Kyoto shop turns traditional Japanese kimono into teddy bears, with special meaning hidden in their patterns

Mimirin, a shop in Kyoto’s Gion district, has introduced a unique way to preserve Japanese culture by transforming traditional kimono into teddy bears. Japanese kimono, an integral part of the country’s cultural identity, are now less frequently worn due to changing lifestyles. To counter this trend and keep the culture alive, Mina Ichikawa, a graduate of Japanese culture and sustainability studies, devised the idea of converting kimono into teddy bears.

Ichikawa’s inspiration stemmed from her mother's work as a kimono dresser and her concern over discarded kimono with intricate designs and craftsmanship. She chose teddy bears as the product due to their universal appeal. Each teddy bear from Mimirin carries symbolic meaning through auspicious motifs and patterns that were selected during meticulous design work.

With a successful crowdfunding campaign raising over 550,000 yen, Ichikawa opened Mimirin in August, 2022, with the mission to bring traditional Japanese culture into everyday life. Each teddy bear is uniquely crafted using kimono fabric or unused bolts of kimono cloth, ensuring no two bears are alike.