Founder's Story

When I turned 20, my parents gifted me a kimono and an obi.
I still remember the feeling when I first saw the shimmering gold and silver threads—it took my breath away. That moment, full of emotion and admiration, quietly became the seed of Musubu STUDIO.

Years later, I found myself heartbroken by the sight of those same beautiful obi, now neglected and sold for next to nothing in flea markets, left out in the rain. These precious pieces of Japanese heritage, once worn with pride on special occasions, were slowly disappearing—unappreciated and unloved.

That’s when I knew I had to act.
Musubu STUDIO was born from a deep desire:
to honor tradition, and to carry its beauty into the future.

With a career in global fashion marketing—including leadership roles at Marc Jacobs (LVMH Group), DIESEL Japan, and Triumph Japan—I had spent years helping international brands succeed in the Japanese market. But it was through this journey that I discovered something even more powerful:
the timeless, untapped potential of Japanese traditional craftsmanship.
Musubu STUDIO is my response.
A new kind of brand—one that weaves together tradition and innovation, regional artisanship and global sensibility, heritage and high fashion.

Why “Musubu”?

In Japanese, “Musubu” means “to tie,” “to connect.”
It’s a word rich in spirit—carrying the hope that we can link past and future, people and places, Japan and the world.

“STUDIO” represents a space of creation and collaboration.
A place where old meets new. Where beauty is not just preserved, but reimagined.

Through Musubu STUDIO, I aim to build a bridge between Japanese craftsmanship and the global fashion community—while creating a sustainable ecosystem where true value is recognized, and cultural legacy is passed on.

Thank you for joining me on this journey.
Together, let’s celebrate what it means to wear tradition—and carry it proudly into tomorrow.

With gratitude,
Yuka Kawano
Founder & Creative Director, Musubu STUDIO