About LA Kimono Club
Japanese culture, shared through kimono and community.
Our mission
LA Kimono Club is a nonprofit cultural organization in Los Angeles. We bring people together to learn about authentic kimono culture and Japanese traditions through community events, workshops, cultural programs, outings, and collaborations. Everyone with an interest in kimono is welcome.
Our story: since 2000
The club began with a simple idea: create more opportunities to wear kimono and share its beauty in Los Angeles. Founder 高瀬隼彦, then president of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Southern California, wore formal montsuki, haori, and hakama in the 1999 Nisei Week parade. The enthusiastic response inspired him and his friend Tsurukame to bring fellow kimono lovers together.
On January 1, 2000, at 1 p.m., seven men in formal kimono and twelve women in kimono gathered at Noguchi Plaza in Little Tokyo for a commemorative photograph. The group began as “Kimono o Kiyou Kai”—a gathering to wear kimono.
On February 15, 2003, a general meeting established officers, organizers, and club rules. The group adopted the name LA Kimono Club. Since then, the club has participated in Japanese celebrations and public events, including its New Year Kimono Contest and kimono shows.
A founder’s invitation
Our founder first acquired formal kimono for an architectural completion ceremony in Japan. After moving to the United States, he rarely had a chance to wear it. The Nisei Week parade changed that. With dressing help from Fumi Akutagawa, his kimono became a conversation starter—and the seed of a community.
His vision remains at the heart of the club: an open gathering for anyone who loves kimono, sharing Japanese culture and encouraging friendship between Japan and the United States.
Read the original founder’s story and member biographies in Japanese →
Our leadership
Akane Mashimo · President
Akane is a photographer, kimono instructor, and the club’s website administrator. She began studying with Fumi Akutagawa in 2013 and trained in Kyoto in 2018. She holds kimono dressing and teaching qualifications from Kyoto Kimono Gakuin Kyoto Honko, and welcomes people who are curious about kimono but unsure where to start.
Fumi Mashimo · Advisor
A visual effects artist and member of the Academy, Fumi draws on his experience in Hollywood miniature and model making to create props and scenery for club events. He supports cultural programs that help more people enjoy and understand kimono.
Our nonprofit role
LA Kimono Club focuses on cultural education and community participation. It is separate from WakaWakka Kimono & Photo Studio, the commercial business founded by Akane Mashimo. That professional background informs her experience; the two organizations have distinct roles.