Blossoming Identities through Kimono: Interview with Tisha at Blossom Kimono

Nestled in the heart of Tokyo, Blossom Kimono offers a fresh, inclusive take on traditional kimono dressing, with an experience that is rooted in authenticity, comfort, and care. Founded by Tisha, a certified 4th Kyu Kimono master and graduate of the Ecole de Paris International Make-up School, the experience blends over a decade of hands-on expertise with a heartfelt mission to make kimono culture more accessible. With everything from cultural add-ons to inclusive services, every detail is designed to make guests feel truly seen and celebrated.

Discover more about Blossom Kimono in this exclusive interview!

Hi Tisha, could you please introduce yourself and provide a brief overview of Blossom Kimono?

I’m originally from the States, and I came to Japan over 20 years ago. Like a lot of people, I came more or less out of curiosity. As often seems to be the case, I fell in love with Japan, and eventually it just became home.

If I had to sum it all up, Blossom Kimono is an LGBTQ+ friendly Kimono dressing service that not only offers a dressing and photo experience, but also pairs the experience with other traditional Japanese experiences like the Tea Ceremony or traditional cooking. The idea is not just to dress people in a Kimono for photo’s sake, but to let them truly experience Kimono by moving, living, and learning in them. I also wanted this to feel like a safe space for LGBTQ+ visitors or those living in Japan or Tokyo.

Could you tell us a bit about what inspired the creation of Blossom Kimono and what makes it different from the typical kimono experience?

Basically, I started it because my Kimono journey was a big part of my coming out and finding myself, so I just wanted to share it with other people who may be on a similar journey.

Beyond that, I wanted to offer people something more than just the touristy type of Kimono photo shoots. Kimono is deep, complex, and culturally rich, and I wanted to offer an experience that could reflect that. Instead of just giving them a photo, I wanted to give them both a cultural experience and a real human experience as well.

Additionally, for any tourist coming to Japan, finding English language services to cater to their needs or wants can be tough- but that is even more so the case for LGBTQ+ tourists. Some may feel unsure about presenting themselves to strangers, especially in a place that is new and foreign to them. I wanted gay, lesbian, or queer people or couples to feel at home and relaxed. In particular, my own personal journey also taught me that there is very little in the way of services and resources for foreign Trans women or those on the feminine side of the LGBTQ+ spectrum. I wanted Blossom to be something of a landing pad for LGBTQ+ people when they arrive in Japan, but in particular for Trans women. I also wanted to offer them the chance to have the same gender-affirming experience that Kimono first gave me.

Given the company’s strong focus on comfort and authenticity, could you elaborate on why these values are particularly significant to you and your team?

Unfortunately, part of what happens with Kimono is that a lot of people who study it do so simply to become dressers, meaning that they don’t often wear Kimono themselves. That means when they dress people in them, they don’t have a strong sense of how to do so in a way that is comfortable- their focus is simply on tying it tightly so that everything looks pristine for the photo shoot. At the end of the day, this makes for an uncomfortable experience for the wearer, and even if they like the pictures, many don’t ever want to wear them again. I think that’s tragic. That isn’t to say that all Kimono dressers do that, but there are a lot that do.

The reason I dress people the way that I do is so that they can enjoy the unique way a kimono “hugs” you without it being painful or constricting. Beyond that, I feel that kimonos are wearable art. They come in every color, fabric, and print you can imagine, and there is so much room for self-expression in them. Approaching dressing with that mentality allows me to create a Kimono experience that doesn’t just fit the wearer’s body, but their personality too. A kimono can, and should be, something that expresses the individual.

Can you walk us through what guests can expect from the moment they book to the final photo in their kimono?

Sure. The process begins with communication. After someone has reached out and expressed interest, I try to guide them to an experience that best suits them and what they are looking for. Our base is in Shinjuku, where we have the Tea Ceremony experience, and right by Shinjuku Nichome. (Tokyo’s Gay District) Our experiences happen all around Tokyo, however, so some other experiences may be better for location, others may be better for the kind of thing they want to try.

