[Event Report] Luxury Brand 'ALISA,' Co-created with Kimono Artisans, Holds 2nd Anniversary Party
Luxury apparel brand "ALISA" held its 2nd Anniversary Party in Tokyo. In a dialogue between the brand's representative, who promotes Japanese culture globally through co-creation with kimono artisans, and a jewelry designer, the importance of ethical luxury and cultural heritage was discussed.
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- 📰 Published: April 30, 2026 at 22:38
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Artisans Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo / Representative Director: Arisa Yamawaki / hereinafter, Artisans), the luxury apparel brand "ALISA," celebrated its 2nd anniversary in April 2026. To commemorate this milestone, the "ALISA 2nd Anniversary Party" was held in Daikanyama, Tokyo, on Friday, April 24.
This event was held as an official side event of "Sushi Tech Tokyo 2026," Asia's largest startup conference. On the day, over 140 guests, including artisans and artists active in cultural fields, as well as many others who resonate with the brand, gathered from both Japan and abroad. It was an evening to share ALISA's vision and discuss new possibilities for Japanese culture.
A group photo from the "ALISA" 2nd Anniversary Party held on Friday, April 24, 2026, at the restaurant "Tableaux" in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo.
ALISA's Vision
"ALISA is a place where transmitters of Japanese culture are born."
In her opening remarks, Representative Yamawaki spoke about the brand's origins and its aspirations.
"Through my experiences abroad, I rediscovered the fascination and beauty of Japanese culture, yet found myself unable to articulate it. This led me to begin studying kimonos, and I was quickly captivated by their history and artistry. However, the domestic industry continues to shrink, while global demand for 'Kimono' keeps rising. If so, taking the skills and art of artisans to the world stage must be the key to making the industry sustainable – I felt I was the only one who could bring artisans to the world. ALISA was born from this determination," said Yamawaki.
"I want to talk about and teach others about the beautiful things of Japan; that is what transmission means to me. I want ALISA to be a brand that provides such opportunities. I believe this will create the future of Japanese culture." With these words, Yamawaki concluded her speech.
Arisa Yamawaki, Representative of Artisans Co., Ltd. (right)
Dialogue Session ~ The New Luxury We 'Choose' ~
The subsequent session featured a dialogue between AKI (Aki Hirose), designer and founder of the jewelry brand "Shelby," and Arisa Yamawaki, representative of Artisans.
The discussion centered on the future of manufacturing under the theme of "Inherited Tradition and Evolving Forms of 'Monozukuri' (Craftsmanship)."
Arisa Yamawaki, Representative of Artisans (left), and Aki Hirose, designer and founder of the jewelry brand "Shelby" (right).
AKI, from her perspective as a jewelry brand creator, touched upon the environmental impact and labor issues associated with traditional gem mining, mentioning the emergence of more ethical and sustainable alternatives.
She pointed out, "While the beauty of natural stones is appealing, the very intention of 'how customers choose' will become a future value." Furthermore, she expressed her desire to disseminate jewelry from Japan to the world that benefits not only customers but also society, like Shelby's "Future-Grown Diamond" (※).
* Trademark application pending by Shelby. Diamonds created by human hands with the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural stones.
Considering the Creators
"How were the things I chose made? Through whose hands did they arrive? I believe that by contemplating the creators, our perspective of the world will change. Doesn't your heart dance when you think that your choices are helping someone?" (Yamawaki)
Both AKI and Yamawaki shared a common belief that not only creators but also consumers taking responsibility for their choices will lead to a better future.
Many attendees listened intently to the passionate discussion on "Luxury and Ethics" and "Cultural Inheritance" for the future of Japan.
In Closing
Even after all sessions concluded, guests were seen picking up ALISA's collections and enjoying trying them on. Many also had the opportunity to converse with Representative Yamawaki, touching upon the creative background and the passion embedded in the brand, making it an intimate time where the brand and its fans deeply resonated.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude once again to everyone who attended.
