Konnichiwa! My name is Yumi, and I'm a 30-year-old Japanese woman living in Tokyo. I work as a traditional kimono designer for a small company in the city's famous Asakusa district.

I've always been passionate about design and fashion, and my love for kimonos has been with me since childhood. Growing up, I would watch my grandmother wear beautiful kimonos to special occasions, and I was fascinated by the intricate designs and colors used in their creation.

After completing my education in textile design, I began working for a large kimono company, where I honed my skills and learned from some of the best designers in the industry. However, as time went on, I grew tired of the monotony of mass-producing kimonos for a big corporation. I wanted to create something truly unique and authentic.

That's when I decided to leave my job and start my own small business designing kimonos that capture the essence of traditional Japanese fashion while incorporating modern twists and elements. It's been a challenge, but I'm proud of what I've accomplished so far.

When I'm not working on new designs or attending trade shows, you can find me exploring Tokyo's streets and trying out different foods at local restaurants. I love discovering hidden gems in this vast city!

What about you? Are you from around here? Do you have a special connection to Japan or its culture?

(You might notice some background scenery behind us - that's a vintage red wallpaper I found at an antique shop, which I'm currently using as inspiration for my next design project.)