Check Out Akane Mashimo’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Akane Mashimo.

Akane, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
The kimono, a traditional Japanese garment, is more than just clothing; it represents Japan’s rich cultural heritage. However, it is typically worn only on special occasions, and many people don’t know how to wear one properly. Unfortunately, this is the reality in today’s Japanese society. I was once in that position, despite having a long-standing interest in kimonos. No one in my family wore them regularly, and the kimono schools were too expensive for me when I was younger.

I started learning the Kimono after I moved here from Japan. My first child, a daughter, started attending preschool, and I had a little free time. I wanted to do something meaningful, so I immediately thought about Kimono, which I had always wanted to learn.
I found a Kimono teacher in Little Tokyo and attended classes in 2013. My teacher happened to teach a tea ceremony class at the same location, so my interest shifted to tea after I mastered self-dressing in a Kimono. Since then, I have taken a Tea Ceremony class for several years. I enjoyed the zen environment at the tea room as much as the matcha and sweets. Because of the tea classes, my interest grew into Calligraphy and Flower arrangement, so I also started taking lessons in those.
In 2018, I decided to go to Kyoto to learn about kimonos more and get a certificate. I took my daughter with me and lived in my parents’ house in Osaka. From there, I commuted to the Kimono School in Kyoto. In four months, I became a certified Kimono dresser. I was so excited to return to the States to start my new journey.
Then, COVID-19 hit the world. I had to wait patiently for the chance to be active, just like everybody else. I also experienced two pregnancies. Finally, in 2023, one of my good friends asked me to teach a Kimono class at the Japanese church.
When I asked around, 4 Japanese mamas gathered immediately. That was the start of everything.
We met once a week and practiced self-dressing from the very basic. Gradually, more and more people became interested in my Kimono class. I changed the class location from the church to my house’s tea room (with Japanese tatami floor).
In 2024, I got another certificate from my Kimono school as an instructor and officially opened the Los Angeles branch of Kyoto Kimono Academy Kyoto Headquarters so I could issue the same certificates to my students here in LA. At the same time, I registered my new business name, “WakaWakka Kimono & Photo Studio,” where you can have Kimono classes, rental and dressing services, and photography services all at one place.
Today, I teach approximately 20 students both group and private at this moment. I also have been working with Los Angeles Public Library, other libraries and different schools to teach Kimono programs and Tea ceremony.

I have also been the president of the LA Kimono Club since 2022. We host many Kimono shows and “going out in Kimono events” throughout the year. We have about 40 members now, and they are totally diverse, coming from different age groups and nationalities. We all enjoy dressing up in Kimono and spreading this culture to the community.

My goal is to make the Kimono a “normal clothes” in this community and preserve its dying culture.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Since I started this business, it’s been pretty smooth so far, I would say.

However, it might have been different if I had begun taking Kimono classes much earlier.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I teach tradition as a serious educator. At the same time, I am an entertainer as well.
When I host a Kimono show or even teach a program to the community, I always perform a “Kimono Dressing Dance.”
It’s not a Japanese classical dance, but I show the self-dressing process along with the music like a dance. It uses the ultimate kimono-dressing technique, eliminating unnecessary movements and using only one touch for each step.
Audience can get some idea how to dress yourself in a Kimono and an Obi sash as an entertainment.

I have also been a photographer longer than a Kimono dresser. Now, I focus on Kimono portraits and try my best to capture the beauty of the Kimono and the model in it.

What matters most to you?
Whether it is the Kimono class or performance on stage, I feel successful when I see people become more interested in Kimono than before.

Pricing:

• Group Lessons $30/120min.
• Private Lessons $50/90min.
• Kimono Rental $300~
• Photo Packges $350~
• Public Workshop/Performance $400~

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.wakawakkakimono.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wakawakkakimono/?hl=ja
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lakimonoclub