While people are calling for people to move away from wearing kimonos, when walking around Kyoto you can often see tourists wearing rented kimonos. There seems to be a lot of interest in Japanese clothing, both Japanese and foreigners. Although I don’t have many opportunities to wear kimonos because she cannot put them on herself and she cannot move around as freely as she can with clothes, I would like to be able to casually enjoy kimono fashion like my grandmother, who was born in the Meiji era and passed away.
Kyoto, where I live, is the center of Japanese clothing culture, and Kyo Yuzen is a traditional craft that is well known nationwide. Therefore, there are many different workshops and craftsmen, and there are many opportunities to see many unique works. Meanwhile, this time we created an original technique called ”Wazome Bingata,” which is a fusion of Okinawa’s traditional pattern dyeing ”Bingata” and Kyoto Yuzen, and we are particular about handicraft throughout the entire process to ensure quality. I would like to introduce Kuriyama Kobo, which produces high quality kimono products.

Japanese dyed bingata is characterized by a harmonious combination of bold and vivid bingata and the elegance of Kyoto Yuzen, achieving both tradition and evolution in line with the times. Although division of labor is common in the kimono industry, the company handles almost all production processes in-house. Currently, the company is run by two executives, four full-time employees, and four part-time employees, and is also focusing on training young craftsmen. When craftsmen take a long break, their bodies become dull and their skills and motivation decline. Yuko Nishida, the third-generation successor and managing director, says that in order to continue producing high-quality products, it is important to never stop working. For this reason, during the coronavirus pandemic that began four years ago, the company prevented a decline in skills by creating a rotating shift system in which two-thirds of all employees went to work and the rest took time off. The company gradually slowed down its cycle and returned to full capacity last year.

The company does not sell directly, but instead sells through wholesale and retail, but says, ”If you sell directly and only have one outlet, your business will be small. ”It would be better from a managerial and technological perspective to leave it to experts and create a system in which a large number of products can be produced,” explains Nishida.
Nishida has opened ”Kuriyama Kobo Katazome Channel” on YouTube, where he introduces products, suggests coordination, and distributes various kimono-related projects. The number of posts has reached nearly 300, and the channel has gained over 3,000 subscribers. Although the number includes business partners, related parties, and acquaintances, Nishida says that having so many people supporting him is a source of strength. Due to changes in lifestyle, there are only a few people who spend their days in kimono. However, when asked if they are interested in kimono, around 80% of them answered in the affirmative. Nishida said, ”The kimono is connected to all aspects of Japanese culture, including tea ceremonies, flower arranging, and martial arts.It’s one of the things that makes you feel the beauty of Japan.I want to cherish that culture, and I want to do what I can to make it happen”. 
Kuriyama Kobo’s works will be exhibited at the 30th Fashion Cantata from KYOTO, a fashion event from Kyoto that will be held at the Kyoto Station Building on June 15th. This is a great chance to see the beautiful and elegant Japanese dyed Bingata up close.