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Welcome to the final chapter of my blog series on the Shohei Ohtani JAL commercial project. We explored the "Victory Navy" concept in Part 1 and the challenges of tailoring for his physique in Part 2. Today, in Part 3, I will finally share the story of the actual shoot day and the moment of fitting. 大谷翔平選手JAL新CMプロジェクトの舞台裏ブログ、ついに最終回です。 第1回の「コンセプト」、第2回の「製作」を経て、今日は「撮影当日の着付け」の様子をお届けします。  [The Tension Before the Shoot / 当日までの緊張とプレッシャー] Thanks to the incredible work of our seamstresses, the navy kimono and haori were finished beautifully. However, the real challenge was yet to come. The fitting on the day of the shoot would be a "one-shot deal" with no rehearsal. I was extremely nervous. 縫い子さんたちの素晴らしい仕事のおかげで、紺色の着物と羽織は美しく仕上がっていました。しかし、本当の勝負はここからです。 実際の着付けは、リハーサルなしの「ぶっつけ本番」。私は当日まで、かつてない緊張と不安の中にいました。 Although I had conducted fittings using a model of the same height, a professional baseball player’s muscle structure is vastly different from the average person. Leading up to the day, the question, "Will it really fit his unique build perfectly?" was constantly on my mind. 事前に同じ身長のモデルさんでフィッティングはしていましたが、プロ野球選手の筋肉の付き方は一般の方とは全く異なります。「規格外の彼の身体に、本当に完璧にフィットするだろうか？」そればかりを考えながら毎日を過ごしていました。 [Meeting the Legend & The Moment of Truth / 対面、そして運命の着付け] When I finally met Mr. Ohtani on set, it was the off-season, so his musculature seemed slightly calmer than what we usually see on television during the season. He mentioned he was also dieting. He has incredible proportions—a small face and a model-like physique. 当日、実際にお会いした大谷選手はシーズンオフということもあり、テレビで拝見するよりも筋肉の量が比較的落ち着いている印象でした。ご本人もダイエット中だとおっしゃっていました。 顔がとても小さく、まるでモデルのような素晴らしい体型でした The moment of truth arrived. As I dressed him, my worries vanished. The fit was flawless. The balance between the hakama and kimono was excellent, there were no unnecessary wrinkles, and both the sleeve and body lengths were perfect. The tailored kimono wrapped around his powerful body exactly as I had envisioned. そして迎えた、運命の着付けの時間。 それまでの不安は、杞憂に終わりました。着付けは問題なく、袴と着物のバランスも最高。無駄なシワも一切なく、袖も丈も完璧でした。計算して仕立てた着物が、彼の逞しい身体に吸い付くようにフィットした瞬間でした。 [The Shoot & A Special Detail / 撮影、そしてこだわりのディテール] During the shoot, I monitored the monitors closely to ensure the kitsuke remained pristine. He moved with such grace, and the kimono stayed perfectly in place throughout. 撮影中はモニターで常にチェックしていましたが、着崩れることもなく、全体的に非常に美しく仕上がったと思います。 Did you notice the shot from behind in the middle of the commercial? If you look closely at his back, you can see the custom JAL Kamon (crest). My partner Kentaro, worked incredibly hard to create this detail, and I am so happy it made the final cut. CMの中盤、大谷選手の後ろ姿のカットにお気づきでしょうか？ 背中をよく見ると、JALの特別な家紋が入っています。これはパートナーの健太郎さんが一生懸命製作したもので、完成した映像に使われていて本当に良かったと思います。  [A Story of True Character / プロを唸らせた、ある気遣い] Finally, I want to share a small happening that speaks volumes about his character. Towards the end of the shoot, he had taken off the kimono once, but we were suddenly asked to shoot in it again. Due to extreme time constraints and the assumption that it wouldn't be fully visible on camera, we had to hurry and skip one step of the inner dressing process. However, right after that shot, we unexpectedly moved straight into a group photo. 