They aim to help reduce the growing problem of kimono waste and inspire people to enjoy kimono as part of everyday life…

Founded in 2021, Colorful Studio Co., Ltd. operates several unique businesses, including “Chūemon,” a specialty store for recycled kimono, “KEI Collection,” offering cute fashion for adults, and “Ruber,” a hands-on craft workshop on Lake Hamana.

“Chūemon,” with nearly 100 years of experience in selling recycled kimono, has recently launched new initiatives, including a kimono rental service and a business for remaking recycled kimono.

Through these initiatives, the company aims to help reduce the amount of kimono waste—a growing social issue—and hopes to encourage people to incorporate kimono, a cherished part of Japan’s traditional culture, into their everyday lives.

Let’s take a closer look at Colorful Studio’s recycled kimono specialty store, Chūemon♪

The Beginning of Colorful Studio

Ms. Kumiko Hakamada, President and CEO of Colorful Studio Co., Ltd., began her career after graduating from university as a high school teacher.

She later worked in PR, business schools, and international schools, handling public relations and marketing.

While working in Tokyo, she nurtured the idea of starting a business in her hometown.

Through a fortunate connection, she took over the Ruber Hands-On Craft Workshop in 2019.

She took her first steps as a business owner in Hamamatsu.

Then, in November 2023, she expanded into the kimono business by taking over Chūemon, a recycled kimono store.

Today, the company is active in a wide range of areas, including the kimono business, apparel, and the operation of hands-on craft workshops.

Chūemon – Recycled Kimono Specialty Store

Founded in 1926, Chūemon is a long-established specialty store for recycled kimono.

They offer a wide variety of recycled kimono, including furisode, houmongi, kurotomesode, irotomesode, komon, and tsumugi such as Oshima tsumugi.

They also offer a wide variety of obi and kimono accessories, giving you plenty of options to mix and match.

Recycled kimono are also available through their online shop, and updates on new arrivals and featured items are shared via Instagram and YouTube videos—making it easy to get a detailed look at the kimono.

With experienced staff providing careful guidance, even beginners can feel comfortable and confident when visiting.

You can also purchase items through the official online shop.

 Official Online Shop: Chuemon Main Store Online Store

Why not try strolling around town in a rental kimono?

At the recycled kimono specialty store Kaneta Chūemon, they offer a “Rental Kimono Town-Walking Plan” that includes dressing assistance.

The kimono plan is available from October to May, and the yukata plan from June to September, but you can choose either option depending on the weather.

If you fall in love with the kimono you try on, you can purchase it right then and there—one of the great perks of a recycled kimono store.

Why not enjoy strolling around town in a rental kimono, experiencing a slightly different and special atmosphere from everyday life☆

▽Click here for more details▽

Dress in a Traditional Kimono and Explore the City: https://www.inhamamatsu.com/japanese/shopping/rental-kimono.php

They also operate “Kimono Life”, a popular kimono rental service for occasions such as Coming-of-Age Day, Shichi-Go-San, weddings, and graduation ceremonies.

From trendy designs to retro kimono and valuable pieces only possible at a recycled kimono specialty store, their unique selection has earned a great reputation.

▽Click here for more details▽

Kimono Rental – “Kimono Life”: https://kimono-life.com/

Collaboration Project: Recycled Kimono Store “Kaneta Chūemon” × Hands-On Craft Workshop “Ruber”

In November 2024, a workshop called “Making Wreaths from Kimono Scraps” was held at Ruber, the hands-on craft workshop operated by the company, attracting participants of all ages—from elementary school students to adults.

The process of making a wreath from kimono scraps is very simple.

Simply choose colorful kimono fabrics and tuck them into the base of the wreath wherever you like.

Participants created a wide variety of wreaths, including ones made with Christmas-themed red, playful combinations like pink and blue, and even wreaths in their favorite “oshi” colors.

By changing the optional decorations, you can easily transform a Christmas wreath into a New Year’s ornament!

Create a one-of-a-kind original wreath where kimono scraps are reborn into a new piece of art.

At Ruber’s hands-on workshop, you can also create a variety of items as part of the regular experience.

These include bracelets made by freely combining power stones and glass beads, as well as necklaces and earrings, miniature domes, and gel candles.

Why not create your own unique, personalized item?

▽Click here for more details▽

Hands-On Craft Workshop – Ruber: https://www.ruber-hamanako.com/workshop/

A Message to Our Readers from Ms. Kumiko Hakamada, President and CEO of Colorful Studio Co., Ltd.

Thanks to all of you, Chūemon is approaching its 100th anniversary.

Through this and our other ventures, we hope to contribute to creating a sustainable and inclusive society where everyone can live comfortably.

Our staff provide careful support to meet your needs, so please feel free to drop by and enjoy your visit.

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We’ve taken a closer look at Chūemon, the recycled kimono specialty store operated by Colorful Studio Co., Ltd.

If you think kimono are intimidating, we encourage you to visit the store at least once!

The store offers a wide selection of affordable recycled kimono.

This New Year, it might be fun to change things up and spend it wearing a kimono.

Colorful Studio Co., Ltd.

Address: 3-6-28 Chuo, Chuo-ku, Hamamatsu-shi

Phone: 053-454-3660

Official website: https://www.colorful-studio.jp/

Photo Credit: Colorful Studio Co., Ltd.