Interview with Store Manager Yuichiro Warabino
I spoke with Store Manager Yuichiro Warabino of Takehime about the inspiration behind the birth of Takehime and future prospects.
"Takehime" was born from a beauty salon in Mabi
What inspired the creation of kimono remakes?
Warabino
My mother-in-law originally ran a beauty salon called "M2" in Mabi, where she also rented kimonos for coming-of-age ceremonies and weddings.
As we continued to offer rentals and dressing services, the number of kimonos we had increased significantly, but with the increase, there were kimonos that were rarely used, and I felt it was a waste to have kimonos that weren't being worn.
So, I thought, "If I make dresses from kimonos, there might be more opportunities for them to be worn," and that’s how the kimono remakes started. The first thing I made was a dress.
I started making kimono dresses over ten years ago, and at that time, I think it was quite rare in society.
While running the beauty salon, my mother-in-law also exhibited kimono dresses at events in Tokyo and was even approached about going overseas. However, it was difficult to balance with the main business of the salon, so for a while, we continued with rentals without opening a retail store.
At first, it was only rentals. Mabi experienced heavy rain in July 2018; did you suffer any damage?
Warabino
In the heavy rain disaster, the beauty salon was completely submerged. Most of the kimonos and dresses were ruined, and there was a period when we couldn't recover the store and couldn't operate.
However, we quickly received requests from local customers saying, "We want you to open the store" and "We want to get our hair cut soon." Since the beauty salon had been in the community for many years, it seems there were various voices from customers. Perhaps both the customers and the salon were victims of the disaster, making it easier to talk to each other.
One month after the disaster, we resumed operations at a temporary store in Tamashima, and a year and a half later, we built a new store in Mabi and returned.
After the beauty salon was revived, how did you come to open the Takehime store?
Warabino
After the disaster, there were hardly any kimonos available for rent, but some customers brought in several kimonos, and I was thinking about what we could do with the kimonos we received.
At that time, I was working for an apparel company, and I mentioned to my mother-in-law, "If we make a kimono jacket that can be worn as a tuxedo to match the kimono dress, we could create something really cool that other brands don't have." So, I decided to make a kimono jacket from the kimonos we received from customers.
When I saw the first completed kimono jacket, I thought it was really cool.
I thought, "There must be people who want to borrow and wear this!"
From there, I gradually started helping out at the store, and my mother-in-law told me, "I want to open a store for kimono remakes and would like to entrust it to you," so I quit my job and began preparing as the store manager of Takehime.
We gradually increased new remade products such as jackets, eco bags, ties, and aloha shirts, and made it possible to sell remade products other than kimono dresses, leading to the opening of Takehime in August 2023.
Customer reactions to kimono remakes
What items have received particularly positive feedback from customers?
Warabino
Customers particularly enjoy the remade products made from kimono fabrics they select on the spot.
For small items, we can make them in the store, so orders can be made with the fabric of your choice.
For example, if customers stop by the store to place an order before sightseeing in the Bikan Historical Area, we can make the item while they are out, and hand over the finished product when they leave.
Many people are pleased to have them as souvenirs or travel mementos. Seeing their happy faces makes me happy as well.
I had the impression that kimonos are heavy, but they are lighter and more comfortable than I imagined.
Warabino
That's right, kimonos are surprisingly thin and light.
Kimonos worn for weddings or coming-of-age ceremonies have linings, so they feel thicker, and many people have the impression that they are difficult to move in because of the obi (sash). However, the kimono itself is not that heavy. Many people are surprised when they try them on.
I want to deliver remade products overseas someday
Please tell us about the future prospects of the store.
Warabino
First, I want to increase the variety of items so that people can enjoy various combinations with kimono remakes.
I also want to raise brand awareness, so I am considering creating a system that allows people living far away to bring in kimonos for remakes and developing an e-commerce site aimed at overseas customers.
Eventually, I want to showcase kimono remakes on international stages.
At first, it may be the theory to spread kimono remakes in Japan, but seeing the reactions of customers from overseas, I realized that they find the charm of kimonos refreshing, so I want to take on the challenge.
Right now, I am preparing to participate in Japan Expo.
Finally, please give a message to the readers.
Warabino
I want Takehime to be a brand that allows people to enjoy kimonos casually through remade products.
I hope you will incorporate kimonos into your daily outfits, and I would be happy if you could remake kimonos that have sentimental value and use them in your everyday life, so I hope you will take an interest in kimono remakes.
Also, I want to create a store where not only the brand and products but also we, the staff, can be liked.
When you go home and hold the remade products, I hope you remember us... I want to provide memorable customer service, so please come and visit the store.
Conclusion
The kimono remakes at Takehime are all easy to use in daily life, and they seem to blow away the concept of kimonos being "something to wear on special occasions" or "heavy and stiff."
The unique designs that are one-of-a-kind also seem to be a point of attachment.
From kimono dresses to all items, the craftsmanship that has been carefully considered shines through, and I felt the unique charm that Takehime creates.
Additionally, the staff at the store provide detailed explanations of the items, so I think shopping time can be enjoyable, including the conversations.
Even incorporating just one item into your outfit can significantly enhance its elegance.
Why not enjoy the fashion of kimonos through Takehime's items?
Data on Kimono Remake "Takehime"
| Name | Kimono Remake "Takehime" |
|---|---|
| Address | 204, 2-25-45 Achi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 050-8890-3909 |
| Parking | None |
| Business Hours | 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Regular Holidays | Monday If Monday is a holiday, we will be open Please check the latest business schedule on Instagram |
| Payment Methods |
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| Website | Takehime |