最後に、彼の人柄が伝わるちょっとしたハプニングをご紹介します。 撮影の終盤、一度着物を脱いだのですが、急遽もう一度着物を着て撮影することになりました。時間の関係で大急ぎで再度着付ける必要があり、またカメラには映らない箇所だということもあって、やむを得ず内側の工程を一つ省略して着せざるを得ませんでした。 ところが、その撮影が終わると、そのまま急遽、集合写真の撮影に移行することになったのです。 Because of the skipped step, the collar looked slightly different from the standard finish. While we, as professionals, were internally concerned about this detail in the photo, Mr. Ohtani quietly noticed the situation and asked: "With this way of wearing it, won't it look bad for the stylist?" そのため、襟元の見え方が通常とは少し異なる仕上がりになっていました。私たちプロの目から見ると「このままで大丈夫だろうか」と少し気にしてしまう状況でした。 すると、そんな空気に気づいた大谷選手は、そっとこう言いました。 「この着方だと、スタイリストさんに悪いですよね？」 I was astounded. He wasn't worried about himself, but rather that our reputation might be affected by the "imperfect" dressing. His thoughtfulness for the professional reputation of others, even in a rushed moment, truly showed his class. He is a legend not just for his skill, but for his heart. 私は驚きました。自分のことよりも、完璧ではない着付けによって「スタイリストの評判が下がるのではないか」と、裏方である私たちを気遣ってくれたのです。咄嗟の状況で出るその配慮に、「さすがだなぁ」と深く感動したのを覚えています。彼は技術だけでなく、心もレジェンドでした。  [Conclusion / 結びに] When the entire shoot wrapped, I remember feeling an overwhelming sense of relief. Thank you for following this 3-part series. It was an honor of a lifetime to support Shohei Ohtani with my kimono. Next：Madonna Stuns in KIMONO SK at Her Oscar After Party - With Mick Jagger! 全ての撮影が終わった時、心の底からホッとして、とてつもない安心感に包まれたのを覚えています。 3回にわたるシリーズをお読みいただき、ありがとうございました。 着物を通して大谷翔平選手をサポートできたことは、私にとって生涯の誇りです。 Next：マドンナとミックジャガーがアカデミー賞のパーティーで着物を羽織ったら
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Welcome back to my blog series on the Shohei Ohtani JAL commercial project. In Part 1, I talked about the concept of "Kon" (Victory Navy). Today, in Part 2, I will take you behind the scenes of the actual production process. How did we create a kimono that fits a world-class athlete perfectly? 大谷翔平選手JAL新CMプロジェクトの舞台裏ブログ、第2回です。 前回は「紺（勝色）」というコンセプトについてお話ししました。 今回は、そのイメージを実際に形にする「製作過程」について。 世界のアスリートに完璧にフィットする着物は、どのようにして作られたのでしょうか。 [1. Selecting the Ultimate Fabric / 至高の「紺」を探して] The journey began with finding the perfect fabric. I worked closely with the stylist to select the material. We weren't just looking for "navy"; we needed a specific texture that exuded luxury and dignity. まずは、理想の生地を探すことから始まりました。 今回はスタイリストの方と連携し、数ある生地の中から慎重に選び抜きました。単なる「紺色」ではなく、大谷選手の品格に見合う「高級感」があることが絶対条件でした。 Another crucial factor was wrinkle resistance. We chose a fabric that holds its shape beautifully. For a commercial shoot, the kimono must look flawless in every take, maintaining a sharp, clean silhouette without unwanted creasing. もう一つ、非常に重要だったのが「シワになりにくい」という点です。 撮影において、着姿は常に美しくなければなりません。動いても美しいシルエットを保ち、余計なシワが入らない。そんな、強さと美しさを兼ね備えた生地を採用しました。 [2. Tailoring for a Legend / 規格外の体格を「読む」仕立て] The biggest challenge in production was tailoring the kimono to Mr. Ohtani’s physique. As you know, his body is "non-standard" compared to the average male. Simply using standard large measurements would not work. I had to visualize his three-dimensional shape and give precise instructions to my team. 製作における最大の挑戦は、大谷選手の体格に合わせた仕立てでした。 ご存知の通り、彼の体格は一般的な男性の規格を遥かに超えています。単にサイズを大きくするだけでは、美しい着姿にはなりません。私は彼の身体を立体的にイメージ（予想）し、縫製チームへ細かな指示を出しました。 We paid special attention to three key areas: 1. Neck Thickness 2. Shoulder Muscle Thickness 3. Glute Size (Hip) 特に気を配ったのは、以下の3点です。 1. 首の太さ 2. 肩の筋肉の厚み 3. お尻の大きさ [3. Why These 3 Points Matter / なぜ、その3点なのか？] If we miscalculate these areas even slightly, the kimono loses its balance. For example, the thickness of his shoulder muscles pulls the fabric up. If not accounted for, the sleeves would end up too short, ruining the proportions. Also, his powerful glutes require extra fabric allowance; otherwise, unsightly wrinkles would appear across the back. もし、これらの読みが少しでも外れれば、着物のバランスは崩れてしまいます。 例えば、分厚い肩の筋肉は生地を持ち上げてしまうため、そこを計算に入れないと、着た時に袖（裄）が短くなってしまいます。また、鍛え上げられたお尻周りに十分なゆとりを持たせないと、背中に余計なシワが寄り、凛とした後ろ姿になりません。 Every stitch was calculated to drape elegantly over his powerful frame. Creating a seamless fit for such a dynamic body was a test of our skills as kimono specialists. 袖が短くならないように、そして不要なシワができないように。 あの一瞬の映像美は、大谷選手の身体の特徴を深く理解し、計算し尽くした「仕立て」によって支えられているのです。 [Next Post / 次回予告] In the final post, "Part 3: The Fitting on Set," I will share the tension and excitement of the actual shooting day. Did the kimono fit as predicted? Stay tuned! Blog Part 3 次回はいよいよ最終回。【第3回：当日・着付け編】をお届けします。 計算して仕立てた着物は、果たして完璧にフィットしたのか？ 撮影現場の緊張感とともにお伝えします。 お楽しみに！ ブログ パート3 [Introduction & Self-Introduction / 自己紹介とこのプロジェクトについて] Hello everyone. I am Sueko Oshimoto, a costume designer and kimono specialist. I have dedicated my career to sharing the beauty and spirit of Japanese kimono with the world. While I usually share our activities as a team, today I would like to personally share a very special project that marks a significant milestone in my career. 皆様、こんにちは。衣装デザイナー・着付け師の押元末上子です。普段はチームとして「私たち」の活動をお届けしていますが、本日は私個人にとっても大きな節目となった、特別なプロジェクトについてお話しさせていただきます。 [About this 3-Part Series / この3部作のシリーズについて] Yesterday, the new JAL (Japan Airlines) commercial featuring Shohei Ohtani was released. I am honored to have been in charge of the design, production direction, and styling of the kimono worn by Mr. Ohtani. Because this project was so profound, I will be sharing the story in a 3-part series:
昨日公開されたJALの新CM。大谷翔平選手の凛とした着物姿をご覧いただけましたでしょうか。実はこの度、大谷選手が着用されているお着物のデザイン・制作監修、そして当日の着付けを担当させていただきました。このプロジェクトに込めた想いを余すことなくお伝えするため、今回から3回にわたるシリーズでお届けします。
