ご紹介
Himoriwabi Couture and the spirit of Kaizen 改善
Kaizen is a Japanese concept and philosophy meaning continuous improvement - to constantly change for the better.
Kaizen refers to any improvement, one-time or continuous, large or small.
Because even small, ongoing positive changes can reap significant improvements.
Kaizen has always played a huge role in the spirit of Japanese craftsmanship - from craftsmen who make kintsugi, ceramics, and glasses to chalk makers and even car manufacturers, those who have made a name for themselves and their crafts have always lived the spirit of Kaizen.
Every minute detail, every stroke of the brush is intended and serves a purpose.
Our Efforts To Continuously Improve
Japanese traditional designs are fascinating in nature.
They captivate your spirit and lead you to wonder about the rich history behind each piece.
The Samue is no exception.
Traditionally worn by monks in Zen Buddhist temples, artists, or even doctors, it is also widely worn as homewear, both at home, in the ryokan (traditional hotel), or at the onsen (hot spring).
We made it our goal to turn this versatile piece of clothing into something even greater.
Something that can help you sleep better, relax better, and live better.
There is no end to innovation and improvement. Every year, new cars with better engines, safety systems, and convenience are being made. Better phones with better functionalities, better computers.
We believe that clothing can be made better as well..
Our Process
Our work is guided by four principles that shape every decision we make — from the first sketch to the final stitch.
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1. Practicality Over Aesthetics
True beauty begins with function.
Before a garment is meant to look good, it must feel right — in movement, in stillness, and over long hours of wear.
Design choices are evaluated not by how they appear in a photograph, but by how they perform in daily life.
If a detail looks impressive but adds discomfort, restriction, or distraction, it doesn’t belong.
Aesthetics should emerge naturally from usefulness — not the other way around.
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2. Refinement in Material Selection
Materials define the experience long before construction does.
We work with a narrow range of fabrics, chosen not for novelty but for consistency, resilience, and comfort over time. Each fabric is tested for how it responds to repeated wear, washing, temperature changes, and prolonged contact with the skin.
The goal is not to chase new materials, but to refine our understanding of the ones that truly perform.
When we choose a fabric, it is with the intention of using it for years — not seasons.
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3. Respect for the Pace of Craft
Quality cannot be rushed without compromise.
We move deliberately through each stage of production, allowing time for adjustments, inspection, and correction. This pace ensures that what reaches you has been handled with care rather than urgency.
Efficiency matters — but never at the expense of integrity.
When something requires more time, we give it more time.
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4. Design for Longevity
Everything we create is meant to age well — physically and aesthetically.
Our designs are not tied to trends or moments. They are meant to remain relevant, comfortable, and wearable long after novelty fades.
Longevity, to us, is not just durability.
It is the quiet confidence that something will continue to serve you, year after year, without asking for attention.
Chokusetsu Pricing Philosophy
“Chokusetsu” (直接) means direct.
It reflects a simple belief:
when something is made with care, it should reach the person who wears it without unnecessary layers in between.
Traditional retail adds cost at every step — distributors, agents, wholesalers, markups — often doubling or tripling the final price without improving the product itself.
We choose a different path.
By working directly with our makers and offering our pieces directly to you, we remove much of that excess. What remains is a more honest exchange: better materials, better construction, and a price that reflects the true value of the work — not the weight of the supply chain.
This does not mean our process is cheaper.
In many ways, it is more demanding.
It means taking responsibility for sourcing, quality control, and long-term consistency. It means slower decisions, closer oversight, and a greater commitment to doing things properly.
But it also means that the value stays where it should — in the garment itself.
Chokusetsu is not about being the lowest price.
It is about being direct, fair, and transparent.