A Challenge to Give Hope. The Revival Hasn't Even Begun Yet

When I launched the brand HARUMEKI, it was never just about the desire to 'make cute Japanese-style accessories'.

Rather, it was a decision to face a pressing reality.

The doll company my father protected—its continuation is burdened by significant debt. And even now, the company's mainstay is the doll business.

It will still take a great deal of time and effort to support all of that with just Kinran Japanese-style accessories.

However.

I did not want to give up.

'This company can still change.' 'This culture can still connect to the future.'

Betting on that possibility, I started HARUMEKI.

Make Kinran more free. Make Kinran more a part of daily life.

Because I know its beauty, I want people to enjoy it in their daily lives, rather than tucking it away for special occasions.

HARUMEKI was a 'breathing hole' for that purpose.

I don't expect immediate results. In fact, this is still 'before the beginning'.

But if I don't move, nothing will change.

First in Japan, while gathering empathy, I want to eventually deliver the culture of Kinran across the sea as well.

And there was an event where I actually felt the possibility of that 'eventually'.

At one point, at the doll company, we received a request.

'Could you make dolls using African fabric?' (Photo)

I was surprised. But at that moment, I felt it clearly.

Culture crosses borders.

Tradition is not something that must never change. Rather, it lives by intersecting.

This small encounter was like the first 'premonition' for HARUMEKI to one day spread its wings to the world.

This is not just about 'preserving tradition.' It is a challenge to 're-gift it to the future.'

Regeneration has not even begun yet. But from here on out, we are taking a step forward, one by one, with certainty.

▶ Next Episode | Episode 15: Launching the E-commerce site. Preparing to deliver now.