Do you remember the last time you wore a kimono?
I think few people wear kimono regularly outside of major life milestones such as coming-of-age ceremonies and weddings. I, too, have always thought of kimono as something “special,” and feel that I rarely get the chance to wear one—or even see one in everyday life.
“Takehime,” located in the Bikan Historical Area, is a brand that specializes in design cutting and remaking kimono dresses, originating in Mabi and the first of its kind in Okayama. The clothes and accessories made from kimono are all stylish items that are easy to incorporate into everyday life.
Looking at the remade items displayed at Takehime, kimono, which once felt so distant, begin to feel familiar.
I visited Takehime to learn about the new appeal of kimono.
The information provided was current when this article was published in June 2024. Please note that it may differ from current information.
About the kimono remake brand “Takehime”
Takehime is located in the Bikan Historical Area, about a 10-minute walk from JR Kurashiki Station.
The shop is lined with colorful items, creating a space where you can appreciate the elegance and vibrancy unique to kimono. You can pick up the items and take your time looking at them.
I used to feel that kimono were something distant, but seeing them transformed into familiar items such as pouches and reusable bags made me think, “I could use these every day.”
Takehime also remakes kimono brought in by customers.
Even a kimono that “means a lot to you but you never get a chance to wear” can be transformed into an item you can easily use every day.
The shop also sells fabric for remaking, so you can choose your favorite kimono fabric and the item you want made, and order a one-of-a-kind remake.
Takehime’s shop opened in August 2023, but the brand itself dates back to April 2011.
The remake business began when M2, a hair salon in Mabi that preceded Takehime, started making kimono dresses using rental kimono. The salon was temporarily closed due to the heavy rains in July 2018, but it made a comeback with support from local residents.
The name Takehime combines “take” (bamboo), inspired by a specialty product of Mabi, where the hair salon was originally located, and “hime” (princess), inspired by kimono dresses, to evoke a modern-day Princess Kaguya.
Features and appeal of remade items that preserve the original qualities of kimono
Every item at Takehime is one of a kind in design.
Even items made from the same kimono have different patterns depending on where the fabric is cut, so you can find an item that is truly unique.
The kimono used for remaking are often woven from silk, and retain silk’s characteristic smooth feel and sheen, with every remade item carrying on the appeal of the original kimono. Many customers also love how comfortable they are to wear.
I also got to try on a kimono aloha shirt. It was lighter than I expected, and perhaps thanks to its vibrant pattern, it made my face look brighter. I felt that traditional Japanese patterns go very well with Western-style clothing.
Remade items can be taken to a dry cleaner, or washed at home using detergent for silk. However, they can change over time, such as fading, so they require extra care if you want to keep wearing them for a long time.
The shop staff told me:
“Recently, functional items that can be tossed into the washing machine without a second thought have been popular, so I thought the care required for kimono would be a drawback. But I’m surprised that so many customers appreciate it as part of what makes kimono special.”
They added that the extra care may be what makes people cherish the items and grow attached to them.
Kimono remake items
Here are some of the items that caught my eye.
Kimono dresses and jackets
The first thing to catch your eye when you enter the shop is the vibrant kimono dress worn by a mannequin.
The kimono dress was also the item that inspired Takehime to start its remake business.
From the fine sewing techniques to the way the hem flares, the more you look, the more you notice the care put into every detail, and the craftsmanship is impressive. I was told that matching the patterns to the shape of the dress is extremely difficult.
Another item worth mentioning alongside the kimono dress is the kimono jacket. Since each jacket is made from two women’s kimono, you can enjoy a unique combination of patterns.
The jacket on the left, made from a regular kimono, makes a striking impression, while the jacket on the right, made from Oshima Tsumugi, a traditional kimono from Amami Oshima, has a chic and elegant look.
A wedding photo shoot in a kimono dress and jacket would make for a special picture that you’re unlikely to see anyone else wearing.
Kimono aloha shirts
The shop staff told me, “These have been popular lately,” referring to these aloha shirts.
They are popular with customers from overseas, too, and sales have started to increase since around spring.
The bold Japanese patterns go perfectly with the casual aloha shirt style, making them easy to wear every day. You can style them in various ways, such as wearing them open as a light layer or on their own, making them a versatile addition to your wardrobe.
There are many patterns to choose from, so it’s fun to find a shirt that suits you.
Accessories such as business card holders and pouches
A variety of accessories are also made from remade kimono, in addition to clothing.
The kimono shoulder bag has a shape and design that go well with Western-style clothing, making it suitable for a variety of occasions. The kimono fabric is protected by a clear case, which helps keep it clean.
The inner pouch can also be swapped out, so you can change the design to match your outfit for the day.
The pouch is easy to use on its own, but it can also be used as a bag, so you can enjoy it for a long time without getting tired of it.
There were also items that seemed suitable for business settings, such as ties and business card holders.
Though understated, they have a distinct presence and convey the Japanese sense of “iki” (refined style). They could also make for an interesting conversation starter.
Takehime offers kimono remade items that seem suitable for all kinds of occasions, as well as everyday use.
How did this kimono remake apparel brand, visited not only by tourists but also by local residents, come about?
We spoke with store manager Warabino Yuichiro.
kimono remake shop “Takehime” Information
| Name | Kimono remake shop “Takehime” |
|---|---|
| Address | Room 204, 2-25-45 Achi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 050-8890-3909 |
| Parking | None |
| Hours | 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. |
| Closed | Monday Open when Monday is a public holiday Please check Instagram for the latest business schedule |
| Payment methods |
|
| Website | Takehime |
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