KIMONO APRON: Fusing Japanese Tradition with Modernity

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From Kickstarter Dreams
to Your Doorstep

Welcome to the heart of Japan Insiders – our carefully curated collection of exceptional products, each with a unique story and a direct link to the innovative spirit of Japanese artisans and their successful Crowdfunding campaigns. Here, you'll find items that embody the perfect blend of tradition, artistry, and modern ingenuity, all sourced directly from creators across Japan.

 

Story

The "NURENGANE" apron incorporates the beauty and essence of Japan’s rich kimono culture. When worn, it carries a graceful presence, almost as if you are wrapped in the elegance of a kimono.

Traditionally in Japanese culture, it is said that the kimono represents more than just clothing; it fosters a sense of harmony between mind and body. Each pattern and color is believed to reflect the thoughts and wishes of the wearer, quietly conveying their emotions. Wearing a beautiful kimono is thought to encourage better posture, bring a sense of calm, and offer a special feeling of connection and upliftment. We wanted to capture these qualities in our aprons, blending tradition with modern craftsmanship.

This design brings a modern expression to the traditional beauty of Japanese gold and silver foil. The shimmering foil adds a touch of sophistication, creating a graceful presence that feels as if you are adorned in a kimono.

This new style blends simple solid colors with traditional Japanese patterns. It’s a modern design that pairs perfectly with your everyday clothes, shoes, or even work uniforms.

The lace accent is designed to resemble the date-eri (a collar that gives the appearance of wearing layered kimono).
It creates a striking contrast between the two fabrics, enhancing the overall beauty of the design.

The saiun design is a traditional Japanese pattern, beloved since ancient times as a symbol of good fortune. Each design weaves together vibrant clouds, adorned with auspicious patterns and symbolic flowers, bringing good fortune and positive energy.

One variation features the classic elegance of chrysanthemums and peonies, cherished symbols of vitality and grace.
The chrysanthemum, Japan's national flower, symbolizes longevity and happiness, while the peony represents wealth and beauty.

Another design showcases the flowing lines of “Tabane Noshi” (bundles of ceremonial paper strips), symbolizing human connections and bonds, paired with delicate cherry blossoms that celebrate the arrival of spring, new beginnings, and the promise of prosperity.

Our experienced artisans, who have inherited Japan's traditional sewing techniques, carefully stitch every piece with meticulous care.

Their hands carry the enduring passion for craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations in Japan.

We have incorporated the traditional Sanada-himo into the pockets and chest area.

Sanada-himo is a durable, high-strength cord that has been used for various purposes throughout history, such as securing kimono belts, wrapping tea ceremony utensils, and as a grip for samurai swords. It is well known in the tea ceremony world for being used by Sen no Rikyū when storing tea utensils in a wooden box. Even today, it is used to wrap important gifts.

We’ve also adorned the chest area with a flower motif brooch. The petals gracefully extend outward from the center, bringing harmony to the overall design of the apron.

We have improved the common issue seen in standard aprons, where water simply drips off. Our revolutionary water-resistant technology absorbs water on the surface while the inner layer provides protection, offering a completely new level of protection fro water splash. 

Even if water splashes on the apron, the fabric absorbs it, ensuring that your feet stay dry, making it perfect for use in kitchens and other wet areas. 

Please note this apron is not fully waterproof.

The Japanese patterned fabric is crafted from 100% cotton, ensuring a soft, breathable, and skin-friendly feel.
The plain outer fabric and the inner lining are made from 100% polyester, a practical material known for its durability, easy cleaning from oil stains, and wrinkle resistance.
Unlike vinyl materials, it doesn’t feel stiff and offers excellent breathability, ensuring comfort all year round.

Whether you're gardening or caught in the rain, you don't have to worry about dirt or water stains. The apron is easy to care for—simply toss it into your home washing machine, and it will maintain its vibrant design and quality wash after wash. 

By adjusting the shoulder strap adjusters, you can change the apron to your preferred length. The shoulder straps can be adjusted up to a maximum length of 75cm, allowing you to shorten or lengthen them based on your height.