[Part 1: The Concept — The Power of "Kon" / コンセプト：勝利を象徴する「紺」の力] The production team’s request was clear: the color had to be "Kon" (Japanese Navy). In Japanese culture, this deep indigo is known as Kachi-iro (the color of victory), favored by Samurai for its symbol of strength and discipline. It is the perfect hue to represent Mr. Ohtani’s integrity and his relentless pursuit of excellence as he looks toward the World Baseball Classic 2026. プロダクションチームからのリクエストは「紺」という色の指定でした。「紺」は古来より「勝色（かちいろ）」と呼ばれ、侍たちが勝利を願って好んだ縁起の良い色です。2026年のWBC世界大会を見据え、再び頂点を目指す大谷選手の誠実さと強さを象徴する、まさに彼にふさわしい色といえます。 [The Vision: Supporting a Legend / 制作者としての想い：大谷選手の背中を支える] From the moment I received this request, I had one mission: "To support Ohtani-san as he takes on the world, through the power of kimono." I focused all my energy on how to make this specific navy both beautiful and powerful, ensuring it matched his extraordinary physique and aura. Every detail was meticulously planned so that even in a brief moment on screen, the "Will of Japan" would be felt through his presence. 「世界へ挑戦する大谷選手の背中を、着物を通して支えたい」 ご依頼をいただいた瞬間から、私の心はその一点に集中しました。指定された「紺」をいかに美しく、かつ力強く、大谷選手の体格とオーラにフィットさせるか。映像の中では一瞬かもしれませんが、その一瞬に「日本の意志」が宿るよう、細部までイメージを膨らませていきました。 [The Ultimate Challenge / 最大の挑戦：規格外の体格へのフィット] As a designer and stylist, my biggest challenge was his physique. His build is truly world-class and beyond standard measurements. Ensuring the kimono draped perfectly on his powerful frame required precise direction during production and expert skill during the final fitting on set. It was a proud moment to see the "Spirit of Japan" perfectly tailored to his strength. デザイナー、制作者、そして着付け師として、最大の挑戦は彼の「規格外の体格」にフィットさせることでした。あの逞しい身体を最も美しく見せるための仕立ての指示、そして現場での緻密な着付け。その一着に「日本の誇り」を宿らせるため、持てる全ての技術を注ぎ込みました。 [Next Post / 次回予告]
In my next post, "Part 2: Production," I will dive into the craftsmanship behind the fabric and the specific instructions I gave to my team to bring this vision to life. Stay tuned! Blog Part 2 次回は、この「紺」をいかに形にしていったのか。チームへの指示や生地へのこだわりを綴る【第2回：製作編】をお届けします。ぜひ、楽しみにお待ちください。 ブログ パート2 Every year, Madonna hosts one of the most exclusive and glamorous Oscar After-Parties, attended by Hollywood’s elite. This year, we were honored to see Madonna wearing KIMONO SK, redefining elegance with our custom design. But that’s not all—rock legend Mick Jagger was also part of the night, making it an unforgettable moment in fashion and entertainment history. Seeing our kimono creations embraced by such cultural icons is truly inspiring. At KIMONO SK, we merge traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern haute couture, creating unique and sophisticated designs for global stars and special occasions. Madonna’s look at the Oscar After-Party is a testament to how kimono fashion can transcend time and culture, making a statement on the world’s biggest stages. マドンナが主催するオスカー・アフターパーティーは、ハリウッドのセレブリティが集結する、一年で最も華やかでエクスクルーシブなイベントの一つです。 今年、その特別な舞台でマドンナが「KIMONO SK」を着用し、私たちのカスタムデザインで新たなエレガンスを定義してくれたことを大変光栄に思います。 さらに、この記念すべき夜にはロック界のレジェンド、ミック・ジャガーの姿もあり、ファッションとエンターテインメントの歴史に刻まれる忘れられない瞬間となりました。時代を象徴するアイコンたちが私たちの着物クリエイションを身に纏う姿を目にすることは、言葉にできないほど刺激的な出来事です。 KIMONO SKの想い私たちKIMONO SKは、日本の伝統的な職人技と現代のオートクチュールを融合させ、世界のスターや特別なシーンのために、唯一無二の洗練されたデザインを生み出しています。 マドンナがオスカー・アフターパーティーで見せた装いは、「着物ファッション」が時代や文化を超え、世界最高の舞台で力強いメッセージを放つことができるという何よりの証です。    Stay tuned for more incredible moments where tradition meets modern luxury!
