The editor-in-chief of Kimono-en wears kimonos in her everyday life and channels her passion for this traditional clothing into her writing as she travels to textile production regions across Japan. She engages directly with the artisans, carefully interviewing them to learn about their techniques, materials, and the local traditions and environment in which they work, so that she can share their stories through her articles.

For example, the 300-year-old traditional dyeing technique of Kyo-Yuzen, which originated in Kyoto, is still practiced today. It involves meticulously painting each motif directly onto white silk fabric, stroke by stroke. The colors applied to the tip of the brush shift subtly with the artisan’s artistic sensitivity and experience, bringing motifs such as flowers and flowing water to life.
In Niigata, the traditional technique of yuki-sarashi, or snow bleaching, has long been practiced. This traditional technique harnesses nature’s power to bleach and sterilize hemp textiles, utilizing the UV rays reflected by the snow and the meltwater. It remains as a symbol of the wisdom and aesthetic sense unique to Japan’s snow country.

The craftsmanship of these artisans reflects an uncompromising aesthetic sense, rooted in traditions handed down through generations. This unwavering spirit contributes to the profound beauty and elegance of Japanese textiles.

Kimono-en features a Shop Guide section curated with each editor’s discerning eye for beauty. The articles highlight various shops, ranging from long-established kimono boutiques with over 400 years of history to well-curated vintage kimono shops. More than just prices and products, the passion of the shop owners is thoughtfully conveyed, making it approachable even for first-time kimono buyers. It serves as a reliable resource for kimono shopping, helping you find the perfect souvenir from your trip.

Another key feature of Kimono-en is the Textile Encyclopedia, a collection that covers traditional kimono dyeing and weaving crafts passed down throughout Japan, from Hokkaido to Okinawa. “Traditional crafts” refers to artisanal work rooted in specific regions designated by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry. These works embody Japanese life and culture and are crafted by the hands of artisans who preserve techniques handed down through generations.

What makes the Textile Encyclopedia special is its organization of the history, regional characteristics, and cultural aspects of traditional crafts. It can serve as a cultural guide, enabling you to apply the knowledge you have acquired to turn your journey into an unforgettable experience, cherishing the regions and their traditions in your heart.

Kimono, Japan’s unique traditional attire, represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship, embodying both wisdom and aesthetic sensibility. Kimono-en shares the stories woven into kimono with the world, both as an introduction to authentic kimono culture and as a way to help carry the artisans’ traditions into the future.

Kimono-en also runs an online shop, Kimono Galleria, allowing customers to enjoy the beauty of kimono firsthand. Vintage kimonos, selected by the editorial team, are available for secure purchase, even from overseas. These unique and timeless pieces are true works of art. Experience the joy of cherishing your travel memories and appreciation for culture through a beautifully crafted kimono.

On Kimono-en’s official Instagram account, the editor-in-chief shares photos of herself wearing kimonos according to each production area she visits for her articles, along with anecdotes from ateliers. She also introduces different ways to style kimonos for special occasions, such as dining at a restaurant or visiting a museum.

Through her posts, she goes beyond simply showcasing seasonal kimono styles; she also shares insights from artisans and captures the atmosphere of their ateliers, which cannot be fully conveyed through articles alone.

Kimono-en is a web magazine that connects the artisans behind the creation of kimono, the shops that offer them, and the people wearing them worldwide. Whether you are seeking reliable information about kimono, wishing to deepen your understanding of the culture, or need inspiration for a trip, you can immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of kimono.