Interview with store manager Warabino Yuichiro
We spoke with Takehime store manager Warabino Yuichiro about what inspired the creation of Takehime and his plans for the future.
“Takehime” was born in a hair salon in Mabi
What inspired you to start remaking kimonos?
Warabino (name omitted)
My mother-in-law originally ran a hair salon called “M2” in Mabi, where she also rented kimonos for coming-of-age ceremonies and weddings.
As she began offering rentals and dressing services, her kimono collection grew considerably. But as the number of kimonos increased, some were rarely used, and I felt it was a waste to leave them unworn.
So I started making kimono dresses, thinking, “If we make dresses from kimonos, more people might get a chance to wear them.” That was how kimono remakes began. The first thing we made was a dress.
We started making kimono dresses more than 10 years ago, but I think they were quite unusual at the time.
While running her hair salon, my mother-in-law also exhibited kimono dresses at events in Tokyo. It seems she was even invited to take them overseas. However, it was difficult to balance that with her main business, the hair salon, so she continued renting them out for a while without opening a retail shop.
So at first, you only offered rentals. Mabi was hit by the heavy rains in July 2018. Was the salon affected?
Warabino
The floodwaters completely inundated the hair salon. Almost all the kimonos and dresses were ruined, and the shop itself could not be restored, so there was a period when we were unable to operate.
However, local customers soon told us, “Please reopen the shop” and “Please cut our hair soon.” The salon had served the local community for many years, so it seems customers had a lot to say. I think it may also have been easier for them to talk because both the customers and the salon had been affected by the disaster.
We reopened a month after the disaster at a temporary location in Tamashima, then returned to Mabi a year and a half later after building a new salon.
After the hair salon reopened, how did you come to open the Takehime shop?
Warabino
After the disaster, we had almost no kimonos available for rental, but some customers brought us several kimonos, so I was thinking about what we could do with the kimonos they had given us.
At the time, I was working for an apparel company, and I once told my mother-in-law, “If we’re making something to go with kimono dresses, we could make a kimono jacket that can be worn as a tuxedo—something stylish that no other brand has.” So we decided to make kimono jackets from the kimonos customers had given us.
When I saw the first finished kimono jacket, I thought it was really cool.
I thought, “There must be people who’d want to rent it! Wear it!”
After that, I gradually started helping out at the shop, and my mother-in-law told me, “I’m opening a shop for kimono remake items, and I’d like you to take charge.” So I left my job and began preparing to become the manager of Takehime.
We gradually added new remake items, such as jackets, eco-bags, ties, and aloha shirts, making it possible to sell items beyond kimono dresses. Takehime opened in August 2023.
How customers react to the kimono remake items
Which items get the strongest response from customers?
Warabino
Customers especially love remake items made from kimono fabric they choose on the spot.
We can make small items in the shop, so you can order one in the fabric of your choice.
For example, if you stop by the shop and place an order before sightseeing in the Bikan Historical Area, we can make your item while you’re out sightseeing and give you the finished product when you return.
Many people are delighted with them as souvenirs or keepsakes from their trip. Seeing how happy they are makes me happy too.
I thought kimonos were heavy, but this is lighter than I expected and comfortable to wear.
Warabino
That’s right. Kimonos are surprisingly thin and light.
Kimonos worn for weddings and coming-of-age ceremonies have a lining, so they feel thicker, and many people think they’re hard to move in because of the tight obi sash. But the kimono itself isn’t particularly heavy. Many people are surprised when they try one on.
Hoping to bring remake items overseas someday
What are your plans for the shop’s future?
Warabino
First, I’d like to expand our range of items so people can enjoy a variety of outfits made with kimono remakes.
I’d also like to raise awareness of the brand, so we’re considering a system that would let people who live far away send us their kimonos to be remade, as well as creating an e-commerce site for overseas customers and opening a shop abroad.
Someday, I’d like to showcase kimono remakes on the international stage.
The usual approach might be to first popularize kimono remakes in Japan, but seeing the reactions of customers from overseas has made me realize that they find the appeal of kimonos fresh and exciting, so I’d like to give it a try.
We’re currently preparing with the goal of exhibiting at Japan Expo.
Finally, do you have a message for our readers?
Warabino
I’d like to make Takehime a brand that makes it easy to enjoy kimonos through remake items.
I hope you’ll incorporate kimonos into your everyday outfits, and I’d love for you to remake a kimono that means something to you and use it regularly. I’d be happy if you became interested in kimono remakes.
I also want to make this a shop where people come to like us, the staff, as well as the brand and its products.
When you get home and pick up your remake item, I hope you’ll remember us… I’d love to offer the kind of service that stays in your heart, so please come visit the shop.
From the Writer
Every kimono remake item at Takehime is easy to use in everyday life, and they all upend the idea that kimonos are “for special occasions” or “heavy and stiff.”
Their one-of-a-kind designs, unlike anything anyone else has, are another reason to grow attached to them.
From the kimono dresses onward, every item showcases meticulous craftsmanship, and I felt that this was the unique appeal of Takehime.
The staff also explain the items carefully, so I think you can enjoy the shopping experience, including the conversation.
Even adding just one item to an outfit can greatly elevate its elegance. Kimono remakes make it easy to enjoy the style of kimonos.
Why not enjoy kimono fashion in your everyday life with items from Takehime?
kimono remake brand “Takehime” Information
| Name | Kimono remake brand “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 if Monday is a public holiday Check Instagram for the latest business schedule |
| Payment methods |
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| Website | Takehime |
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