OSHIMA TSUMUGI REMAKE · OKINOERABU

「時を纏う」Wear the Time.

We are an atelier on Okinoerabu Island,
remaking inherited kimono into clothing, bags and small accessories.

Works & pricesDiscuss a remake

The thread continues.

Bringing new light
to a heritage of hand-craft.

Oshima Tsumugi — one of Japan's most refined heritage silks, woven thread by thread by hand.
Struck by its quiet beauty, we opened this atelier to give it a second life.
Over twenty years designing garments in the apparel industry inform every cut and stitch.
We breathe new life into sleeping cloth, tailoring it into pieces that fit naturally into modern days —
a favorite jacket, a bag, a small accessory that carries the presence of a fabric loved across generations.
For your everyday, a garment finely made and singular in the world.

01Selected Works

Living again with treasured cloth.

YOUR NEXT STEP

Remakes, purchases & visits

01

Remake a kimono

Bring a kimono or length of fabric into everyday life. Start by sharing a photograph.

Discuss your fabric
02

Find a piece to buy

For yourself or someone special. Ask about availability and how to purchase a piece.

Ask about availability
03

Visit the atelier

See the textiles and finished pieces in person. Let us know when you would like to visit.

Plan a visit

02Order Guide

Before we begin.

PRICE & TIME

Prices & timing

Item Indicative price Timing
Men’s Shirt Remaking ¥30,000+ Approx. 1.5–2 months
Long Gilet Remaking ¥30,000+ Approx. 1.5–2 months
Two-piece Set Remaking ¥50,000+ Approx. 1.5–2 months
Teddy Bear Remaking ¥15,000+ Approx. 2–3 months
Pouches Remaking ¥10,000+ Approx. 1.5–2 months

Prices are remaking fees using your own kimono. Prices and timing vary with the design, fabric and size. We confirm the final quote and delivery arrangements with you.

See apparel details ↗

FROM YOUR FIRST MESSAGE

From enquiry to your finished piece

  1. 01

    Tell us what you have in mind

    Send photos or inspiration for the piece you would like by email, LINE or Instagram DM.

  2. 02

    Discuss design, quote and timing

    Together we decide on the design, then confirm the quote and completion schedule.

  3. 03

    Confirm your order and payment

    Once you agree to the quote, design and timing, please arrange payment. After payment, send us your kimono so we can begin making your piece.

  4. 04

    Making and receiving your piece

03In the Atelier

Unstitch, Envision, Tailor.

Our Three Steps of Kimono Renewal

Understand the cloth
01

Unstitch

We carefully undo each seam of your kimono, examine the cloth, and smooth out every crease to restore it to fabric. The story of renewal quietly begins here.

Find its expression
02

Envision

We read the character of the cloth and, through conversation with you, propose a form that brings out its beauty.

Make it part of everyday life
03

Tailor

From the chosen design, we tailor each piece with care, stitch by stitch. A familiar kimono becomes something entirely its own. We finish it with your happiness in mind.

Mayumi Nishida — founder of atelier Kamijo, working with Oshima Tsumugi in the atelier
In the atelier — Okinoerabu

Mayumi Nishida Upcycle Creator / Designer

Based on Okinoerabu Island in Kagoshima’s Amami Islands, I give new form to Oshima Tsumugi and other traditional Japanese textiles, creating pieces that become part of everyday life.

After moving to the island, I came across Oshima Tsumugi woven by my grandmother. Its strength and beauty moved me deeply. That encounter strengthened my respect for traditional textiles and my belief in extending the life of clothing.

Over some twenty years as a fashion designer, including work on stage costumes in Canada, I have explored many forms of clothing. Yet the extraordinary beauty of Japan’s traditional textiles changed how I saw my own life. I wanted to pass their value on to the future in my own way, and that feeling led me to open this atelier.

My greatest joy is seeing a treasured kimono shine again in a new form, and being there for the smile it brings to its owner.

Born in Kobe, with family roots on Okinoerabu Island.
Moved to Okinoerabu in 2021.
Opened atelier Kamijo in 2025.

04About Oshima Tsumugi

About Oshima Tsumugi

A 1,300-year tradition of silk, woven from Amami’s nature and the skill of its artisans.

01

Mud-Dyed Depth

Tannins from the sharinbai tree react with iron in Amami’s mud to create a distinctive black. The land itself gives the threads their color through a dyeing technique unlike any other.

02

Precise Ikat Patterns

The pattern is planned and dyed into the threads before weaving. Each thread must align precisely: every motif is created through the weave itself, by the hands of skilled artisans.

03

Strength to Inherit

Oshima Tsumugi is equally beautiful on both sides. Its strength and consistent quality allow it to be remade and loved across generations.

Reading each pattern's direction, sheen, and the size of what remains — we decide together what the cloth becomes next.

05Notes

From the Atelier

— updates and stories

In the Press Featured

Nankai Nichinichi Shimbun feature article on Atelier Kamijo
Nankai Nichinichi Shimbun "Children Returning to the Island · No.2 — Bearers of Cultural Heritage" Our work upcycling Oshima Tsumugi was kindly featured.

06Questions

A few things you may be wondering.

01Can I enquire before choosing a design?

Start with a photo and tell us whether you imagine an everyday item, a gift or a keepsake. We can discuss possibilities based on the fabric and pattern.

02Can I arrange a remake from outside the island?

Tell us where you live and what you would like made. Please confirm whether postal arrangements are possible before sending any fabric.

03Do I need to visit or have measurements taken?

Requirements depend on the piece. Ask about measurements and whether an in-person visit is needed. We recommend contacting us before visiting the atelier.

04How much can be made from one kimono?

What can be made depends on the kimono’s size and condition, the placement of its pattern, and your chosen design. Send us photos of your kimono and tell us what you have in mind so we can discuss the possibilities.

07Contact

Tell us about your treasured kimono.

For tailoring, remakes, alterations or any questions, please get in touch.

Tailoring & Remakes

Enquire by emailEnquire on InstagramAdd us on LINE

You can attach photographs to your email.
atelier.kamijo@gmail.com

Shop

Visit our shopComing soon
minneComing soon
Ask about a piece

Visit the Atelier

Address
2023-2 Serikaku, Chiname,
Oshima-gun, Kagoshima 891-9213 Japan
(Okinoerabu Island)
Hours
10:30 – 17:30
Closed
Sundays
Founder
Mayumi Nishida — Fashion designer from Kobe, roots on Okinoerabu Island
Made by
The founder and her mother
Visits
Please contact us before visiting.
View on Google Maps
Arrange a visit

For exhibitions and press enquiries, please use the same email address.