Why I Choose Vintage Kimono, Obi, and Furoshiki

Japanese kimono have long been admired around the world. For centuries, they were an everyday part of life in Japan. As Western fashion became more common, however, fewer people continued wearing kimono, and they gradually became reserved for special occasions such as weddings, festivals, and traditional ceremonies.

Today, many beautiful kimono, obi, and furoshiki are left folded away in drawers or closets. Some are even thrown away because people no longer know how to use them or no longer see their value. I have always felt that this is a great loss—not only for Japanese culture but also for the environment.

One of the things I love most about vintage Japanese textiles is their unique beauty. The colors, patterns, and craftsmanship are unlike anything we see today. Many older designs were created entirely by hand, long before digital technology existed, giving each textile a character that cannot easily be reproduced.

Furoshiki have their own special history as well. They are traditional square cloths once used to wrap and carry everyday items. Like kimono and obi, they feature beautiful patterns and remarkable craftsmanship that deserve to be appreciated rather than forgotten.

Today, the fashion industry produces enormous quantities of inexpensive clothing. Recycling technologies continue to improve, and I believe those efforts are valuable. But I also wanted to contribute in my own way.

That is why I create everyday items using vintage kimono, obi, and furoshiki. Every textile has its own history, and because many of them are no longer produced, each piece I make is truly one of a kind.

Through ENHANCE, I hope to give these beautiful Japanese textiles a second life and share a small piece of Japanese culture with people around the world.