For added versatility, the chest section can be folded down, transforming the apron into a stylish waist wrap.
Whether for daily use or as a fashion statement, it adapts effortlessly to your needs.

Free size, bib width: 26 cm
Shoulder strap width: 1.5 cm, maximum length: 75 cm
Waist width: 105 cm
Waist strap width: 2 cm, length: 80 cm
Length: 92 cm (below the knee for a height of 160 cm on average) 

About the materials
Outer fabric and Sanada-himo: 100% cotton
Lining: 100% polyester 

Model Height: 162cm
Model Height: 168 cm

Please note:
※Note: This fabric is water-resistant but not entirely waterproof. Prolonged exposure to large amounts of water may seep through to your clothing.
※Measurements are taken while the garment is laid flat, so there may be slight discrepancies.
※When washing, always use a laundry net.
※Dark-colored items may fade,so wash separately from other laundry.
※Avoid using bleach or a dryer.
※To prevent deformation and discoloration,reshape and dry in the shade immediately after washing.
※When ironing, always use a pressing cloth and iron at medium temperature or lower. ※Please note that the item may shrink slightly after washing. 

We are passionate about beautiful things and aim to make everyday moments meaningful through thoughtfully designed objects and accessories. This belief inspired us to create aprons that feature unique traditional Japanese designs.

As our aprons became popular in Japan, they earned the trust of both cooking enthusiasts and professional chefs. Now, we want to share them with a broader audience. We believe our aprons can add a stylish, unique touch every time you wear one. With thick, durable fabric and stunning designs, each apron is crafted with the same care and attention as preparing a meal made with love.

However, transitioning from fulfilling individual orders to larger-scale production brings its own challenges. Organizing the process, sourcing materials, and carefully planning the crafting and execution require significant effort. This campaign is an opportunity not only to scale our production but also to share Japanese craftsmanship with the world, offering durable and beautiful products. Once you own one of our aprons, you won’t need another—just like kimonos, they are made to last.

We've chosen three models to introduce to an international audience through this campaign. It’s our chance to share the beauty of Japanese craftsmanship with a wider community and see how people connect with our creations. With your support, this campaign will allow us to continue doing what we love, grow our reach, and remain committed to the high-quality, stylish designs that make our aprons special.

Authentic Japanese Craftsmanship, Curated by Insiders, Powered by Crowdfunding!

Shipping: 

Shipping fees are not included as part of your Kickstarter pledge. Shipping will be calculated and collected after the campaign ends. 

Schedule:

Project Start: November 5th 2024
Project Ends: December 16th 2024
Reward Shipped: March- April 2025
Reward Delivery: March - April  2025

Refund:

No refund after the campaign has ended.

Return:

Our return policy lasts 7 days. If 7 days have gone by since your purchase, unfortunately we can’t offer you a refund or exchange for product returned. To be eligible for a return, your item must be defective and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the non-damaged original packaging. To return your product, you should mail it to: 5-15-32 Hakataekiminami, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0016 You will be responsible for the shipping costs for returning your item. Shipping costs are non-refundable.

Risks and challenges

The designs and materials of our products are carefully chosen, but due to their dependency on market availability, changes may occasionally be necessary. Each apron is handmade by local seamstress women, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. Should any modifications be required, we will ensure to promptly notify our backers with a detailed update. It's important to note that import fees are not covered in your pledge and will be the responsibility of each backer. We recommend consulting local regulations to estimate these additional costs before making a pledge. While we are committed to adhering to our estimated delivery dates, the number of backers and scale of the project could potentially extend the production timeline. If adjustments to the schedule become necessary, we will communicate these changes early, clearly, and continue to provide updates throughout the process. We value your support and understanding and are dedicated to maintaining transparency and minimizing any inconvenience should delays occur.

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Environmental commitments

Visit our Environmental Resources Center to learn how Kickstarter encourages sustainable practices.

Long-lasting design

NURENGANE aprons are crafted with high-quality materials to endure over time, offering both durability and timeless elegance that will last for years.