About Kimono atelier Akané

— Weaving International Exchange Through Kimono —

Our brand philosophy can be summed up in a single phrase: "Weaving International Exchange Through Kimono." Through kimono, we weave together cultures, sensibilities, and connections between people — this conviction lies at the heart of everything we do.

The Founder's Story: Asako Shochi

It all began at a soirée during her studies in France, where Asako attended dressed in a kimono. Before a single word was exchanged, the kimono itself became a language — conversation flowed naturally, and connections formed. That conviction took concrete shape the day she came across an advertisement in a Parisian bookshop offering kimono rentals.

In 2015, she founded "Kimono atelier Akané" in Kyoto, beginning with vintage kimono sales, kimono rental, and photography services. She went on to share kimono culture from her base in Kyoto, offering dressing services at events celebrating Japanese culture and for visitors from abroad. In 2022, a base was opened in Bordeaux, France, from which dressing demonstrations and kimono sales were carried out at cultural events across Europe.

Toward a New Structure: TSUMUGU Co., Ltd.

In 2025, while launching a dyeing and weaving product line in Kitakyushu in collaboration with local workshops and research institutions, Asako met Munenori Sadakane, head of the kimono rental company Kashi-isho Chikagé. Sharing the same vision — "weaving international exchange through kimono" — their two complementary businesses came together in August 2026 to form TSUMUGU Co., Ltd.

The name "Tsumugu" (紡, meaning "to spin" or "to weave") was drawn directly from this founding conviction. Our activities have since expanded to include OEM textile manufacturing and cultural heritage projects carried out in partnership with academic institutions.

Kimono atelier Akané continues to offer people the chance to discover kimono, through rental, photography, and vintage kimono sales for an international clientele. That same November, a new brand was born: Maison Akané, dedicated to upcycling — giving new life to kimonos discarded around the world.

Looking Ahead

Our French base has, in turn, evolved into an official partnership under the name Akané FRANCE, continuing to grow our activities across Europe alongside our local partner.

We will keep carrying this conviction out into the world: weaving international exchange through kimono.

COMPANY PROFILE

Brand Name

Kimono Atelier Akané

Founded

January 2015

Operating Company

TSUMUGU Co., Ltd.
Representative: Munenori SADAKANE
Address: 7F, T&J Building, 2-2-12 Tenjin, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture 810-0001, Japan
Incorporated: August 2026

Brand Manager

Asako SHOCHI (Head of Kimono atelier Akané)

Business Activities

Kimono atelier Akané

Offers kimono experiences, photo sessions, and vintage kimono sales for an international clientele. Based in Kyoto and the Fukuoka area (Kyushu), the brand introduces kimono culture to visitors from Japan and abroad.

Maison Akané

Scheduled to launch in November 2026. This brand transforms kimonos destined to be discarded in Japan into clothing and bags, giving them new life. Its mission is to lower the barrier to wearing kimono and share its value with the world.

TSUMUGU LAB

Working with dyeing and weaving workshops and research institutions across Japan, TSUMUGU LAB reimagines traditional textile techniques through a contemporary lens. Through OEM development and educational initiatives, it passes Japan's culture and craftsmanship on to the next generation.

Akané FRANCE

Our official partner based in Bordeaux, France. Akané FRANCE conducts kimono dressing demonstrations, lectures, and vintage kimono sales at cultural events and educational institutions throughout Europe.

Bases

• Japan: Kyoto, Fukuoka
• France: Bordeaux (official partnership)

Brand Motto

"Weaving International Exchange Through Kimono"

Major Event Participation History (Selected)

2026

• Festival Japon Matsukazé (Mérignac, France)

2025

• Festival du cinéma Japonais (Mérignac, France)
• Festival Japon Matsukazé (Mérignac, France)
• Nuit des bibliothèques (Eysines, France)

2024

• Festival Japon Matsukazé (Mérignac, France)
• Inauguration Fanamanga (Mimizan, France)

2023

• Hommage à Isao Takahata au cinéma La Lanterne (Bègles, France)
• Festival BigAsia (Biganos, France)

2020

• La foire internationale de Bordeaux (Bordeaux, France)

2018

• C'est bon le Japon (Paris, France)
• Japan Expo (Paris, France)

2017

• Manga Salon (Barcelona, Spain)
• Festival Japon-sur-Saône (Chalon-sur-Saône, France)

BOUTIQUE

Kimono atelier Akané currently operates from three locations.

• Fukuoka area: The home of TSUMUGU LAB and Maison Akané, dedicated to designing dyed and woven products and kimono upcycling creations, as well as wholesale of vintage kimonos and kimono experiences with photo sessions.
• Kyoto: The physical store of Kimono atelier Akané, offering vintage kimono sales, rental, and photo plans.
• Bordeaux, France: The European base run by our official partner, hosting dressing demonstrations, lectures, and sales at cultural events and educational institutions.

OUR STORY

• 2015 "Kimono atelier Akané" is founded in Kyoto by Asako Shochi. Begins vintage kimono sales, kimono rental, and photography services.

• 2016-2021 Based in Kyoto's Karasuma district, offering kimono photo sessions and vintage kimono sales to visitors from abroad.

• 2022 A base is established in Bordeaux, France. Dressing demonstrations and kimono sales are carried out at cultural events across Europe.

• 2025 Launches a dyeing and weaving product line in Fukuoka, in partnership with local workshops and research institutions. The French base becomes the official partner "Akané FRANCE," continuing to expand across Europe alongside its local partner.

• August 2026 TSUMUGU Co., Ltd. is founded: the sole proprietorship becomes a company, giving rise to a multi-brand structure.

• November 2026 The new brand "Maison Akané" launches, marking the official start of its kimono upcycling business.

Please feel free to contact us here for any requests or consultations.

CONTACT