Kimono Cushion – Upcycled Elegance for Modern Homes

The soft glow of morning, the warm flicker of an evening lamp. When caught in the light, the cushion on your sofa reveals a different expression, almost like a living thing. The iridescent shimmer of  (mother-of-pearl) shifts with every angle, accompanied by the deep, meditative shadows of gold thread.

This is neither a print nor simple embroidery. It is Kyoto’s Nishijin-ori, a weaving tradition spanning 1200 years. It is a three-dimensional textile art created by layering thousands of fine silk threads.

However, these breathtaking textiles were not originally made for cushions. They were woven as obi (kimono sashes), and for a long time, they slept silently in the depths of Japanese tansu (chests). "Too beautiful to be forgotten, too precious to be lost."

KIMONO CUSHION is a project dedicated to upcycling the obi—the pinnacle of Japanese kimono culture— into unique, one-of-a-kind cushions that seamlessly fit into modern lifestyles.

The material used is Nishijin-ori, a traditional textile from Kyoto with over 1200 years of history. This technique, which weaves real gold leaf, platinum leaf, and thinly shaved shells into silk, is so intricate that even a master craftsman can only weave a few centimeters a day.

JOYEN re-edits this art into a "functional form" without compromising its inherent value. By supporting this project, you are not just acquiring a modern Nishijin-ori cushion; you are participating in the preservation of Japanese craftsmanship and a sustainable way of living

Each KIMONO CUSHION is a curated moment. From an obi over four meters long, we meticulously select and trim only the most extraordinary sections, down to the millimeter. No two pieces possess the same pattern or hue.

Master artisans have transformed this thick, sturdy vintage fabric into cushions that offer both the durability required for modern life and a refined tactile comfort. The presence of the gold thread and mother-of-pearl, quietly changing expression with the light, transforms the very atmosphere of a room.

 Includes a high-quality made in Japan insert, ready to use. Perfect as a statement piece or a prestigious gift

Note on the 45cm x 45cm cushion design : Due to the traditional width of authentic Japanese obi (kimono sashes), which is limited by the dimensions of traditional looms, the 45cm x 45cm cushions feature a hybrid design. Approximately one-third (1/3) of the surface is crafted from a high-quality solid silk fabric[BJ1] that complements the ornate pattern. This allows us to create a larger, comfortable size while preserving the integrity of the original vintage fabric.

Designed for intimate spaces or as an accent. Combining different sizes creates a sophisticated rhythm and color in your interior.

Note on the 30cm x 30cm cushion design : Our 30cm cushions are designed to showcase the "face" of Japanese tradition. By using a complementary solid silk fabric for the back, we are able to carefully preserve and utilize more of our limited vintage obi collection. Each piece is a unique "painting" made of silk, backed by a sturdy fabric for long-lasting comfort.

Carefully combining Nishijin obi (kimono sashes) to create unique patterns and colors. The modern form seamlessly integrates with modern or minimalist interiors, turning traditional opulence into everyday accents

Core-filled for a fluffy cushion feel. The small size (35×35cm) is ideal for sofa sides, while the large size (45×45cm) suits beds or floors. A refined finish perfect for gifts.

Revitalizing fabrics on the verge of discard to achieve zero waste. Each use evokes Japanese craft culture and eco-awareness, providing sustainable joy as an interior centerpiece.

Nishijin woven obi were created for the most significant milestones and ceremonies in a person's life. However, as the frequency of wearing kimono declined, many of these obi were left tucked away in chests, unused.

These textiles were born from thousands of threads and an immense investment of time. JOYEN felt a profound sense of loss seeing them stored away as if their role had ended. "If it is beautiful but unused, that is the moment a culture begins to fade."

Yoshimi Bernstein, founder of JOYEN, has been familiar with Japanese culture since childhood. When a friend from overseas asked her to create a gift using an obi, she was once again captivated by the overwhelming beauty of Nishijin weaving. She began creating cushions and accessories for those around her, receiving widespread acclaim. Following an Instagram post during the pandemic, opportunities expanded to Japan Expo in Paris, events in Barcelona, and pop-ups at the Tokyo American Club.

