A Brave Journey Of Forgotten Japanese Treasures From A Deserted Small Town in Japan/

For a start, let me tell you about a town I currently live, to grasp my shop story.
Two of late 40's ladies in a small town by the sea and the mountains, North West Japan.
Breathtaking sunset in the sea and wild beauty of
the mountains ease the pain of life.
No matter how we stuck in here, nothing will stop us
to challenge what we want.
Then, why vintage? so here the story goes.

In 60-70s, our town used to have many Geisha house in the main street. Geishas and locals ordered classy/funky Kimonos from their favorite high skilled local kimono seamstresses.
Wholly hand sawing haute couture.
it must've been the most glorious time of the town.
In the daylights, locals wore their favorite Kimono.
After the sunset, Geishas in their gorgeous Kimonos,
dancing with the sound of Shamisen guitar all night long even in the countryside like our place.
But, just like the most of beautiful tales, the bright days were gone.
Geisha house and Geisha were gone, so the town became quieter and quieter.

One day, I happened to find a beautiful Kimono and an eccentric Kimono in my grandma' wooden drawer. Apparently it was given by a Geisha.
My grandma used be a wonderful seamstress in her young age in my town.
Some of her fluent customers were Geisha.
It hit me deeply. I don't want those to be wasted just sleeping in the drawer forever.
Those Kimonos were once loved and shined brightly. I want them to wake up for their 2nd life.
Imagine if those Kimono were 70-80s ladies, who were once young, beautiful and sparkled.
Now they aged gracefully, taking off to new journey with their last strength and courage as their very first time abroad.

I can imagine how exciting also scary to start living abroad for someone who has never been outside of the little town.
The new owner could be you, could be your friends/family.

That's how we start our Japanese Vintage Agent Project.
A little budget, not enough camera equipments.
no models in this kind of town. (models here are us)
no proper photo studio. (local spots and some rental rooms)
All the photos taken by our maximum effort and idea in a very limited situation.

Even we have not so great business brains,
always honest, sincere and enjoy supporting the great journey of the old Kimono.

©︎KimonoFUNKY by 千の希
[Secondhand dealer license Japan : 461320000732 ]