Mission Statement
The Kimono is part of Japanese traditional culture. Through the experience of getting dressed in a Kimono in the authentic and traditional Japanese way, or "Kitsuke" (dressing), we hope many people can discover their inner beauty and dignity.
Through this fantastic, legendary, Japanese cultural experience, we hope to bring happiness and peace to as many people as possible.
Through this fantastic, legendary, Japanese cultural experience, we hope to bring happiness and peace to as many people as possible.
History
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The Founder and Owner Seiko Kitagawa grew up in Japan. Since she was a little girl she had many opportunities to wear Kimonos, through her mother and grandmother, and always loved it. Seiko became a successful professional dancer and Kimono model, so she has worn many during her career.
Japanese Kimono culture played an important role in honing her sense of beauty. Now that she resides in the United States, she wants to give back to the Kimono, in a sense of gratitude for what it has taught her about beauty and self-confidence. “I feel honored and thankful to know many people who live in the United States or other countries who are interested in the Japanese Kimono. I have seen many Americans wear Kimonos at festivals or on other occasions, which they have put on by themselves. However, the Kimono is unique, traditional clothing. Only if you learn authentic Kitsuke (to dress in a Kimono), can the Kimono reveal its true beauty." “Therefore I would be honored to share my skill and knowledge about the Kimono and Kitsuke so that people can experience the genuine beauty of the Kimono. “That is why I started Japanese Kimono Dressing.” From Founder/CEO Seiko Kitagawa |
<Biography of Seiko Kitagawa>
Seiko Kitagawa is a graduate of the Japan Women's College of Physical Education. Majoring in Dance, she intensely studied various styles including Traditional Japanese choreography and posture, Jazz, Modern and Contemporary. While in college she was a Kimono Model in Hawaii, representing Ehime, the prefecture in South Western Japan where she was born and raised. Along with her Kimono modeling career she learned basic knowledge of "Kitsuke" (Kimono dressing) by Ms. Hiromi Ichida. After graduation she worked as a backup dancer for the most famous Japanese traditional "Enka" singer, Mr. Saburo Kitajima for many years. While on tour with Mr. Kitajima she learned a tremendous amount from many of Japan's most respected practitioners of "Kitsuke", as well as the art form of how to properly and elegantly wear Kimono.
As a dancer Seiko has appeared on major TV shows on NHK(Japanese TV station), talent shows as well as large music festival venues. She also appeared as a featured solo dancer for many music videos by various Japanese Performing Artists.
Seiko started "Japanese Kimono Dressing ~Ayame~" in Boston, MA in the Unites States.
She also has a Facebook page, "Watashi Style" where she displays some of her original pieces of art, as well as chronicles her experiences living in the US.
As a dancer Seiko has appeared on major TV shows on NHK(Japanese TV station), talent shows as well as large music festival venues. She also appeared as a featured solo dancer for many music videos by various Japanese Performing Artists.
Seiko started "Japanese Kimono Dressing ~Ayame~" in Boston, MA in the Unites States.
She also has a Facebook page, "Watashi Style" where she displays some of her original pieces of art, as well as chronicles her experiences living in the US.