Giving a "second life" to obi that were simply waiting to be discarded became our mission.

KIMONO CUSHION is not a project to keep tradition frozen in time. We value the philosophy of warp and weft:

The warp (vertical thread):1200 years of unwavering history and the mastery of Nishijin weaving.

The weft (horizontal thread): Modern living, contemporary sensibilities, and the creative freedom of upcycling.

By reweaving the "weft" of a new era into the "warp" of history, we ensure tradition survives into the future. The upcycling performed by JOYEN is more than mere reuse. WIth each obi, we discern the most outstanding moment and calculate the composition for the cushion. It is not an act of "using leftovers," but a deliberate choice to "maximize worthiness."

KIMONO CUSHION is born at the intersection where the warp of history meets the weft of modern life

JOYEN’s craftsmanship is not suited for mass production prioritized by efficiency. The process of identifying the unique pattern of each obi and tailoring it with care is a story we believe should be shared with our supporters.

Your support is more than a purchase. Crowdfunding is not a marketplace for consumption; it is a mechanism for participation. It is an invitation to join the "cultural cycle"—connecting Japanese craft to the next generation, creating demand for artisans, and fostering successors.

While international luxury brands highly value Japanese materials, we want to change the reality where Japan itself is not fully utilizing its own treasures. That is our sincere wish.

Japanese traditional crafts cannot continue into the future if they are only preserved in museums. The beauty of Japan is not meant only for special places. Its true value is realized when it is used, touched, and talked about in everyday life.

When you place this cushion on your sofa, a 1200-year-old story begins to flow through your room. Please join us in this challenge to bring Japanese craftsmanship back into the heart of daily life.

Note on Colors & Patterns: 

Color selection: You will be able to select your preferred color family (black tone, blue tone, white tone or gold tone) via the PledgeBox survey sent after the campaign concludes.

Unique Patterns: Because these are upcycled items, the pattern placement varies for each piece. Your item will be a one-of-a-kind design.

*We do not accept returns or exchanges

Shipping is collected through PledgeBox at the end of the project. Please be aware that your initial pledge doesn't contain the price for shipping. We have done this as the commission that Kickstarter takes is based on the total raised on the project, which would need to be factored into the shipping prices. PledgeBox has much lower fees and thus is the cheaper way to collect shipping. We ask for your understanding in regard to how we are collecting shipping fees.

Since there are more countries we can ship to rather than not, and Kickstarter doesn't have any way for us to distinguish what countries are exempt so we'd literally have to list each country we can ship to, we have the setting for worldwide shipment to be possible. However, due to global situations, there is a small list of countries that we unfortunately can't ship to at this time.

If you are living in the following countries, we apologize but we won't be able to ship to the following countries: 
Afghanistan, Bermuda, Russia, Syria, Turkmenistan, Paraguay, Bolivia, Malawi, South Sudan

JOYEN 

A contemporary art project that re-edits Japanese traditional crafts with a modern sensibility to deliver them to homes around the world. Our mission is to respect historical craftsmanship while reviving its charm through innovative approaches.

Representative: Yoshimi Bernstein 

Through her marriage to her American husband, she looked at Japan from an outside perspective and rediscovered the brilliance of Japanese culture. Her goal is to create a "Wa-Salon" (Japanese-style salon) that integrates a gallery and a Japanese cafe, providing a place where anyone can casually experience "modern Japan."

Monoun Inc.物語運輸株式会社

Traditional crafting culture in Japan, which has been passed on through the years, with each craftsman nurturing it and building it up, is now on the decline and is facing a tipping point. This is due to a variety of reasons such as an ageing population combined with a declining birthrate, as well as many younger people heading to Tokyo, and working there, meaning the craftsmen for various crafts have no successors. We want to preserve and pass down these important cultural works, which we feel are the pride of Japan, while at the same time, creating a new ecosystem that allows for further development both at home and abroad.

Our mission is through the power of stories we hope to protect and develop traditional Japanese crafts, and at the same time let the world know about the amazing parts of said crafts. By using the amazing stories of craftsmen and their art, we can excite people, and also create a place for people to buy their work, and help them to live a stable life with people falling in love with these artist’s works.