1 year anniversary
KAPUKI celebrated its first anniversary on March 28th.
We would like to express our deepest gratitude to all of you for your patronage and support.
These days, I am glad that we have taken the first step forward, as the people in the kimono industry who have been working with us have accepted our little knowledge and supported our VISION. Also, I always keep in mind that the expression of KAPUKI is made possible by the many customers who have supported KAPUKI over the past year. From now on, I will continue to take on further challenges so that the splendor of kimono will resonate with everyone.
I remember walking along the Meguro River at night in the cherry blossoms in full bloom around this time in 2011, when 311 happened.
At that time, the whole of Japan was in a self-restraining mood, and it seems that there was a part where no one felt the heartfelt joy of cherry blossoms blooming. Still, under the cherry blossoms in full bloom, it was crowded with young people in their 20s. While many adults were refraining from visiting, young people were enjoying the "now" of cherry blossoms in full bloom.
For this generation, I felt the power of overcoming the events of 311 and having no choice but to live life on their own. At that time, I thought that I needed to express something that would make Japan proud of something for this young generation.
We will digest what nature has taught us in our own way and take this country in a better direction for the people of Tohoku. I still feel that many people's hearts are not far from it. On the contrary, I think Japan is starting to change. There are no winners or losers anymore. What can I do for others? It looks like it's full of such a mood. In a sense, I think this is the beginning of a return to the values of this country.
After the Meiji era and after the war, Japan, which was defaulted by Europe and the United States, has gained many things along with economic growth. At the same time, I have lost sight of what is important as a human being. Compared to countries like the United States, which started with mass production and mass consumption, this country has a wonderful sense of urban values called "Edo" that should return. I think that countries with values that should be returned to are valuable even from a global perspective. There was certainly an era in Edo when people were able to prioritize the fun of living over money.
KAPUKI opened a year ago with the theme of "continuation of Edo".
Through kimono, we would like to convey to everyone the non-Western sense of values created by our ancestors before the Edo period. With the cooperation of many people, I will continue to propose cool kimonos that will make your heart pound. And to the next generation, I would like to pass on the value of Japan's fascination, amazing techniques, high sense of beauty, and iki.
We appreciate your continued patronage.
Mitsuaki Koshizuka
