Meet Chiharu (chi) Nakajima-teil | Kimonoyala Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chiharu (chi) Nakajima-teil and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chiharu (Chi), can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I am from Shizuoka City, Japan, and I have been living in Sawtelle Japantown, LA, for over 10 years.

I am the owner of Kimonoyala, a vendor based in LA that sells vintage kimono, Yukata, Haori (kimono jackets), and Japanese items for festivals, small events, and private parties.

I am also an event planner and coordinator for the Japanology Fair in the Los Angeles area.

What should our readers know about your business?
I came up with the idea of selling Yukata (summer casual kimono) to young anime and manga fans because I noticed their love for anime/manga and their interest in Japanese culture. I would like to introduce Japanese culture through kimonos. I thought it was a good business idea, but I haven’t been able to fully reach that audience. Most of my customers used to be people involved in Tea Ceremony or those who play traditional Japanese instruments like the Koto and Shamisen. The Japanese communities in LA still remain loyal customers. After speaking with many customers, I realized that Japanese Americans and Americans are more interested in Haori (kimono jackets) because they are easy to wear and add an oriental fashion touch.

I also noticed that many Japanese Americans and Japanese people want to get rid of their kimonos but don’t know how, and some even throw them away. I decided to rescue these kimonos and sell them as vintage pieces, contributing to recycling for future generations. I sell vintage kimonos in person because, being vintage, some may have minor damages, and customers should inspect them before purchasing. Of course, I also have many kimonos in excellent condition.

I tried to reach a broader audience, and I think I should use social media more. I created flyers from scratch to promote my vintage kimonos, but there weren’t many places to sell them since kimonos are niche products.
Eventually, I started organizing my own events with my friends, reaching out to other vendors and promoting their businesses alongside mine. I’m proud that I was able to build all of this from the ground up with the support of my friends and family. My event became known as the Japanology Fair. It is still a small event, but I dream of the Japanology Fair expanding to other locations and states across the U.S.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have been living in Sawtelle Japantown since I came to the U.S., and I’d like to introduce this area. Everyone knows about Little Tokyo in Downtown LA, but another historic area for Japanese Americans is Sawtelle. There are many Japanese restaurants here, and I find it a very interesting area, even though it’s part of LA. You may find out experience authentic Japanese tastes and culture.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I participated as a Japanese Tea Ceremony demonstrator at tea festivals, Japanese festivals, museums and small events in the LA area. I had to wear a kimono to demonstrate Tea Ceremony but I didn’t have any, even though my family in Japan owns many, including my kimonos when I wore before in Japan. I borrowed kimonos from my kind Tea Ceremony instructor. Eventually, I bought my own kimonos and started selling vintage ones. I am very grateful to my Tea Ceremony instructor, who introduced me to the world of Tea Ceremony and taught me how to wear a kimono and much more.

Website: https://www.kimonoyala.com

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/kimonoyala

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/kimonoyala

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kimonoyala

Other: We stated using TikTok: @kimonoyala

Image Credits
Kimonoyala