Blog | Zenkaikon, A Philadelphia Area Anime Convention

Zenkaikon is happy to welcome certified Kimono consultant, Kimono model, Edo Tsumami Kanzashi artisan, Kuniko Kanawa!

In 2007, Kuniko officially became a certified Kimono consultant of the All Japan Kimono Consultant Association after graduating from Sodo Reihou Kimono College. Since attaining her certification, she has been offering her Kimono dressing service, teaching Kimono classes and workshops, and producing informative and entertaining Kimono Shows which feature Kimono dressing demonstrations.  She also works as a Kimono model, utilizing the six treasured years of classical Japanese dance training in Hanayagi style under the exceptional tutelage of Hanayagi Wakana sensei.

In the same year, through intensive training by Kazuyo Hozumi, one of the few Edo Tsumami designated masters in Japan, she became a professional Edo Tsumami Kanzashi artisan.  As a classically trained successor of this disappearing traditional handicraft, she creates both traditional and modern designed Tsumami Kanzashi, including custom orders. Her beautiful creations can be purchased on her website.  Kuniko occasionally participates in craft shows and currently offers beginner’s workshops at the Japan-America Society of Washington D.C.

In early 2013, she founded the Washington D.C. Kimono Club. The Club welcomes anyone who loves Kimono and Japanese seasonal cultural events. Members can participate in Japanese seasonal cultural events in Kimono, attend Washington D.C. Kimono Club workshops at a discounted price, participate in Kimono shows and dressing demonstrations as a model, and participate in the Ms./Mrs./Mr. Kimono of the year contest. For more information about the club, please visit her website.

Find out more about Kuniko and all of our guests on our Guest page.