interview
Saico Tanaka
SAICO is a kimono remake brand run by a mother and daughter team in the port city of Yokohama.
One of the main attractions of this brand is the unique and original designs that can only be found here.
Saico Tanaka runs a kimono remake brand “SAICO” with her mother, who has been sewing western clothes.
Through this interview, we learned that she is committed to passing on the tradition of Japanese culture through kimono, as well as conveying her passion and power beyond that.
In this article, she talks about the brand’s commitment to their work, the inspiration behind starting their kimono casual line, and their future goals.
What kind of brand is “SAICO”?
——— Can you tell me about the activities of “SAICO”?
Saico Tanaka (hereafter referred to as Saico)：We recycle kimonos and transform them into clothes with the aim of selling them online and through department stores such as Takashimaya.
Our brand “SAICO” specializes in unique, one-of-a-kind pieces with the basic concept of “one and only for you.
——— “SAICO” has two logos, can you explain them?
彩子：The “SAICO” logo deals mainly with one-of-a-kind items.
彩子：”SAICO_315″ is the sister brand that produces mass-produced items.
——— What is the meaning behind the number 315 and the samurai illustration?
彩子：When you write “SAICO” as 315, it becomes “saikou,” which has the connotation of “the best” in Japanese.
The use of the kanji for three, one, and five is to make it easier to understand that it is a Japanese brand.
The samurai is the character of “SAICO,” Nuiichi Houchiku, and was illustrated by an artist I met when I had a shop in Roppongi.
“I handle relatively high-priced products and many of them have a fancy style. However, I myself have a playful personality and enjoy joking around.
Therefore, I wanted to express my own character a little, so I put this illustration as a logo.
The Reasons for Starting Kimono asual Wear at SAICO
——— What inspired you to start using kimonos and obis?
彩子：I had been working in interior and architecture design for a long time, and during that time, I did a lot of interior decoration and table coordination using obi.While I was working, I thought it was interesting to use obi as a table decoration, so I bought one to try it out.
When I saw the obi, it was so beautiful that I thought it would be good to use it for things like clutch bags.
From there, my mother had been doing Western-style sewing for about 60 years and we had a sewing machine at home, so I started making my own bags, and began buying even more kimonos and obis.
——— Can you tell us about the background of how you started your current business, “SAICO”?
彩子：Most kimonos and obis are made of high-end materials like silk and are carefully crafted, but when I started looking for them, I learned that kimonos and obis were being exported overseas at an alarming rate, or even being thrown away.
With the desire to preserve as many of them as possible, even just one or two, I started “SAICO.”
The Attention to Detail in SAICO’s Creations
——— Do you have any particular convictions as you continue your activities as “SAICO”?
Saico：In the midst of the pandemic, starting “SAICO” from scratch with no money and difficult living conditions, I’m doing it with the absolute feeling that I don’t want to lose to anyone.
Also, since I started “SAICO” in my late 40s, I strongly feel that it’s okay to start late. When you want to start, that’s the right time, and I want to prove that.
Of course, the same goes for young people. Instead of thinking “I have to try working once” or “I want to do this, but…”, I think you should do it when you want to.
I think there are many people who want to try various things but lack confidence, so I want to show them that they should definitely start.
What SAICO Hopes to Achieve
——— Do you have anything you want to achieve through “SAICO” or any impact you want to have?
Saico：Due to low wages and many people, including young people, not wanting to do traditional crafts, Japan’s traditional culture is disappearing at an alarming rate.
To stop this situation even a little, I think we need to review the wage system for craftsmen and the apprenticeship system, and create a system that can support their livelihoods.
Also, it’s not necessary to wear kimono in the traditional way. I think it’s necessary to pass on the beautiful woven fabric of kimono to the next generation, even if the form changes a little, and that’s what I want to do most as “SAICO”.
Another thing is that I have a strong conviction to make “SAICO” known to the world.
I still want more people overseas or those who don’t know about it domestically to recognize Japan’s traditional culture.
SAICO’s Goals for the Future
——— Do you have any plans or goals for SAICO in the future?
Saico：I think more people would buy kimonos and other items if we could lower the price a little more, so our immediate goal is to expand our mass-produced items as quickly as possible under “SAICO_315.”
However, our top priority is to have more people see the one-of-a-kind “SAICO” pieces made by my mother, so we want to enlist more help and eventually bring “SAICO” to the world.
We’re currently thinking about a 10-year plan, and we plan to have “SAICO” in Europe in 10 years.
——— When do you plan to start selling mass-produced items?
Saico：We’re a little behind schedule from our original plan, but we plan to start selling them at Takashimaya in Yokohama in July 2023.
Summary
We spoke with Saico Tanaka, who runs “SAICO,” about her commitment to her work, the reason she started Kimono Casual wear, and her goals for the future.
New items will be updated regularly, as well as information on department store locations, so please check out SAICO’s Instagram if you’re interested.
Also, since we offer many unique items, please check out shop as well.
Thank you, Saiko Tanaka, for participating in this interview.
Thank you for taking the time to read the interview with Saico.
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