📸 Explore our custom designs and rentals. Join us for a spectacular journey into the heart of Japanese culture with KIMONO SK’s own Sueko Oshimoto and Kentaro Terauchi, who are serving as kimono specialists at the LA Opera’s production of "Madame Butterfly." This beautiful opera runs from September 21 to October 13 at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in downtown LA. Sueko and Kentaro have been busy conducting kimono lectures, teaching the intricacies of wearing kimonos, and imparting basic kimono knowledge. Their expertise also extends to coaching the opera’s singers and chorus in the nuances of movement and demeanor while adorned in traditional attire. We were delighted to learn that the LA Opera crew had already purchased our published book on kimono dressing—a testament to its utility and acclaim. This invaluable resource has been praised as an excellent guide for learning about kimono and their dressing. Do not miss the opportunity to experience this enthralling production. For tickets, please visit LA Opera’s official site. For our kimono book, please visit Obi Musubi LAオペラで上演される『蝶々夫人』。その舞台裏で、**KIMONO SKの押元末子（Sueko Oshimoto）と寺内賢太郎（Kentaro Terauchi）**が着物スペシャリストとして参加し、日本文化の真髄を伝える素晴らしいジャーニーが始まっています。 本公演は、9月21日から10月13日まで、ロサンゼルス・ダウンタウンのドロシー・チャンドラー・パビリオンにて上演されます。 伝統を舞台へ：KIMONO SKの役割現在、押元と寺内は多忙なスケジュールの中、着物の講義や着付けの細かな技術、そして着物に関する基礎知識の伝授に努めています。 彼らの専門知識は座学に留まりません。オペラ歌手や合唱団の方々が伝統的な衣装を身に纏った際、どのように動き、振る舞うべきかという「所作」のコーチングも行っています。 確かな信頼と実績嬉しいことに、LAオペラの制作クルーが、すでに私たちの出版した**「着付け教本」**を購入してくださっていました。 この本は、着物の知識や着付けを学ぶための優れたガイドとして高い評価をいただいており、プロフェッショナルの現場でも実用的なリソースとして活用されていることは、私たちにとっても大きな誇りです。 心を奪われるような情熱的なステージを、ぜひこの機会に体験してください。 For tickets, please visit LA Opera’s official site. For our kimono book, please visit Obi Musubi   Introduction
"Madama Butterfly," Giacomo Puccini's poignant tale of love, sacrifice, and betrayal, has captivated audiences around the globe for over a century. At the heart of this opera's visual splendor is the transformative costume design by Sueko Oshimoto, whose work adds a layer of authenticity and emotion that breathes new life into this classic opera. The Essence of "Madama Butterfly" Set in Nagasaki, Japan, the opera tells the story of Cio-Cio San, a young geisha who falls tragically in love with an American naval officer. The narrative's emotional depth is matched by its costumes, which not only reflect traditional Japanese attire but also symbolize the characters’ cultural and emotional journeys. Sueko Oshimoto's Costume Design Sueko Oshimoto, a renowned kimono stylist and costume designer, brings her expertise to "Madama Butterfly." Known for her ability to blend traditional Japanese aesthetics with contemporary flair, Oshimoto's designs are pivotal in portraying the evolution of Cio-Cio San’s character from a hopeful bride to a forsaken mother. Authenticity and Detail Each costume piece designed by Oshimoto is crafted with attention to historical accuracy and cultural authenticity. From the vibrant kimonos with intricate patterns representing Cio-Cio San’s youthful innocence to the somber tones reflecting her despair, the costumes tell their own story. The attention to detail in the textiles and accessories serves as a narrative device that enhances the emotional impact of the opera. Visual Storytelling Costumes in "Madama Butterfly" are more than just clothing; they are integral to the storytelling. Oshimoto’s costumes help convey the themes of cross-cultural encounters and the clash between traditional Japanese values and Western imperialism. As the opera unfolds, the costumes reflect the protagonist’s internal and external conflicts, adding layers of meaning to the performance. Experience "Madama Butterfly" We invite you to experience the visual and emotional spectacle of "Madama Butterfly," brought to life by Sueko Oshimoto's stunning costume designs. Whether you are a long-time opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the art form, the performance promises a rich, immersive experience that is as visually arresting as it is emotionally stirring. Conclusion Through her costume designs for "Madama Butterfly," Sueko Oshimoto offers a window into the soul of the opera. Her work not only enriches