About Kimono atelier Akané

— Cross international cultural exchange through the Kimono —
Kimono atelier Akané is dedicated to connecting Japan and the world, fusing tradition and creation under the motto, "Cross international cultural exchange through the Kimono."

The founder, Asako Shochi, was inspired during her study abroad in France when she attended a cultural exchange event dressed in a kimono. This experience led her to realize that the kimono is "another language" that speaks of the Japanese spirit and aesthetics.

"The kimono is not merely a garment; it is the 'language of culture' that reflects the Japanese heart and aesthetics." This conviction is the foundation of Kimono atelier Akané.

Upon returning to Japan, she gained experience at a kimono merchant in Kyoto, and in 2015, she became independent. She started selling vintage kimonos, renting kimonos, and offering photography services in Kyoto. Since then, the scope of her activities has expanded overseas. At Japanese cultural events in France and Spain, she has introduced many people to the Japanese aesthetics and culture breathing within the kimono through dressing demonstrations and kimono conferences.

In 2026, with the incorporation of the company, activities expanded to include "Monozukuri" (craftsmanship) and "Cultural Exchange." By preserving the appeal of dyeing and weaving techniques and materials from various regions of Japan and merging them with the sensitivity and design honed in France, the company has created the "Akané Product" line, which caters to modern lifestyles. Moving forward, in partnership with its official French partner, Atelier Akané will continue to globally promote kimono culture and dyeing/weaving products, weaving together language and technique.

COMPANY PROFILE

Company Name

Atelier Akané Inc. (Kabushiki Kaisha Atelier Akané)

Establishment

March 2026 (Incorporation)

Headquarters

2-1-1 Daigaku-cho, Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi, 751-8510 Japan

Representatives

CEO: Asako Shochi
Director: Munenori Sadakane, Takaaki Shochi

Business Activities

Akané Product

Dyeing and weaving product line by Atelier Akané. Based in the Kanmon area, we produce items using dyeing and weaving materials and kimono fabrics. We engage in wholesale kimono sales domestically and internationally, as well as cross-border e-commerce.

Kimono Experience & Photo

Offering 1-on-1 kimono experiences and photo shooting plans for inbound tourists in the Kyoto and Kanmon areas.

Akané FRANCE

Operations in France managed by the official partner. Includes kimono dressing demonstrations, lectures, and vintage kimono sales at cultural events and educational institutions across Europe.

Bases

• Japan: Kitakyushu, Kyoto
• France: Bordeaux (Scheduled to transition to an Official Partnership system after 2026)

Motto

"International Exchange Woven with Kimono"

Major Event Participation History (Selected)

2025年

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

2024年

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

2023年

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

2020年

• La foire internationale de Bordeaux (Bordeaux, France)

2018年

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

2017年

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

BOUTIQUE

Atelier Akané currently operates from three main locations.

• Kanmon Area (Shimonoseki/Kitakyushu): The base for Akané Products, focused on the production of dyeing/weaving products, wholesale of vintage kimonos, and kimono experiences/photo plans. It also hosts the KIMONO Upcycle LAB by Chikagé & Akané, a collaborative kimono upcycle project.
• Kyoto: The physical store of Kimono atelier Akané. Offers vintage kimono sales, rental, and photo plans.
• Bordeaux, France: The European base operated by the official partner. Conducts dressing demonstrations, lectures, and sales at cultural events and educational institutions.

OUR STORY

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

• 2016-2021 Based in Kyoto, promoting kimono culture. Provided kimono dressing services for inbound tourists and Japanese cultural events.

• 2022 A base was established in Bordeaux, France. Conducted dressing demonstrations and kimono sales at cultural events across Europe.

• 2024 We have launched an upcycling project in Kitakyushu, collaborating with local workshops and research institutions. We are now fully engaged in producing original items such as bow ties and bags.

• 2025 Launched the dyeing and weaving product line in Kitakyushu City, collaborating with local craft studios and research institutions to officially launch the production of items such as bow ties and bags.

• 2026 (Planned) In March, the headquarters will be established in Shimonoseki, and the company name will be changed to "Atelier Akané" due to the incorporation. This new structure will further develop international cultural exchange and monozukuri (craftsmanship). The French base will transition to an Official Partnership system, further advancing expansion in Europe with the local partner.

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

CONTACT