KIMONO STUDIO

JAPAN made

KIMONO Studio is a kimono workshop located in Beppu City, Oita Prefecture Japan. We provide kimono consultation, experiences, and remaking services. We are working to make kimono, which is the traditional culture of Japan, which can be enjoyed by people all over the world.

What is Kimono

KIMONO is the national costume of Japan. A variety of dyeing and weaving techniques have been handed down over its long history. In addition to this there are many traditional crafts required to manufacture them. Kimono may have many classical characteristics such as seasonal and lucky patterns, traditional unique colours, and fabrics with unique textures dyed and woven with traditional techniques.

It is said that the kimono we wear today immerged during the Edo period.

In Edo, 99% of kimonos are recycled, and that wisdom is an integral part of the way kimonos are made and have been made since then.

Kimono is made from fabric which is about 36cm wide and a length of about 13m. When we make kimono, we cut the fabric into 8 sections using only straight lines. Traditionally, it is hand-stitched and sewn in almost straight lines, so you can untie the sewing thread and restore the original sections of fabric. Therefore, it is easy to adjust the size and remake. It is an eco-friendly traditional costume that can be worn for decades, being remade and passed down the generations.

About us

A Japanese dressmaker is a traditional craftsman who makes kimonos, and is a qualified person who has been certified by a national examination. Acquisition of this qualification requires high technical skills and deep experience. Only a dozen or so people can pass, the at the highest grade of 1st class Japanese dressmaker, every year.

KIMONO Studio has two first-class Japanese dressmakers who provide instruction in kimono tailoring and Japanese dressmaking.

In addition, there is one designer who has studied Japanese and western dressmaking and can give advice on how to use kimonos and remake them from both the western and Japanese perspectives.

We are a company that tailors, repair kimonos and operates a Japanese dressmaking school. The company has extensive experience in kimono and Japanese dressmaking instruction, and is able to provide explanations and instructions not only in Japanese but also in English.

Michiyo Ueno

KIMONO Designer

In charge of kimono consultation, kimono remaking and upcycling, and the kimono experience. Also, the landlord of the accommodation where you can stay for the kimono experience.

Nice to meet you.

My name is Michiyo.

I grew up in an environment surrounded by kimonos as it is the family business.

I remember being impressed every time I saw beautiful kimono cloth and a kimono made with the wonderful skills of many Japanese dressmakers.

When I went to England as a language student, I wanted to convey the wonders of kimono, so I started making and selling clothes and bags upcycled from kimono. Through making sales, I met many people and realized that there is a great interest in kimono traditions, techniques, and textiles. Now, we have started a kimono course to provide access to our knowledge and experience. By making use of our accumulated experiences and providing a place where you can learn in English through the kimono course, you can learn as much as possible about kimono. We are looking forward to meeting you.

Ed

Hello everyone, I’m Ed.

I first encountered kimono when I visited my wife, Michiyo’s parents’ house. Nowadays, the number of Japan people who wear kimono every day is decreasing. However, I think it is a really wonderful traditional costume that retains the culture. In my experience it is only after wearing Kimono that you understand the practical advantages of the clothes and their relation to the environment. People still wear kimono for traditional events and in certain professions, such as traditional flower arrangement and tea ceremony.

I myself wear samue jackets clothes every day due to the influence of my grandfather-in-law. Their ease, convenience and adaptability make them better than any other clothes!

If you think the kimono course is a little daunting, why don’t you try the samue course in which you will also learn some of the same techniques as those in the kimono course?

I love living in Beppu, it is a very welcoming place with the best hot spring facilities in Japan. The people and food are excellent and you can find everything you want to experience from Japan in this relatively small city.

Yuji

1st class Japanese dressmaker

My first encounter with washi was when I was 7 years old. It was then that my father, the founder of Koshin Wasai, started a washi school. When I was a child, I naturally became interested in kimono by helping with simple tasks. My mother taught me some skills when I was young but, it was after I graduated from university that I started training full time in kimono making techniques. It is rewarding for me to convey the skills and rewarding nature of making kimono. I also enjoy, training Japanese dressmakers, and to pass on the skills to the next generation, very much.

I would be delighted if you could learn how to make a kimono, learn the wonder and depth of kimono at Koshin Wasai’s kimono experience course.

HATSUMI

1st class Japanese dressmaker
1st class Japanese dresser

I started studying how to make kimono at 18 years old.

Through my kimono maker’s career, I started to interested in how to put on kimono as well. Therefore, I also studied this skill as well, which is a complex and technical skill. I’ve got two national qualifications as kimono maker as well as another in kimono dressing.

As I have a perspective of kimonos from both “making” and “wearing”, I think that it is my strength to make kimonos which are both comfortable and beautiful to wear.

I’m looking forward to teaching how to make kimono with you.