the visual landscape but also deepens the audience's connection to the story’s emotional core. Join us at the Pacific Opera Project’s latest staging of this timeless work to see how traditional art and modern design converge in Oshimoto’s hands. Experience "Madama Butterfly" in a Unique Bilingual Production We invite you to experience the visual and emotional spectacle of "Madama Butterfly," brought to life by Sueko Oshimoto's stunning costume designs in a unique bilingual production. This rendition of Puccini's opera is performed in both English and Japanese, making it an accessible and enriching entry point for newcomers to the world of opera. The dual-language performance enhances the storytelling, bridging cultural gaps and inviting a wider audience to explore the profound emotional landscape of this classic opera. Whether you are a long-time opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the art form, the performance promises a rich, immersive experience that is as visually arresting as it is emotionally stirring. Ticket info: Pacific Opera Project Two great reviews came out this week: LA Times: https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2024-06-06/los-angeles-opera-industry-pacific-opera-project-operafest-la Parterre: https://parterre.com/2024/06/05/speaking-of-tradition/  Hello everyone, and welcome to the world of KIMONO SK! Today, we are excited to share a special story with you all. It’s about how our representative, Oshimoto Sueko, played a pivotal role as a kimono specialist in the large-scale Disney project "SHOGUN". Oshimoto Sueko has honed her expertise and skills in kimonos, the traditional Japanese attire, over many years. Her extensive experience was recognized, and she was specially invited by the production team of "SHOGUN" to utilize her skills. In this project, she was responsible for selecting kimonos, dressing, and adjusting costumes for each scene, contributing tirelessly to enhance the realism and aesthetic quality of the production. "SHOGUN" aims to accurately portray not only the beauty of Japan but also the complex culture and lifestyle of the samurai era to a global audience. Oshimoto Sueko’s specialized knowledge and passion significantly deepened the authenticity of this epic narrative. Even a single kimono requires meticulous planning and attention to detail, from selecting materials to the placement of colors and patterns. Oshimoto Sueko plays a crucial role in expressing the backgrounds and personalities of the characters through these elements. The kimonos, transformed under her guidance, are not merely costumes but essential tools that tell the stories of the characters. We at KIMONO SK are immensely proud to have such a talented specialist like Oshimoto Sueko on our team. Through her work, we sincerely hope that the traditional culture of Japan is correctly understood and cherished by people around the world. We extend our gratitude to everyone involved in the production of "SHOGUN" and look forward to more of Osuemoto Sueko’s achievements. Please stay tuned for more updates on her incredible work! More information for Kimono Rental for Productions  Behind the Scene with Sanada-san and Costume Designer Carlos
Our Shichi-Go-San photo packages are available on weekend too. Both you and your friend can get 20%off discount from the retail price when you refer us your friend and they make an appointment with a photo package.  Pacific Opera Project has broadcasted the madame butterfly on youtube live! Enjoy our show!   Westworld Episode 5 "Akane no Mai" won Costume Designers Guild Award Excellence in Sci-Fi / Fantasy Television Category! Sueko Oshimoto worked as a kinomo specialist at the episode with Sharen Davis who is a costume designer. The leading actress Thandie Newton(Meave) won Emmys Outstanding Supporting Actress in a drama series 2018.  Sueko dressed the kimono on Thandie at her trailer every single day.
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AuthorSueko Oshimoto is a kimono master and costume designer, Kentaro Terra is a kimono stylist and photographer. They've started KIMONO SK in 2010. Archives
December 2025
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