A Journey Through Kimono Crafts, and Culture of Japan
The Story of Tokita Kobo
Kimonos, a traditional Japanese costume, have been present in my life since my childhood. As my family conducted Sado (茶道)、Tea Ceremony, kimonos were always around me.
Kimonos used to be worn on a daily basis. Unfortunately, nowadays we hardly dress in kimonos anymore due to the difficulty of putting them on, its inconvenience for daily use, and its high expense. The kimono remains a precious attire and are still used for special occasions such as weddings, graduations and coming-of-age ceremonies.
Since I came to Canada, I have barely seen people in kimono. When I miss home, I always remember my family wearing kimonos. One day, an idea arose ‘ Why don’t I share pieces of my Kimono fabric with other people here?’ It would be a beautiful opportunity to share my culture as well. That led me to start Tokita Kobo(時田工房).
Some people might wonder what Kobo(工房)means. It means “craft workshop” in Japanese. All our products are handmade and almost all materials are imported from Japan. Tokita Kobo embeds a piece of our home culture in each uniquely crafted product.
We wish you find delight in our work!
About The Owner
Yuki was born in Tokyo, Japan. After traveling across Japan and visiting more than 30 countries, she eventually settled in Toronto, Canada.
Looking at Japan from afar, she gained a renewed appreciation for its beauty and realized that traditional kimono culture was fading. She also recalled the words of her late grandmother, a respected tea ceremony master:
“Skills are precious tools for life. Learn something meaningful and share it with others.”
Inspired by these reflections, Yuki founded Tokita Kobo, a kimono craft shop dedicated to preserving and sharing Japanese culture through upcycled kimono creations.
