A New Story for Your Cherished Memories
We give new form to the sentiments held in a cherished book or kimono, turning them into a volume to be treasured for years to come.
Our Story
About
Where the art of bookbinding
meets the beauty of antique kimono.
Brand
A One-of-a-Kind Binding
Born of Book
and Kimono
KAKIMONO is a bespoke bookbinding brand
that uses antique kimono in its bindings.
The binding art of reliure flourished in 16th-century Europe.
Books beautifully bound by hand in leather and cloth were treasured not only as repositories of knowledge, but also as works of art to keep close and pass on.
We reinterpret that spirit through a contemporary Japanese sensibility, crafting singular books and albums with antique kimono passed down through time.
Finished by hand, each volume becomes a one-of-a-kind work of art in which the time held within book and kimono quietly meets.
KAKIMONO
ka · ki · mo · no
書物
A Japanese word meaning
“writings” or “documents.”
A human legacy through which
knowledge, stories, and memory
are recorded and passed down.
Brand Name
Book and kimono.
Where two stories meet,
a new and singular beauty
comes into being.
KIMONO
ki · mo · no
着物
Japan's traditional garment.
A textile in which pattern and colour
carry the artisan's aesthetic, skill,
and a culture handed down
through generations.
Product
A Volume for
Your Stories and Memories
At KAKIMONO, we create bespoke books and photo albums to order.
With antique kimono adorning each cover, every volume is hand-bound by an artisan into a one-of-a-kind work.
Book
Book
We rebind books as hardcovers and finish them with kimono binding.
You may choose from our curated list, enquire about a specific title, or bring in your own. A beloved book you return to again and again — or wish to give as a gift — is transformed into a one-of-a-kind work.
Suitable Items
Any bound volume with a spine, including used books, notebooks, and diaries
Craft
Hardcover rebinding + kimono binding
Production Time
4–5 Weeks
Price
¥55,000 (tax incl. · includes book, kimono, binding, paulownia storage box & domestic shipping)
Photo Album
Photo Album
We finish photo albums for weddings, coming-of-age ceremonies, family milestones, and other treasured occasions with kimono binding.
By layering the time held in both photographs and kimono, we create a special volume worthy of being passed down.
Suitable Items
Photo album (standard size)
Craft
Hardcover rebinding + kimono binding
Production Time
4–5 Weeks
Price
From ¥55,000 (tax incl. · includes album, kimono, binding, paulownia storage box & domestic shipping)
KAKIMONO
Turn Your Treasured Book
Into Something Extraordinary
We accommodate a wide range of items, from books — including used volumes — to notebooks, diaries, and photo albums.
You may choose from our curated list, specify a title, or bring in your own book. We also welcome enquiries regarding gifts and commemorative pieces.
Accepted | Any item with a spine, including used books, photo albums, notebooks, and more
Bring-Ins Welcome | Bring your own book, notebook, or similar item
Please Enquire | Items whose cover height exceeds 25 cm
Not Accepted | Items without a spine or that are severely damaged / soiled
Kimono
Carefully Curated
Antique Obi
We work with antique obi distinguished by delicate pattern and vivid colour.
Each one is carefully selected for the craftsmanship it embodies and for its beauty in binding.
You are welcome to choose from our gallery, or to bring in your own kimono.
Kimono & Obi | Nagoya obi, fukuro obi, maru obi, and more
Bring-ins Welcome | Bring your own kimono or obi
Not Accepted | Items under approx. 30 cm in width (such as hanhaba obi), or items that are severely damaged or soiled
Features
Four Reasons to
Choose KAKIMONO
A Keepsake for Life's Milestones
For coming-of-age ceremonies, weddings, milestone birthdays, and other occasions, we preserve life's precious moments in a truly special gift.
One-of-a-Kind, Made to Order
Every book and every kimono you choose is unique, resulting in a singular work that carries your own story.
Hand-Bound by Artisans
Each volume is finished by hand, one by one, bringing forth a warmth and refinement no machine can replicate — the beauty of true craftsmanship.
01
Choose Your Book
02
Choose Your Kimono
03
Artisan Hand-Binding (4–5 weeks)
04
Delivery