Reviving Kimonos & Enhancing Craftsmanship in Iwate: Izui's Sustainable Apparel Business in Kuji

Numerous apparel companies, boasting some of the world's top sewing techniques, are located in the northern part of Iwate Prefecture, which includes Kuji and Ninohe. These companies manufacture a wide variety of products, from heavy garments like coats to light garments like shirts and dresses, and from children's clothes to high-end women's wear, supporting the region's economy as a core industry.

Izumi Ltd. (有限会社いずみ) in Kuji, Iwate, has started a business of repurposing vintage kimonos into Western-style clothing. We interviewed their CEO, Toru Suzuki, about what prompted his company, which primarily manufactured children's clothing, to focus on kimono remakes.

Achieving a High Level of Both Design and Quality

Touted for its production of high-end baby and children's clothing, the company has continually improved its technical prowess, committed to working with children – the 'treasures of the world,' as handed down from the previous generation. As a result, they've grown to receive orders from world-renowned brands. What is the secret behind this success?