chores become a little more special when you put on a kimono. It's a happy moment to be surrounded by the scent of the season and listen to the sound of the rice slowly cooking. Chestnuts are carefully peeled, giving off the scent of autumn.。 🌰 Starting with peeling chestnuts, slowly Chestnut rice is slowly cooked. The sound of the rice makes you feel the

Hamanaka Akiko
Oct 221 min read


Tokyo's hand-painted Yuzen kimono: Edo toys and treasure-filled patterns embodied in playfulness
A black long kimono hand-painted in Tokyo Yuzen with an elegant design of Edo toys and treasures. To mark the beginning of autumn, we have spread out our Tokyo-hand-painted Yuzen kimonos. The base color is a deep black that fits in well with the modern era. On top of that are painted Edo toys and treasure patterns. Edo toys are a symbol of the play that once brought smiles to children's faces. The treasure boxes are filled with wishes for good luck, wisdom, prosperity, and mo

Hamanaka Akiko
Oct 221 min read


Chikusen Long Board Medium Indigo Dyed Yukata | A detailed summer piece depicting the 53 Stations of the Tokaido in indigo
A long, medium-sized indigo-dyed yukata from Chikusen. This beautiful piece is meticulously dyed with genuine indigo to depict the 53 Stations of the Tokaido. As this summer comes to an end, I have put away my Chikusen long board medium-sized indigo dyed yukata from my dresser. This yukata is a delicate piece of work, meticulously dyed with indigo to depict the 53 Stations of the Tokaido . The detailed depictions of post towns and travelers seem to capture the scenery of the

Hamanaka Akiko
Oct 221 min read



Hamanaka Akiko
Oct 221 min read


A kimono with all-dyed ties inherited from my mother | An elegant look to enjoy in autumn and winter
The all-dyed kimono I inherited from my mother is attractive for its beautiful pattern that catches your eye at first sight and its soft texture. When worn in the depths of autumn or the stillness of winter, the three-dimensionality and colors of the shibori stand out even more, and you can enjoy its appearance as if it blends into the seasonal atmosphere. This kimono features beautiful all-over tie-dye patterns that shine in the autumn and winter light. The tie dyed pattern

Hamanaka Akiko
Oct 222 min read


Old kimonos connect people. A small, sustainable circle: "Kimono Relay"
Connecting thoughts from person to person. A gentle recycling project has begun in which kimonos are reborn in new forms. It's called "Kimono Relay." It's a story of how old kimonos are given new life as they are passed from hand to hand. Kimonos are passed on from person to person. A relay that began with a single kimono I received some old kimonos from someone, and I re-tailored one of them and gave it to one of my students. The student then gave me her old undershirt, sayi

Hamanaka Akiko
Oct 102 min read


The beauty of an antique visiting kimono is brought back to life through re-tailoring - a piece that connects memories to the future
Antique formal kimono are attractive for their colors, patterns, and textures that are not found in modern kimonos. However, over time, the measurements may no longer fit, or the fabric may become loose. In such cases, we recommend having it re-tailored. By having a cherished formal kimono re-tailored, you can breathe new life into it and revive it into a piece that suits modern life. Kimono are clothing that can be re-tailored, so you can wear your memories. Also, when you f

Hamanaka Akiko
Oct 22 min read
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