2025.05.16FRI
From AKB48 to Corporate Uniforms, Costume Designer Shinobu Kayano Talks about the Power of Costumes
In 2005, Osare Company began as the exclusive costume production for the AKB48 group. It now oversees costume production and styling for idols and 2.5-dimensional stage plays, as well as hair and makeup. In addition, they manage school uniform brand 'O.C.S.D.', medical uniform brand 'O.C.M.D.', and apparel brand 'Acuite', all under the umbrella of Osare Company Inc..
Shinobu Kayano, the company's creative director, founded the Osare Company, which celebrates its 10th anniversary of incorporation this year. She has created a wide range of costumes, starting with AKB48.
We asked Kayano about her AKB48 costume production stories, her turning point, and the power costumes bring.
PROFILE
Shinobu Kayano
Osare Company Inc.
Creative Director
She has been active as a costume designer under general producer Yasushi Akimoto since the founding of AKB48.
She then became the creative director of Osare Company, which handles design, costumes, and hair and makeup.
She has produced approximately 35,000 costumes so far. Her diverse costume designs and variations are known for bringing out the individuality of each member. In addition to AKB48, she also works with idols such as =LOVE, ≠ME, and ≒JOY, voice actors, cosplayers, 2.5-dimensional artists, and even produces school and medical uniforms in recent years.
The Opportunity to Work on AKB48's Costumes
Could you tell us how you came to aspire to be a costume designer?
I first became conscious of the profession of designer when I was in high school. At that time, remaking denim was popular, but buying these items in stores was very expensive, so I made and wore my own.This article is for members only.
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