"Shirokuma Kimono" Project
Bridging Tradition Japan's with the Future
PROLOGUE
In recent years, it has become increasingly common to see tourists from other countries visiting Japan wearing kimonos as they stroll through the streets or pose for commemorative photos. However, many of the kimonos available for rent at tourist destinations are made of polyester, which falls short of capturing the true charm and cultural richness of authentic silk kimonos.
Moreover, in Japan, the opportunities to wear kimonos have become limited primarily to formal occasions such as weddings, funerals, or traditional lessons. Coupled with the challenges of storage and an aging population, this has led to the unfortunate trend of many authentic silk kimonos being discarded.
Solving the Difficulty
of Wearing
The primary reason kimonos have drifted away from daily life is the perceived difficulty of wearing them. For beginners and overseas visitors, the intricate process of putting on a kimono presents a significant barrier. Additionally, custom-made kimonos require considerable time to produce and come at a high cost, making them inaccessible to many.
We believed that addressing this challenge would make it easier for more overseas tourists to experience the charm of authentic kimonos. After nearly a year of trial and error, we developed an innovative kimono with a top-and-bottom separate design that anyone can put on by themselves in just five minutes.
This redesigned kimono is crafted from antique silk kimonos that would otherwise have been discarded, preserving their traditional beauty while integrating modern, easy-to-wear functionality.
Project Objectives
Preserving Japan's Traditional Culture
Breathing new life into discarded kimonos, we aim to pass on Japan's traditional culture to future generations sustainably.
Contributing
to the SDGs
Through kimono redesign, we minimize waste and actively promote a more sustainable society.
Providing Cultural Experiences
By eliminating the "difficulty of wearing a kimono," we aim to offer authentic kimono experiences to people from overseas, sharing the genuine charm of Japanese culture with the world.
BRAND CONCEPT
Bringing Japanese
Traditional Culture to the World
Shirokuma Kimono aims to revive Japan's traditional culture in the modern era and share the charm of Japanese tradition with the world. Guided by the spirit of Mottainai, our products combine traditional craftsmanship with contemporary techniques. These are more than just souvenirs—they are cherished items designed to be loved for a long time and delivered to people worldwide. The brand offers two distinct collection lines.
SDGs Collection
- Remaking antique kimonos and obi belt into easy-to-wear designs for everyone.
- Repurposing kimono and obi belt fabric scraps to create bags and other accessories.
- Sustainable products that embody Japan's "mottainai" spirit.
+ Collection
- Creating new items to complement the SDGs Collection.
- Planning to shift towards more sustainable production methods in the future.
- Proposing a new charm of Wa to fit contemporary lifestyles.
Vision for the Future
The "Shirokuma Kimono" project goes beyond simply remaking kimonos; it is an initiative to share Japan's traditional beauty and craftsmanship with the world in a new way. By transcending conventional industry boundaries and collaborating with partners across nations and fields, we aim to bring the wonders of Japanese culture to a broader global community.
Let’s work together to pass on the beauty of kimonos to the next generation and contribute to cultural exchange in the future.
