Interview with the store manager Akiko Hongo
After having the model experience it, we spoke with the store manager, Ms. Hongo.
You are making original denim kimonos, right? I think it must be difficult to make a kimono out of denim.
Hongo
It was quite difficult.
When I started the shop in 2016, I only handled regular kimonos and yukatas.
But since it’s a shop in Kurashiki, I thought it would be better to say, “You can wear kimonos that you can’t rent in Kyoto or Tokyo.”
So I started making denim kimonos myself, but it was incredibly challenging.
What specific difficulties did you face?
Hongo
First, I struggled to find someone I could ask to help.
Regular kimonos are sewn by kimono tailors.
But denim fabric has to be sewn with a sewing machine, so I couldn’t ask a kimono tailor.
People who sew with a sewing machine have never made kimonos.
Somehow, I was able to start working with a denim processing company, but then the sizing became difficult.
Denim shrinks, right?
If I cut the fabric to the exact dimensions at first, it shrinks tremendously when washed, and it ends up being the size for children.
I calculate how much it shrinks and cut the fabric larger, and after going through the washing process, I sell it.
Also, halfway through, the company that had been handling the sewing and processing could no longer accommodate me, so I had to have someone else sew it.
That person had never made a kimono before, so it was really tough at first.
Now, I am asking a craftsman from the Fukiya area in Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture, which is known for bengara, to dye white denim with bengara and prepare various denim kimonos.
Is the rental of denim kimonos popular?
Hongo
Yes, it is popular.
Because you can’t wear it in other regions.
The fabric of denim kimonos is really wonderful.
It is woven very flexibly and is like Oshima Tsumugi (a high-quality silk fabric known as the queen of kimonos).
What are the characteristics of Kojima obi?
Hongo
It has a lot of firmness, so it’s easy to shape when tied.
Regular hanhaba obi tends to be floppy, but Kojima obi does not, so you can make decorative knots.
It has received a lot of praise.
It seems to go well with various kimonos.
Hongo
Because it’s denim, it really matches well.
When you’re wondering, “What kind of obi should I match with this kimono?” it feels just right to say, “Kojima obi is good” or “With Kojima obi, it will look stylish.”
It’s really handy.
The model said, “It was more comfortable than I thought and not tight at all.” Some people have memories of feeling uncomfortable when they first wore a kimono for their coming-of-age ceremony and think, “Kimonos are painful.”
Hongo
For coming-of-age ceremonies, the dressing is special, and it tends to be tied tightly to ensure it doesn’t come undone.
As a result, some people have the impression that it was “difficult to move and uncomfortable.”
But for regular kimonos, you don’t have to tie them that tightly.
Those who rented from Kimono Roman often say, “It’s not as tight as I thought, and I can move comfortably.”
That’s great to hear. Why did you start this job, Ms. Hongo?
Hongo
I worked in the clothing industry for about 20 years.
After that, I worked at a rental kimono shop, but I had to leave for various reasons.
However, kimono rental is a job that brings a lot of joy and is very fun.
I thought, “If I could do it myself,” and started my shop in 2016.
You transitioned from Western clothing to traditional clothing.
Hongo
Yes. There are similarities between kimonos and Western clothing.
Things like coordinating outfits and how wearing them changes your mood.
My consistent feeling since I was in the clothing business has been, “I want to make women look wonderful.”
A wonderful outfit really lifts your spirits.
Hongo
I want people to enjoy choosing their outfits, have fun during the dressing process, and go out feeling maximum excitement.
Kimonos are Japan's traditional clothing, so I hope more Japanese people will wear them.
It’s truly a fun job.
I love this work.
Conclusion
Wearing traditional clothing allows you to enjoy combinations that you might hesitate to try with Western clothing, and it can change your mood.
Wearing a kimono while traveling or strolling is very enjoyable!
Even those who say, “I don’t really understand kimonos” can feel at ease because they can receive advice.
Please rent a kimono from Kimono Roman and take a stroll around Kurashiki City.
- Model: Hi-kun
Data on Kimono Roman
| Name | Kimono Roman |
|---|---|
| Location | 23-1 Achi 2-chome, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 090-9502-4455 |
| Parking | None |
| Business Hours | 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM Rental acceptance until 5:00 PM Rental kimono returns until 5:30 PM |
| Regular Holidays | Irregular holidays Business calendar available on the official website and Facebook |
| Usage Fee (tax included) | Kimono rental from 3,900 yen (excluding tax) |
| Payment Methods |
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| Reservation Availability | Yes Reservations are prioritized, but can be used without a reservation |
| Toilet | Western-style toilet |
| Childcare | Can be used as a nursing room since the room can be partitioned with curtains |
| Website | Kimono Roman |