Artisans and "ALISA" will continue to connect Japan's traditional industries to the future in a sustainable manner and deliver their value both domestically and internationally.
We look forward to your continued support.
Scenes from the "ALISA 2nd Anniversary Party."
About the Luxury Apparel Brand "ALISA"
Our luxury apparel brand "ALISA" is co-created with Yuzen dyeing studios and Japanese painters.
This event was held as an official side event of "Sushi Tech Tokyo 2026," Asia's largest startup conference. On the day, over 140 guests, including artisans and artists active in cultural fields, as well as many others who resonate with the brand, gathered from both Japan and abroad. It was an evening to share ALISA's vision and discuss new possibilities for Japanese culture.
A group photo from the "ALISA" 2nd Anniversary Party held on Friday, April 24, 2026, at the restaurant "Tableaux" in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo.
ALISA's Vision
"ALISA is a place where transmitters of Japanese culture are born."
In her opening remarks, Representative Yamawaki spoke about the brand's origins and its aspirations.
"Through my experiences abroad, I rediscovered the fascination and beauty of Japanese culture, yet found myself unable to articulate it. This led me to begin studying kimonos, and I was quickly captivated by their history and artistry. However, the domestic industry continues to shrink, while global demand for 'Kimono' keeps rising. If so, taking the skills and art of artisans to the world stage must be the key to making the industry sustainable – I felt I was the only one who could bring artisans to the world. ALISA was born from this determination," said Yamawaki.
"I want to talk about and teach others about the beautiful things of Japan; that is what transmission means to me. I want ALISA to be a brand that provides such opportunities. I believe this will create the future of Japanese culture." With these words, Yamawaki concluded her speech.
Arisa Yamawaki, Representative of Artisans Co., Ltd. (right)
Dialogue Session ~ The New Luxury We 'Choose' ~
The subsequent session featured a dialogue between AKI (Aki Hirose), designer and founder of the jewelry brand "Shelby," and Arisa Yamawaki, representative of Artisans.
The discussion centered on the future of manufacturing under the theme of "Inherited Tradition and Evolving Forms of 'Monozukuri' (Craftsmanship)."
Arisa Yamawaki, Representative of Artisans (left), and Aki Hirose, designer and founder of the jewelry brand "Shelby" (right).
AKI, from her perspective as a jewelry brand creator, touched upon the environmental impact and labor issues associated with traditional gem mining, mentioning the emergence of more ethical and sustainable alternatives.
She pointed out, "While the beauty of natural stones is appealing, the very intention of 'how customers choose' will become a future value." Furthermore, she expressed her desire to disseminate jewelry from Japan to the world that benefits not only customers but also society, like Shelby's "Future-Grown Diamond" (※).
* Trademark application pending by Shelby. Diamonds created by human hands with the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural stones.
Considering the Creators
"How were the things I chose made? Through whose hands did they arrive? I believe that by contemplating the creators, our perspective of the world will change. Doesn't your heart dance when you think that your choices are helping someone?" (Yamawaki)
Both AKI and Yamawaki shared a common belief that not only creators but also consumers taking responsibility for their choices will lead to a better future.
Many attendees listened intently to the passionate discussion on "Luxury and Ethics" and "Cultural Inheritance" for the future of Japan.
In Closing
Even after all sessions concluded, guests were seen picking up ALISA's collections and enjoying trying them on. Many also had the opportunity to converse with Representative Yamawaki, touching upon the creative background and the passion embedded in the brand, making it an intimate time where the brand and its fans deeply resonated.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude once again to everyone who attended.
Artisans and "ALISA" will continue to connect Japan's traditional industries to the future in a sustainable manner and deliver their value both domestically and internationally.
We look forward to your continued support.
Scenes from the "ALISA 2nd Anniversary Party."
About the Luxury Apparel Brand "ALISA"
Our luxury apparel brand "ALISA" is co-created with Yuzen dyeing studios and Japanese painters.