The Spirit of Budo and the Beauty of Kimono:

投稿日 2025年11月30日
著者 NikkoCocon
カテゴリースタッフブログ

A Middle School Student “Namichan” Takes Her First Step Toward the Future at COCON NIKKO
(My-Challe Experience Report)

This is a story of how our connection with “Namichan,” a student from a middle school in Nikko City, began—of her teachers’ passion, and of her own deep interest in kimono.

I am Misa Endo, the manager of Nikko Kimono Rental COCON NIKKO.

The Spirit of Budo and the Beauty of Kimono:

A Middle School Student “Namichan” Takes Her First Step Toward the Future at COCON NIKKO (My-Challe Experience Report)**

Prologue: A Future Connection Born from a Single Phone Call

This touching story began at the end of October.

While we were preparing for our usual business day at COCON NIKKO, we received a gentle phone call from a teacher at a middle school in Nikko City.

1. The Teachers’ Passion and Their Deep Care for Students

The teacher explained that the school was holding a “My-Challe” workplace experience program, and that there was one student with a strong interest in kimono.

“Would you be willing to accept her at COCON NIKKO?”

The teacher’s warm voice left a deep impression on me.

A student interested in kimono:
Just knowing that a local middle school student had an interest in kimono brought us immense joy. It made us feel that Japan’s traditional culture is truly being passed on to the next generation.
The school’s passion:
Above all, we were deeply moved by the fact that the teachers were researching and visiting many shops just to find a kimono-related workplace for this one student.

It became immediately clear how much the school values each student’s individuality and potential.

2. A Deeper Bond Formed During the Pre-Meeting

After the first discussion with the teacher, we proceeded to meet with the student herself—Namichan. Everything went smoothly and warmly.

During this pre-meeting, we learned for the first time just how deeply she felt about kimono.

Influence from her kendo masters:
She told us she had two kendo masters. Through kendo, she is constantly connected to traditional Japanese attire and culture.
The source of her interest in kimono:
When we asked why she chose kimono among many possible fields, her eyes sparkled as she explained how kendo hakama, Japanese tradition, and the desire to share Japanese culture—including kimono—with guests from Japan and abroad inspired her.

From this meeting, we could see how much she was looking forward to her experience, and as a team, we renewed our determination to make this a truly special time for her.

Part 1: The Bond of Kimono and International Exchange Formed in Two Days

Finally, the My-Challe experience day arrived.

Polite, curious, and naturally cheerful, Namichan immediately embodied the core values of COCON NIKKO—“international exchange” and “creating delightful memories.”

1. A Polite and Kind-Hearted Girl

Practicing kendo regularly, Namichan carries the spirit of Japanese martial arts. She is polite, kind, and always wears a lovely smile.

The beauty born from Budo:
Because she wears hakama regularly through kendo, she was already comfortable in traditional clothing. Her posture and manners carried the dignified beauty shaped by martial arts.
Interaction with guests from Japan and abroad:
Thanks to her politeness and warm nature, she quickly connected with guests from all over the world and actively assisted with customer service.

2. A Rich Customer Service Experience — Meeting 12 Guests in Two Days

Over the two days, she assisted 12 customers—each encounter becoming a valuable learning experience for her.

Day 1 (27th): 8 Guests

A family from Taiwan:
Helping to create memories for an international family trip
(Papa Lin Michi, Mama Melody, and daughter Mori)
A couple from Mexico:
A delightful encounter involving cross-cultural romance
—And amazingly, their interpreter, Mr. Akutsu, was a graduate of Namichan’s own school!
A girl celebrating Shichi-Go-San:
Supporting a traditional Japanese celebration
(Sena, age 3; baby brother Ren, 1.5 months)
A 5-year-old little lady from Taiwan:
Assisting an excited child choosing her kimono
Myanmar staff from a Nikko accommodation:
Fellow tourism workers enjoying cultural exchange

Day 2 (28th): 4 Guests

A couple from Tokyo visiting for the autumn leaves:
Providing warm hospitality to domestic travelers
A couple from Hong Kong celebrating their second anniversary:
Mr. Chen in blue; Ms. Ariel in a vivid red kimono
Enjoying Japan after a trip to DisneySea

3. Communication Beyond Borders—A Smile That Connects the World

Namichan communicated actively with guests despite language barriers.

