Bringing 'Authentic Kimono' to the Japanese Delegation at the Olympic Opening Ceremony—A Dream to Broadcast Diversity and Japanese Culture to the World #AprilDream
Wheelchair kimono dresser AYUMI MATSUMOTO shares her April Dream: outfitting the Japanese Olympic delegation in authentic kimono to showcase true diversity and Japanese culture.
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- 📰 Published: April 1, 2026 at 19:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 1, 2026 at 10:15
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The Future of Japanese Culture x Diversity Envisioned by Wheelchair Kimono Dresser AYUMI MATSUMOTO
The Olympic Opening Ceremony is a special stage to broadcast a country's culture and values to the world. However, I currently feel that the essence of 'Japanese-ness' and our culture is not fully being conveyed.
At the same time, the perception that kimono is 'only for special people' still remains.
In response to this situation, my dream is to adopt the kimono—a symbol of Japanese culture—in its 'authentic form' for the official ceremonies of the Japanese Olympic delegation, simultaneously embodying the ideals of diversity and an inclusive society.
■ Kimono: A Garment That Embraces Everyone
Overseas, the concept of a 'kimono dresser' (Kitsukeshi) is largely unknown. While Western clothing is put on by oneself, the kimono is a culture completed by 'human hands.'
Regardless of body shape, disability, or age, the kimono is a garment that gently wraps around a person's individuality, drawing out their unique beauty.
The sight of Olympic and Paralympic athletes wearing the same kimono would be the very 'visualization of diversity', a message that only Japan can send.
■ Bringing 'Authentic Kimono' to the World
I want to deliver not a simplified costume, but 'authentic kimono' meticulously arranged by the skills of kimono dressers.
It is not merely clothing; it is Japanese culture, technique, and spirituality itself.
■ My Journey So Far
To date, I have been working towards a 'society where no one gives up on kimono' by providing dressing services and photo sessions for people with disabilities, and yukata experiences at local events.
On March 1, 2026, I hosted 'Para Collection® Hyogo' in Hyogo Prefecture.
- Attendees: Approx. 300
- Models: Approx. 30
- Exhibitors: 16 booths
Seeing people step onto the same runway, regardless of whether they have a disability or not, visualized the reality that 'it's not that they cannot wear kimono; they simply didn't know how.'
■ From Japan to the World
The kimono is not just a costume. It is imbued with Japanese kindness and compassion.
'Towards a society where no one gives up on kimono.'
And
'Towards a society where people can say what they want to do.'
From the global stage of the Olympics, I want Japan to broadcast a 'future where kindness is made visible.'
April Dream is a dream for the future envisioned by 'Wheelchair Kimono Dresser AYUMI MATSUMOTO'.
The Olympic Opening Ceremony is a special stage to broadcast a country's culture and values to the world. However, I currently feel that the essence of 'Japanese-ness' and our culture is not fully being conveyed.
At the same time, the perception that kimono is 'only for special people' still remains.
In response to this situation, my dream is to adopt the kimono—a symbol of Japanese culture—in its 'authentic form' for the official ceremonies of the Japanese Olympic delegation, simultaneously embodying the ideals of diversity and an inclusive society.
■ Kimono: A Garment That Embraces Everyone
Overseas, the concept of a 'kimono dresser' (Kitsukeshi) is largely unknown. While Western clothing is put on by oneself, the kimono is a culture completed by 'human hands.'
Regardless of body shape, disability, or age, the kimono is a garment that gently wraps around a person's individuality, drawing out their unique beauty.
The sight of Olympic and Paralympic athletes wearing the same kimono would be the very 'visualization of diversity', a message that only Japan can send.
■ Bringing 'Authentic Kimono' to the World
I want to deliver not a simplified costume, but 'authentic kimono' meticulously arranged by the skills of kimono dressers.
It is not merely clothing; it is Japanese culture, technique, and spirituality itself.
■ My Journey So Far
To date, I have been working towards a 'society where no one gives up on kimono' by providing dressing services and photo sessions for people with disabilities, and yukata experiences at local events.
On March 1, 2026, I hosted 'Para Collection® Hyogo' in Hyogo Prefecture.
- Attendees: Approx. 300
- Models: Approx. 30
- Exhibitors: 16 booths
Seeing people step onto the same runway, regardless of whether they have a disability or not, visualized the reality that 'it's not that they cannot wear kimono; they simply didn't know how.'
■ From Japan to the World
The kimono is not just a costume. It is imbued with Japanese kindness and compassion.
'Towards a society where no one gives up on kimono.'
And
'Towards a society where people can say what they want to do.'
From the global stage of the Olympics, I want Japan to broadcast a 'future where kindness is made visible.'
April Dream is a dream for the future envisioned by 'Wheelchair Kimono Dresser AYUMI MATSUMOTO'.