They aim to help reduce the social issue of kimono waste and encourage people to incorporate the traditional Japanese culture of kimono into their daily lives…

Founded in 2021, Colorful Studio Co., Ltd. operates several businesses, including the recycled kimono specialty store Chūemon, the adult-cute fashion brand KEI Collection, and the hands-on craft workshop Rubella at Lake Hamana.

At Chūemon, which has a nearly 100-year history in selling recycled kimonos, the company has recently launched new initiatives such as kimono rentals and a recycled kimono remake service.

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

This time, we’re shining a spotlight on Chūemon, the recycled kimono specialty store operated by Colorful Studio Co., Ltd.!

The Beginning of Colorful Studio Co., Ltd.

Ms. Kumiko Hakamada, President and CEO of Colorful Studio Co., Ltd., pursued a diverse career after graduating from university. She worked as a high school teacher and later in PR companies, business schools, and international schools, handling public relations and engaging in marketing-related roles.

While working in Tokyo, she nurtured the desire to someday start a business in her hometown.

In 2019, through a fortunate connection, she took over the Rubella Hands-On Craft Workshop and took her first steps as an entrepreneur in Hamamatsu.

Later, in November 2023, she entered the kimono business by taking over the Chūemon Recycled Kimono operations.

Today, Colorful Studio thrives as a company managing a diverse range of businesses, including the kimono business, apparel business, and the operation of hands-on craft workshops.

Chūemon: Recycled Kimono Specialty Store

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

They offer a wide variety of recycled kimonos, including furisode, homongi, kurotomesode, irotomesode, komon, tsumugi, and Oshima tsumugi.

Chūemon also offers a wide range of obi and accessories, allowing for endless styling combinations.

Their recycled kimonos are available through the online shop, and updates on new arrivals and featured items are shared via Instagram and YouTube, making it easy for customers to get a detailed look at the latest offerings.

Experienced staff provide careful guidance, so even beginners can shop with confidence.

Purchases can also be made through the official online shop.

Visit the Official Online Shop: Chuemon Main Store Online Store

Kimonos as Everyday Wear: Easy-to-Use Remade Kimonos

Since November 2023, Colorful Studio Co., Ltd. has taken over the management of the recycled kimono specialty store Chūemon through a business succession.

Even high-quality recycled kimonos can sometimes be discarded if they have minor stains or slightly short sleeves.

“By finding ways to pass on valuable kimonos—carefully woven by artisans with silk threads—without diminishing their worth, we are taking on new challenges such as remaking them,” says President Hakamada.

Additionally, with the aim of helping people who aren’t usually familiar with kimonos incorporate them naturally into daily life, they launched the website BUENVIVIR in August 2024, offering remade kimono products.

Currently, BUENVIVIR is offering trial sales of unique items such as kimono aloha shirts, as well as skirts, sets, and pants.

The name BUENVIVIR conveys the idea of “living in harmony with nature” and enjoying a “good life.”

“Every kimono and obi carries its own history, reflecting which artisans created it, in which era, and with what intentions. We remake these proud pieces of history through the hands of modern craftsmen, transforming them into items that can be easily enjoyed in everyday life,” she explained.

Bringing the World of Kimonos into Everyday Life: Selected Remade Products

Kimono Remake Set-Up – Black × Gold PLANT

A stylish set-up featuring a black silk base adorned with elegant gold plant patterns.

Beneath its artistic beauty, the lining contrasts playfully with a vibrant red against the black exterior.

This set-up is perfect for parties, special events, dates, or gatherings with friends, adding a touch of elegance to any occasion.

Kimono Aloha Shirt – Unisex, Sakura MOSS0812

A one-of-a-kind aloha shirt remade from silk chirimen komon fabric.

The bright moss-green fabric, adorned with colorful and playful cherry and plum blossoms, features the textured surface unique to chirimen silk, making it resistant to wrinkles, supple, and durable.

You can also enjoy the distinctive charm of its traditional dyeing.

Kimono Remake Long Skirt – Bingata Style PP0812

This long skirt, remade from high-quality pure silk, offers a light, comfortable feel and a soft, luxurious touch against the skin.

The skirt features an elastic waistband for easy adjustment and combines deep black silk with a subtle purple Bingata-style pattern for a striking contrast.

You can check sizes and more details on the website☆

Since many remade items are one-of-a-kind, please note they may sell out.

BUENVIVIR official website: https://kimono-buenvivir.com/

Why Not Try a Kimono Rental for a Stroll Around Town?

The recycled kimono specialty store Kaneta Chūemon offers a “Kimono Rental for Walking Around Town” plan, which includes dressing assistance.

The kimono rental plan runs from October to May, while the yukata plan is available from June to September, with flexibility to choose depending on the weather.

A great feature of this recycled kimono store is that if you fall in love with the kimono you try, you can purchase it on the spot.

Why not enjoy a stroll around town in a kimono and experience a slightly different everyday vibe☆

▽For more details▽

Walk around the city in a rented kimono: https://www.inhamamatsu.com/japanese/shopping/rental-kimono.php

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

Their collection stands out for offering everything from trendy designs to retro and valuable kimonos, made possible by their expertise as a recycled kimono specialty store.

▽For more details▽

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

Collaboration Between Recycled Kimono Store “Kaneta Chūemon” and Hands-On Craft Workshop “Rubella”

The process of making a kimono-scrap wreath is very simple.

Participants just choose colorful kimono fabric pieces and insert them into their preferred spots on a wreath-shaped base.

Some participants created wreaths in traditional Christmas colors like red, while others expressed their individuality with combinations like pink × blue or even fan-favorite (“oshi”) colors.

By swapping out optional decorations, these wreaths can easily transform from Christmas-themed to New Year decorations!

Creating a “one-of-a-kind original wreath” from kimono scraps gives new life to old fabrics in a unique and personal way.

At Rubella’s hands-on craft workshop, visitors can also enjoy a variety of experiences, such as making bracelets using power stones or glass beads, as well as creating necklaces, earrings, miniature domes, and gel candles.

Why not create your own unique, personalized items that showcase your individuality?

▽For more details▽

Hands-On Craft Workshop “Rubella”: https://www.ruber-hamanako.com/workshop/

A message from Kumiko Hakamada, President of Colorful Studio, to our readers:

Thanks to everyone’s support, Chūemon, which is approaching its 100th anniversary, along with our various other ventures, aims to contribute to creating a sustainable society where everyone can live comfortably.

Our staff is here to provide personalized support to meet your needs, so please feel free to come and visit us anytime.

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We hope you enjoyed this feature.

This article highlighted Kaneta Chūemon, the recycled kimono specialty store operated by Colorful Studio.

If you think wearing a kimono feels out of reach, we encourage you to visit the store!

The shop offers a wide selection of affordable recycled kimonos, making it easy to find something that suits you.

This New Year, why not try spending the day in a kimono and enjoy a fresh, elegant atmosphere?

[Colorful Studio Co., Ltd.]

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

Phone: 053(454)3660

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