A smile is a universal language:
Using simple English and gestures, her bright smile and sincerity were clearly understood by international guests.
Warm reactions from customers:
Many told her, “Do your best, Namichan!”—giving her confidence and helping her feel the joy of human connection.
Her teachers, who visited the shop, were delighted to see her thriving.

Part 2: Learning the Traditions and Behind-the-Scenes Work

Her experience extended far beyond customer interaction—she learned the professional “behind-the-scenes” of kimono rental.

Folding and caring for kimono:
Just as she treats her kendo hakama with care, she learned to fold kimono gently and responsibly.
Assisting with photography:
Helping guests capture special memories by offering posing suggestions.
Maintaining the shop environment:
Cleaning and organizing the shop to ensure a pleasant experience for visitors.

By the end of the two days, she had blended into COCON NIKKO so naturally that she seemed like a seasoned staff member.

Part 3: Namichan in Kimono—Two Styles Showing Her Growth

She showcased two very different kimono styles—each reflecting a different side of her personality and cultural appreciation.

1. Day 1 — “Uraraka,” a Premium Kimono Full of Brightness

She wore a premium kimono called Uraraka, decorated with bold red camellia motifs.

Camellias symbolize vitality and beauty in the winter season.
The contrast of the red base and green leaves brought out her youthful charm.
Perfect for retro or girly styling, this kimono highlighted her adorable side and drew admiration from guests.

2. Day 2 — “Hibiki,” a Dignified Hakama Style

On day two, she wore a graduation-style hakama—different from her usual kendo attire.

Hibiki features a black kimono with red cherry blossoms and a red-black gradient hakama.
Silver floral patterns added elegance.
The bold red and black combination emphasized both the calm dignity of martial arts and the beauty of kimono tradition.

Because she is accustomed to wearing hakama, she carried this look with natural grace—perfectly representing the harmony of “the spirit of Budo” and “Japanese culture.”

Conclusion: A Step Toward the Future and Shared Joy — A Promise from COCON NIKKO

Namichan, thank you so much for your wonderful two-day My-Challe experience!

We are grateful for your courage to take on this challenge, supported by your teachers and family, and driven by your own fascination with kimono.

The “spirit of hospitality,” the “joy of international exchange,” and the “importance of sharing culture” that you learned will surely become a strength in your life.

We at COCON NIKKO feel honored to have supported a school that cherishes students’ dreams and to have witnessed your growth up close.

COCON NIKKO will continue to support young people filled with dreams and hopes, passing culture forward into the future.

We sincerely hope that the manners you learned through kendo and the international awareness you gained through kimono will carry you far into your bright future.
Please come visit us again when you return to Nikko!

With warmest regards,
Misa Endo & all staff at COCON NIKKO

The Experience of “Wearing Kimono”

Wearing kimono brings a spark of the extraordinary into everyday life—almost like a kind of magic.
It opens your heart and lets you discover a new version of yourself.

You notice architectural details you’ve never seen, feel moved by nature again, and connect warmly with locals.
Nikko seen through the “kimono filter” shows a completely different face.

The memories you create won’t just be “tourism”—they will be precious treasures.

COCON NIKKO is not merely a kimono rental shop.
We want to be your “travel partner,” wholeheartedly supporting your unforgettable memories.

Would you like to begin your enchanting kimono journey with COCON NIKKO?

We are always here, waiting with a smile.

Only 5 minutes’ walk from Tobu Nikko Station
Everything you need is provided
Professional staff ensures your kimono stays beautiful all day

About COCON NIKKO

A kimono rental salon in the World Heritage town of Nikko, dedicated to helping you create “once-in-a-lifetime memories.”

We offer many retro-modern kimono styles to match the season and townscape.
From hairstyling to dressing to coordination, we provide full support—even for first-timers.

A Cherished Time with Someone Special

COCON NIKKO wishes to offer more than just kimono rental.

A special outfit for stepping out of daily life
Discovering a new side of yourself
Excitement, wonder, and heart-fluttering moments
Unforgettable time with loved ones

We hope you enjoy Nikko in kimono to the fullest, with your brightest smile.

Reservations

Reservations are accepted 24 hours a day.
Next-day returns are available (¥1,650 per person).
Please write “next-day return requested” in the message box when booking.

Find customer photos filled with smiles on our X, Instagram, TikTok, and gallery.

For anniversaries, sightseeing, graduation trips, kimono dates, girls’ trips, or family vacations—
COCON NIKKO promises a colorful and unforgettable experience.