Recycle
Move kimono, obi and other materials into a meaningful next life instead of allowing their story to end.
FROM YAMAGUCHI TO THE WORLD
From Yamaguchi,
to the world.
Re:Born Japan is a nonprofit and circular-design brand from Yamaguchi, Japan. It reconnects materials, handwork and human potential so that what already exists can become part of a new future.
- ORIGIN
- Yamaguchi, Japan
- PHILOSOPHY
- MOTTAINAI
- COLLECTIONS
- Five series
01 / WHAT IS RE:BORN JAPAN?
More than objects.
A circular philosophy.
Re:Born Japan is a Japanese nonprofit initiative that gives new value to materials whose first role has ended, while rediscovering human skills, meaningful roles and connections.
Kimono, obi and regional materials carry colour, texture, memory and time. Rather than treating them as waste, Re:Born Japan looks again at what each material can become through careful design and handwork.
The purpose is not limited to making products. It is to connect the value created through making with people, communities and the future—and to share MOTTAINAI as a living culture from Yamaguchi to the world.
ERIKO NISHIGUCHI / ORIGINAL JAPANESE WORDS“ハンドメイド作家”ではなく、『日本発（山口発）の循環思想ブランド』
Direct meaning: “Not a handmade craft artist, but a circular-philosophy brand born in Japan—and in Yamaguchi.”
02 / FOUR PROMISES WITHIN RE:
Four actions,
one future.
The “Re:” in Re:Born Japan carries four commitments. Together, they turn MOTTAINAI from an idea into a continuing cycle.
Rediscover
Recognise skills, individuality and possibility that may have been overlooked, and create a place for them to shine again.
Reduction
Reduce what is discarded and connect newly created value with communities, education, the environment and the future.
Responsibility
Take responsibility for how we make, choose and pass things forward to the next generation.
03 / FIVE SERIES
Five Japanese characters,
five ways to reconnect.
Each series is named with a single Japanese character that expresses not only an object, but also a feeling, a way of living and a relationship to the future.
01 / ACCESSORIES
結 / YUI
Small accessories that reconnect the memory of inherited textiles with everyday dress, personal stories and gifts.
02 / INTERIOR
燈 / AKARI
Interior pieces that reveal the weave, colour and changing expression of old materials through light and shadow.
03 / BAGS & CASES
彩 / IRODORI
Bags and cases that carry the bold colours and patterns of kimono and obi into contemporary daily life.
04 / APPAREL
凛 / RIN
Apparel shaped by the quiet dignity, negative space and strength found in Japanese textiles.
05 / PET GOODS
絆 / KIZUNA
Pet goods that bring Japanese textiles and the warmth of handwork into the bond shared with a beloved family member.
These images express the direction of each series. As every piece differs in textile, pattern and finish, please refer to the current Etsy listing for the exact item, materials, size and availability.
04 / FROM MATERIAL TO NEW STORY
Made slowly,
made with meaning.
The material comes first. Its pattern, condition and history guide the form, so the process does not begin with a single standard answer.
- 01
Observe the material
Look closely at the pattern, weave, condition and traces of time before deciding what the material can become next.
- 02
Find its individuality
Choose the placement and purpose that allow its strongest colours and details to remain visible.
- 03
Shape it by hand
Work one piece at a time, keeping the subtle differences that make handmade work personal rather than uniform.
- 04
Pass it forward
Send the finished piece into the life of someone who will care for it and continue its next story.
05 / JAPAN EXPO PARIS 2026
Yamaguchi reached
Paris.
From 9 to 12 July 2026, Re:Born Japan exhibited at Japan Expo at Paris-Nord Villepinte. The presentation carried Yamaguchi’s handwork and the spirit of MOTTAINAI into conversations with visitors from across borders and generations.
- DATES
- 9–12 July 2026
- VENUE
- Paris-Nord Villepinte
- LOCATION
- Hall 5A / U577
06 / QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
A clearer way to
meet the brand.
01What is Re:Born Japan?
Re:Born Japan is a nonprofit circular-philosophy brand from Yamaguchi, Japan. It connects materials whose first role has ended with handwork, human skills and new possibilities.
02Are the pieces one of a kind?
Many pieces are made individually, and inherited textile patterns appear differently in every cut. Please confirm the exact appearance and availability on each current Etsy listing.
03Which materials are used?
The project works with kimono, obi and regional materials. Because materials differ from piece to piece, the confirmed composition and specifications are provided with each product listing.
04Can organisations collaborate with Re:Born Japan?
Yes. Enquiries regarding exhibitions, projects, media and international collaboration can be sent directly to the team by email.
05Where can I check prices and international shipping?
Current prices, availability and shipping conditions depend on the individual item and destination. Please refer to the latest information on Etsy before purchasing.
07 / CONTACT & COLLABORATION
Let the next connection
begin here.
For exhibitions, collaborations, press and international enquiries, please contact the Re:Born Japan team by email. Current pieces and confirmed product details are available through Etsy.