Kimono exhibitions were held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in June 2022 and at the Musée du Quai Branly in Paris in November, attracting a lot of attention.
I feel proud and pleased that kimono, Japan's national costume, is being treated as art, a craft and a new fashion in art museums around the world.
Founded 285 years ago, Kyoto obi craftsman Hondaya's 10th generation owner, Yamaguchi Genbei, is particular about materials, perfecting his techniques, and preserving traditions while having today's artisans weave the ultimate obi.
Also, for the past 20 years or so, global brands have been collaborating with Kondaya's obi and coming to him to learn from him.
Genbei, dressed in a flowing kimono, is a fashion leader.
This time at Ippodo, titled "Weaving Mother-of-Pearl," there will be a display of sashes with mother-of-pearl patterns from treasures at Horyuji Temple and the Shosoin Repository, woven using blue butterfly shell, white butterfly shell, and opal as 1mm weft threads.
60 beautiful obi belts selected by Ippodo will arrive in Ginza in the Year of the Rabbit.

Keiko Aono