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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


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


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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