Rina Nagamatsu

About Me

Born in Tokyo, Japan, I grew up moving between Japan and other countries. Each time I lived abroad, I found myself becoming an unofficial ambassador for Japanese culture, sharing its traditions with people unfamiliar with them. This experience sparked my passion for cultural exchange and a deep appreciation for learning about other cultures.

After graduating from university in Tokyo, I worked at one of Japan’s top advertising agencies with clients like Amazon, Google, and L’Oréal. While I enjoyed my career, I felt the need to reconnect with my roots, which led me to take Japanese Tea Ceremony classes in 2021. During a tea ceremony event, my teacher helped me put on a kimono and was struck by its beauty and cultural depth. Although I had worn kimono before, experiencing it in the context of a tea ceremony brought a new depth to my appreciation. I realised that kimono is not just clothing—it’s an art form that connects us to generations of tradition and culture.

After two years of training, I earned a teaching license for both self-dressing and dressing others from “THE Kimono Gakuin”.

My Mission

With declining demand for kimono in Japan, artisans are struggling, and authentic, high-quality kimonos are becoming rare. For me, kimono represents tradition and legacy—I still cherish pieces passed down from my grandmother. It breaks my heart to think future generations may not have the same opportunity.

My mission is to make kimono more accessible and empower people, both in Japan and abroad, to embrace this beautiful tradition. Teaching kimono dressing is my first step of preserving this cultural treasure and sharing it with others.

Also, the lack of Japanese teachers who can teach kimono dressing in English is a big problem, and I want to bridge this gap—not only by teaching practical techniques for wearing kimono but also by sharing the cultural significance and stories behind them. Kimono is deeply intertwined with Japanese history, seasonal customs, and even etiquette. By helping my students understand these elements, I aim to offer a deeper connection to Japan and its culture, beyond just the act of dressing.

It truly amazes me when people from outside Japan take an interest in kimono. In Japan, we deeply respect those who appreciate and embrace our traditions, and your curiosity truely inspires me! My grandmother, who loved wearing kimono, inspired me to follow this path, and I hope to pass on that same joy and appreciation to you!