Our Story

Kimono gis are genuine martial art gear from Japan. Each unique piece is meticulously crafted to order, at our factory, in Kuji, Iwate prefecture, in the northeastern Tohoku region.

Perched on the beautiful and rugged coastline of the Pacific ocean, Kuji is the birthplace of Kyuzo Mifune, considered by many to be the greatest judo technician ever, after founder Kanō Jigoro.

Continuing the legacy, our founder, 2010 Judo World Champion Hiroyuki Akimoto established the Kimono brand to deliver unique Japanese quality to athletes who seek the highest caliber of craftsmanship & design.

Our embroidered Tsuru Mon (dual cranes) badge is inspired by the Kamon (family crest) of the legendary Nambu samurai clan who ruled most of the Tōhoku region for over 700 years. The two cranes are also a symbol of universal peace.

We combine ancestral know-how with the highest quality of made in Japan weaved cotton fabric and most advanced engineering technology. As a result we offer rare, unique gis, designed and perfected by competing athletes for modern judo techniques.

Each seasonal collection, inspired by Japan’s culture & arts, is a limited run of less than a hundred items. Your gi is crafted to order with your exact measurements and specifications.

In the pure tradition of Japanese Martial Arts, we put dedication and precision in every step, from design to delivery.
As a result please take in consideration that it can take about 6 weeks to review, manufacture and ship your order outside Japan.