After that, I ask the client things like their favorite colors, what their hair and build are like, shoe size, and the kind of things they like, so I can figure out how to best dress them. If necessary, I’ll arrange a chat with them online before they come in.

As for the experience itself, I meet them at the venue, introduce them to the other people who will be involved (make-up artists, the experience host, etc., and translate for them as necessary. Once the dressing begins, it takes about an hour, and for me, this is the fun part. I think getting a Kimono dressing should be like getting your hair or nails done, where half the reason you do it is to connect, talk, and chat. In addition to getting to know the person, I also explain the dressing process as I go. Photos can happen anywhere as we go, but of course, we take the nicest ones at the end. 

Beyond kimono dressing, what other memorable experiences or cultural services can guests look forward to at Blossom?

Right now, our #1 experience is the Tea Ceremony experience because it’s located in the Shinjuku area. For LGBTQ+ tourists, this is really convenient as it is close to Shinjuku Nichome. Beyond that, we also have traditional cooking and food preparation at Kamado House (A hand-built Taisho era home and kitchen), and a Trans-friendly photo studio for glamour photos that’s also in the Shinjuku area. I’ve got a few other experiences in the works as well, but these are the ones that are up and running at the moment.

Many LGBTQ+ travelers may face barriers when seeking traditional cultural experiences. How does Blossom work to create a safe and affirming space for them?

As a person on the LGBTQ+ spectrum myself, I completely understand the feeling of just wanting to do the same things everyone else does, but getting the feeling that you aren’t particularly welcome. More so than anything, I just wanted to create a safe space for people and a way for people to connect with a local who not only speaks English but has a shared experience. A kimono simply gives me a medium to do it. Additionally, it lets me share something that I think is beautiful, and offers me the chance to give back to other people the same thing that was given to me with it.

What would you say to someone who might be hesitant to try a kimono experience because of body size or gender identity?

Come and see me. You are safe here! A kimono is for everyone. If you have concerns, just let me know, and we can figure out how to make it work together. 

Can you share some of the feedback you’ve received from LGBTQ+ travelers who have experienced Blossom? Are there any particular moments that stand out as memorable?

Most of the feedback I get is that they are happy and grateful to have a local, a native English speaker, and an understanding person to connect with. Especially with those who are new and just getting started on their journey. My most memorable experience so far was having a young person who was about half my age say I was like a fairy godmother. Personally, I think I’m too young for that, haha, but I absolutely love the sentiment and was super touched.

As a resident of Japan, do you have any recommended spots for travelers to experience Japan’s vibrant LGBTQ+ community?

Sure, I have a few. Onanoko (Girls) Club is great for fem-gender-queer folks, and Kings and Queens Bar is great for the general LGBTQ+ community. For those who are into the kinkier side of things, I would recommend Dominatrix in Akasaka as well. (Although you should make sure you understand the pricing model before you start drinking, as it is on the expensive side.) The Japan Gay Guide Tour is a great way to start. For people looking for a more high-end and exclusive experience, my friend, Tiffany Rossdale, a prominent trans influencer, is also a great person to connect with.

Do you have any final thoughts you’d like to share with Arigato Travel readers?

I hope to see you at Blossom Kimono! But either way, I hope you have a wonderful time during your time in Japan. It’s a wonderful and beautiful country that I love dearly, and if you need anything, feel free to drop a line and reach out. I’m here for you! Also, feel free to check out Blossom’s Beauty Blog for everything from skincare and shopping tips to styling. Anything to help you along in your journey. Hope to meet you soon!

Thank you for sharing the inspiring story behind Blossom Kimono. Your thoughtful approach to inclusivity, tradition, and personal expression truly sets the experience apart. We’re honored to spotlight your work, and we’re sure guests will leave feeling seen, celebrated, and beautifully connected to Japanese culture.

Read more about Blossom Kimono on:

Website: https://www.blossomkimono.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blossomkimono

Featured Photo Credit: Tisha at Blossom Kimono

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