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PASSIONEER


À la recherche du temps perdu/To alter, or not to alter — a matter of judgmen
Once undone, the work of those who came before disappears. A brown mawata tsumugi.An everyday garment, sewn by a seamstress of the Fushimi household for her own son.It is not a fine or luxurious piece. Yet the care embedded in ordinary handwork from the past is immediately apparent. More than anything, it carries the trace of a woman’s hands—hands shaped by years of service within the Imperial Household. That alone makes it a rare garment. It was given to me by a friend of

Hamanaka Akiko
6 days ago1 min read


À la recherche du temps perdu/About the structure of the garment
The structure of a garment expresses the philosophy behind it, before it even looks. Wasai (traditional Japanese sewing) and kimonos are garments that are designed to be re-tailored. They are never intended to be a "one-off" garment. This philosophy is built into every aspect of their construction. The reason they are not sewn with a sewing machine is not out of nostalgia or a celebration of handcrafted work; it is to avoid leaving stitches. Stitches made with silk and hand-s

Hamanaka Akiko
Jan 232 min read


The first story, "Yoiyami," goes to France
Passioneer's duster coat project has begun. The first kit, "Twilight," is heading to France. Bring the silence of hand-stitching to you. A fragment of silence named "Yoiyami" has departed for France. This is more than a kit; it is the first chapter of the Duster Coat Project. As the needle passes through the deep black Oshima Tsumugi silk, you are stitching back together your own "stolen time."

Hamanaka Akiko
Jan 161 min read


The Imperial Seamstress’s Legacy and the "Fuki" of 100 Years
The Rose-red Fuki: A protective border designed to be replaced, ensuring the legacy lives for a century. Why do we obsess over details that remain hidden? Shohei Ohtani famously hid his beloved dog's image inside his suit lining—this is the Japanese spirit of "Ura-masari" (Hidden Luxury). Our latest piece, "KINSHU," carries a deeper secret. It was originally hand-tailored by a master seamstress who served the Fushimi-no-miya (the Imperial branch of Japan). Every stitch pres

Hamanaka Akiko
Jan 81 min read


My Beloved Hōmongi for a Christmas Party
今年最後の着物として、華やかな訪問着を選びました。この訪問着は、冬の美しさと日本の伝統を感じさせる一枚で、雪景色と大名行列が描かれています。
色とりどりの冬の風景の色合いは淡いグレーで、全体の印象は非常に清楚です。しかし、裾には繊細な雪景色が描かれており、主役は大名行列です。

Hamanaka Akiko
Dec 26, 20252 min read


Hidden "Red" in Oshima Silk: How "Fuki" Details Define Passioneer's Couture Coats
True elegance resides in the edges. Look closely at the cuffs of our coats. A slender line of contrasting color against the main fabric. This is the traditional Japanese technique called "Fuki". It is a "secret conversation" between the designer and you. Authentic Oshima Tsumugi silk coat cuff detail, blue grid pattern with contrasting red Fuki lining This is "Oshima Tsumugi," known as the queen of Kimono textiles. It features precise geometric patterns and a deep indigo hue

Hamanaka Akiko
Dec 19, 20251 min read


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 11, 20251 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 4, 20251 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 28, 20252 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 21, 20252 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 19, 20251 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 10, 20251 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 23, 20251 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 23, 20251 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 23, 20251 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 22, 20251 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 22, 20251 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 22, 20251 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 22, 20251 min read



Hamanaka Akiko
Oct 22, 20251 min read
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