My Story
Bringing Japan's Kimono Art to the World
My Adventure with Kimono Became a Lifelong Journey
I began learning kimono dressing with a simple thought: "Would people abroad be happy to see me in a kimono?"
What started as a casual curiosity quickly turned into a deep passion. I became captivated not only by the beauty of kimonos but also by their rich history, the emotions woven into each piece, and the incredible artistry behind them.
Who would have thought that my initial interest would evolve into a lifelong journey?
As I continued my journey with kimono, I came to see both its beauty and the harsh reality of an industry struggling to survive. Like many traditional crafts, the kimono industry faces serious challenges—aging artisans, a lack of successors, and the gradual loss of invaluable skills.
If this continues, kimonos may one day become nothing more than museum artifacts, a relic of the past.
This is not a distant problem; it is happening now. I want future generations, even a thousand years from today, to experience the excitement of wearing a kimono and the joy of appreciating it as wearable art.
To make that dream a reality, I am committed to sharing this cultural treasure with the world and inspiring as many people as possible to embrace its beauty.
With this passion in my heart, I founded this class.
About
Alisa Yamawaki
Artisans Co. Ltd., Founder & CEO
Kimono Consultant, Japan Kimono Association, Master Shihan 上級師範
After graduating from the University of Tokyo's Graduate School, Alisa began a career as a system engineer at a major securities company.
Following participation in national projects in Myanmar and various global projects in Vietnam, the United States, and other countries, Alisa became an expat in the Hong Kong branch to lead a development team.
Upon returning to Japan, Alisa continued a career as a financial IT consultant at a Big4 consulting firm and started learning kimono dressing as a hobby. Captivated by the history and artistry of kimono, Alisa obtained an advanced instructor qualification from the Japan Kimono Association.
While working as a kimono dressing instructor on weekends, Alisa noticed the aging of kimono artisans and craftsmen and the shortage of successors, prompting a search for ways to support the kimono industry.
During a nearly year-long stay in the United States as a consultant, Alisa witnessed the popularity of Japanese culture and became convinced that there are opportunities for kimono artisans and craftsmen to thrive internationally. This realization led to the decision to start a business.
With a mission to create crafts not limited to kimono but essential for modern life, thereby expanding business opportunities for artisans and craftsmen worldwide and evolving kimono into a sustainable industry, Alisa founded Artisans Co. Ltd.
