How we crossed paths with Yasumoto（short story）
The Crafting of Hanao
Even among “hanao craftsmen,” each has their own unique skills and specialties. There are always craftsmen who are skilled at crafting certain fabrics or styles, and others who might not be.
We usually work with a hanao craftsman from Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture. While we were searching for another craftsman who could make a different style of hanao, a connection was made through “Choboya” (a long-established store in Kyoto’s Gion Shijo specializing in zori and geta), which has supported us since the beginning of our brand. That’s how we met Yasumoto.
photo：Sakurai-san from “Choboya”
“Yasamoto” (Kyoto City, Uzumasa)
They specialize in traditional Japanese accessories, primarily focusing on Nishijin weaving. They handle everything from sourced goods to original products crafted by their in-house artisans. There is a wide variety of items, ranging from subtly patterned and colored designs to more vibrant and luxurious ones. However, the consistent sense of "elegance and taste" shines through in everything, giving all their products a distinct “Yasumoto” touch.
photo：Nishijin-ori handled by Yasumoto
For the new hanao collection we are unveiling, we selected fabrics from Yasumoto’s collection to celebrate the New Year. These designs strike a balance of being vibrant yet subtly elegant, perfect for adorning your feet.
The artisan in charge of crafting the hanao works in Osaka, and both the fabric and the craftsmanship are entirely Yasumoto’s original work.
After the hanao was completed, I learned that this craftsman was actually the same person who had worked with us from the early days of the brand through the esteemed traditional Japanese accessory store, Kikunokonomi (Osaka). Both Kikunokonomi and Yasumoto are large wholesalers, but it turns out that this artisan worked for both companies simultaneously, crafting products for each.
This connection feels truly fateful for Whole Love Kyoto.
Until Kikunokonomi closed its doors, many of our hanao were crafted by this very artisan. Furthermore, it was this person who made 47 different types of hanao for the “HANAO SHOES JAPAN” collection, using fabrics of completely different materials and thicknesses.
photo：Kikunokonomi's hanao
It’s a wonderful feeling to be able to continue this partnership, and to once again be able to source hanao crafted by this skilled artisan, recognized by both Kikunokonomi and Yasumoto. As a brand, we are incredibly grateful for this connection.
We invite you to consider these hanao for your New Year celebrations. If you would like to see the actual products up close, please visit our shop.
Chihana Mizobe
