Authentic Japanese Kimono Experience
Capture special life moments while wearing Kimono; Shichi-go-san, Coming-of-Age, Wedding and more!
Authentic Japanese Kimono Experience
About the Kimono Dressing
Kimono is worn in traditional Japanese rite of passage celebrations. Would you like to celebrate your children’s or your special moments in a kimono? Family photo for holiday card? Even if you don’t own a kimono or don’t know how to wear it, don’t worry. The Japan Society of Northern California will guide you through. This service will be available all year – you decide when your special day is!
We provide a one-of-a-kind experience designed to capture the individual’s milestones in life.
Our friendly certified kimono professionals work with you utilizing rare, high-end kimonos from Japan that are worth thousands of dollars, to ensure you have an authentic Japanese experience.
Kimono to Top it Off!
Interested? Drop us an email at kimono@usajapan.org
Shichi-go-san means seven-five-three and represents the ages of the kids being celebrated as they reach certain milestones. It is from the Meiji Era (1868-1912) when parents brought their kimono-clad children—girls, ages three and seven; and boys, age three and five—to Shintō shrines and prayed for their children to have long and prosperous lives.
Today, this coming-of-age custom has evolved to encompass all children regardless of their age. Children can dress up in elegant kimono and zōri (sandals) and capture the day with a professional photograph at this traditional event.
Shichi-go-san means seven-five-three and represents the ages of the kids being celebrated as they reach certain milestones. It is from the Meiji Era (1868-1912) when parents brought their kimono-clad children—girls, ages three and seven; and boys, age three and five—to Shintō shrines and prayed for their children to have long and prosperous lives.
Today, this coming-of-age custom has evolved to encompass all children regardless of their age. Children can dress up in elegant kimono and zōri (sandals) and capture the day with a professional photograph at this traditional event.
Team
Masami Saisu
Having been surrounded by Kimono culture her whole life as her family successfully managed a Kimono business for decades in Tokyo, Masami moved with her husband and family to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1994. At first, she worked as a full-time mother, concentrating her efforts on raising her two sons. As they were growing, Masami also dedicated herself to the art of Kimono dressing, becoming certified in 2011. Soon she began volunteering as a Kimono dresser at cultural events, such as at the Millbrae Japanese Festival, the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival, and the Japanese Cultural Day at Hidden Villa in Los Altos. Her passion for spreading the beauty of the Japanese Kimono and culture lead her to form a Kimono business along with two partners. After a number of years, she established her own company, KIMONO by Kamino, in 2018. Through KIMONO BY Kamino, Masami organizes and stages photo sessions for clients to commemorate themselves celebrating weddings and traditional Japanese occasions, such as 7-5-3, Shichi-go-san and the Coming of Age, Seijinshiki. In her spare time, Masami likes practicing yoga, cooking, and reading.
Faye Dawdy & Tom Dawdy
Faye and Tom Dawdy have been in business since 1977. They are experienced professional photographers servicing primarily the San Francisco Peninsula. Both have degrees from Degree the Professional Photographers of America, Faye her Craftsman Degree and Tom his Master of Craftsman. Additionally, they each are lifetime members of the Professional Photographers of America. They have traveled around the U.S. and also Chile and Sweden teaching photography to aspiring professional photographers and have had numerous articles published in professional photography journals. Faye and Tom are engaged members of community organizations, the variety of which attests to their broad concerns—from the Sister City Commission in Millbrae, the Millbrae Historical Association and Millbrae Community TV, to the Rotary Club, and the Strides for Life Colon Cancer Foundation, as well as One Hit Away. They enjoy participating in the Bay Area’s multi-cultural riches and, when not working, like spending quality time with their large family period.
Hiroko Sato
Born and raised in Tokyo, Japan, Hiroko graduated from and is licensed by The School of Nihon Bunka Kimono Gakuin in Tokyo. She moved to San Francisco in 2007, founding the “Sato Kimono Class” in 2008. In addition to conducting traditional Kimono dressing lessons, she provides consulting and Kimono dressing services for clients in the San Francisco Bay Area. Hiroko contributes to numerous organizations, such as the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival Queen Program, and the San Francisco Japantown Kimono Day and Osaka Matsuri. In order to spread Kimono culture, Hiroko performs Kimono dressing demonstrations at the Cupertino Sakura Matsuri, the Millbrae Japanese Cultural Festival, Japan Day at University of San Francisco and San Francisco Unified School District.
Pricing
Kimono dressing and photo session fee of $550 includes:
Consultation & Dress Rehearsal
We have a dress rehearsal to ensure that you or your children are comfortable wearing and moving in the kimono. This will prepare you and your children well for the photo session. This extraordinary service is provided exclusively by us.
Kimono Rental Fee
One kimono set. Although it’s included in the package price, you can choose to bring your own!
Kimono Dressing
It’s a fun time! “Breathtaking experience” If more than 2 persons want to wear Kimonos, please consult us.
Photo Session (+ Family Photos) 30-45 minutes
Absolutely private Photo Session with an experienced professional photographer either at the studio in Burlingame or at an outdoor location. Outdoor locations between April and November.
Online Proofing & High Resolution
Approximately 30 final images in high resolution
Additional Option
Hair styling and makeup, starting at $200 for adults and $150 for children under 18 years old.
Furisode and Kids Kimono Rental
We provide rental Kimonos for families with children and the service of Kimono dressing. We first deliver your selected Kimono to your house or your selected venue and then a certified professional dresses you or your children in the Kimono. We pick up the Kimono after the stage event or ceremony. The service is valid within a 60 mile radius of the office of the Japan Society of Northern California (500 Washington St. San Francisco, CA 94111).
The price of the service starts at $350 and includes:
- Rental fee for one set Kimono set for 1 person
- Kimono Dressing for 1 person
- Delivery and pick up service to / from your selected location
Do you own kimono?
We also provide Kimono dressing exclusively. A certified professional dresses you at your house or your selected venue. The service starts at $200.
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