About Issen
About Issen
At Issen, we re-design and manufacture products* for a modern, global Audience using vintage kimono fabric.
Japan boasts beautiful kimonos that are no longer used in the modern days, as well as dyeing and weaving techniques that have been handed down locally. However, in Japan where Western culture is firmly established, there is little demand for them. It is also because these are difficult to use today as they are. We redesign and bring these vintage Japanese assets back to life for the Modern era. Most of these vintage kimonos are one of a kind pieces and the designs nearly impossible to replicate.
*What are Re-design products?
Re-design is to “optimize” the “finished design”. To be more specific, kimono and obi, which are Japanese cultural assets, are finished products that many people in Japan inherit from their ancestors and keep stored in their wardrobes, but few wear them as they are.
We “optimize” these assets into items (products) that people around the world can enjoy on a daily basis. We define this business model as “Re-design”.
In a busy chaotic world we strive to bring a greater joy by sharing these rare vintage kimonos with people around the world.
The world is chaotic due to wars, conflicts, COVID-19, etc. In times of chaos, empathy, gratitude, and compassion are important. Our redesigned product "Haori" utilizes rare vintage kimonos handcrafted long ago by artisans. They are decorated with stunning colors and exceptionally beautiful, captivating traditional patterns. The traditional patterns on kimonos express people's wishes, such as good harvest, good luck, child growth, family health and longevity, academic achievement, family safety, prosperity of descendants, and improvement in performing arts. Through our products and their traditional patterns, we hope that people around the world will recall such wishes of our ancestors and enjoy Japanese traditional culture.
We want to share the centuries old Japanese craftmanship that is getting lost in our modern world.
We want to share the centuries old Japanese craftmanship that is getting lost in our modern world.
Experience the Authentic Japan Up Close
Japan is rich in wonderful traditional cultural heritages and traditional craft techniques. However, such traditional cultural techniques and heritages that remain in each region are steadily declining before being known to the world. When I was a student, I studied various craftsmanship both in Japan and overseas, and have been involved in creative work for many years. I understand the beauty of manufacturing. In the age of sustainability, I believe that my mission is to take advantage of the "Mottainai Culture" of my own country, and convey the charms of Japan that should be passed on to the future generations.
Hiroyuki Koshi
Store Owner/Re-design Producer
Store and Brand Logo Design
SISYU
Calligrapher/Artist/Professor at Osaka University of Arts
Sisyu evolves the traditions of calligraphy to media art, sculptures, paintings, and brings out the emotions and reasons contained in each character. Her style is a truly unique form of contemporary art, and spreads the Japanese philosophy and culture to the world.
