Alisa's Kimono Room
Kimono lesson and consulting
My Story
Bringing Japan's Kimono Art to the World
My Adventure with Kimono Became a Lifelong Journey
I started learning kimono dressing with a simple thought: 'Would people abroad be happy to see me in a kimono?'
Contrary to my simple motivation, I was quickly captivated by the history, the deep sentiments embedded within, and the artistry of kimonos. Who would have thought that my adventure with kimonos would become a lifelong journey?
Through my kimono dressing journey, I witnessed not only the beautiful aspects of traditional culture but also the harsh reality of an industry struggling to survive.
The common challenges in craftsmanship, such as the aging of artisans and the shortage of successors leading to the loss of skills, are also present in the kimono industry.
At this rate, kimonos will become mere artifacts displayed in museums, a relic of the past.
This is a significant issue already in progress. I want to share the excitement of wearing a kimono and the joy of wearable art with people a thousand years from now. To achieve this, I aim to bring this art to the world and let as many people as possible know about its charm.
With this desire in mind, I have opened 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.
