Mishima-tei Main Store Front Entrance, 5th Generation President Taro Mishima Wearing the San Mile-Designed Happi Uniform

Sanki Shoji Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Yoshihiro Kumagaya) has launched the second project of its Japanese-style uniform initiative through Find My JAPAN’s KIMONO brand, “San Mile (pronounced: Mile),” creating a custom happi coat uniform for Kyoto’s historic sukiyaki restaurant, Mishima-tei.

Established over 150 years ago, Mishima-tei is a renowned Kyoto restaurant that embodies Japan’s culinary traditions and the spirit of omotenashi (Japanese hospitality).

This new happi uniform was meticulously designed to harmonize with Mishima-tei’s history, architecture, and service culture—down to the silhouette, size, color, and placement of the family crest. As the uniform chosen by a restaurant that personifies Japanese culture, it stands as a flagship case for San Mile’s Japanese-style uniform business.

Mishima-tei: A 153-Year-Old Sukiyaki Restaurant in Teramachi-Sanjo, Kyoto

Mishima-tei Main Store in Teramachi-Sanjo, Kyoto — Sukiyaki Course

Founded in 1873 (Meiji 6), Mishima-tei is a long-established sukiyaki restaurant located in Teramachi-Sanjo, Kyoto.

Having supported Japan’s beef-eating culture since the Meiji era, the restaurant has preserved traditional Japanese cuisine for over 150 years. Taro Mishima, the 5th-generation president, shared in an interview:

"Sukiyaki is a dish meant to be shared around the pot—it embodies the Japanese spirit of harmony.

We often welcome guests who haven’t visited in 30 or 40 years. If Mishima-tei remains a cherished memory in their lives, that would make us truly happy."

The restaurant retains the charm of its original wooden architecture, with flavors and service passed down through generations.

While preserving this unique atmosphere, the restaurant has evolved with the times—and recently decided it was time to reconsider their staff uniforms.

Interview with Taro Mishima, 5th-Generation President of Mishima-tei

A Happi Coat That Took Years to Find

For several years, President Mishima had been searching for a happi coat that truly suited his restaurant.

Rather than off-the-shelf or basic custom options, he sought something refined and harmonious with the historic space. At a trade show at Tokyo Big Sight, he encountered San Mile’s happi coats and was immediately drawn to their high quality and fully custom approach. "This could be the one that truly reflects Mishima-tei," he recalled.

Following the exhibition, San Mile’s team visited Mishima-tei in Kyoto to take direct orders.

San Mile Happi Display at Trade Show — Visit to Mishima-tei for Order Consultation <Narrower sleeves, shorter length>

Key requirements from Mishima-tei included:

- Elegant appearance during food service movements - Comfortable and functional for daily operations - Dignified, befitting a long-established restaurant

San Mile used its signature "cat happi" as a base, with the president and staff trying it on and adjusting details—narrowing the sleeves and shortening the length—for optimal movement and posture. Two sizes were created to ensure all staff could wear the uniform gracefully, aligning with Mishima-tei’s emphasis on professional appearance.

The Completed Mishima-tei Happi Uniform

The design was crafted to blend seamlessly with the restaurant’s historic architecture, reflecting the dignity of a long-standing establishment.

The back features the "Mishima-tei" logo and family crest, while the front displays only the crest for a clean, elegant look.

The color is "maroon" (enji-iro), symbolic of Mishima-tei.

Inspired by the vermilion-lacquered tables, vintage wrapping paper, and historical design elements used throughout the restaurant’s history.

The white-outlined text and precise sizing and balance of the crest and logo were carefully adjusted to convey Mishima-tei’s refined taste.

Handcrafted at a Kyoto-based traditional dyeing workshop, the result is a high-quality, naturally blending happi coat.

President Mishima expressed great satisfaction: "They worked with us carefully to create a design and fit appropriate for our long-standing establishment. We’re truly happy with how our own unique uniform turned out."

The New Happi Uniform Transforms Staff Atmosphere

The new happi uniforms were introduced on an auspicious day in April.

Since then, staff awareness and behavior have noticeably improved.

- "The fresh design has revitalized the atmosphere in the restaurant." - "Staff movements have become sharper, and attentiveness seems to have improved."

Uniforms are more than just clothing.

They shape the ambiance of a space, transform staff mindset, and foster team unity.

Guests have also praised the uniforms, commenting, "What a beautiful happi coat!"—indicating strong positive reception.

The happi uniform has become an integral part of the restaurant’s brand experience.

San Mile aims to create uniforms that elevate the value of such spaces.

Staff Seeing Off Guests

About the Japanese-Style Uniform Business

San Mile currently accepts inquiries and consultations for Japanese-style uniform planning and production for:

- Restaurants - Ryokans and hotels - Tourist facilities - Overseas restaurants

Services include:

- Design proposals harmonizing with space and brand - Small-batch, fully custom production - Logo and family crest integration - Custom specifications for overseas use

We create uniforms that embody both "the essence of the place" and "the essence of Japan," tailored to your brand concept.

Feel free to consult us.

Mishima-tei Official Website

https://www.mishima-tei.co.jp/

Find My JAPAN Official Website

https://www.find-myjapan.com/

San Mile Japanese Uniform & OEM Official Website

https://store.find-myjapan.com/ja/pages/japanese-uniform

Contact for This Inquiry

Find My JAPAN — San Mile (Mile) | Japanese Uniform Division

Contact: Eriko Harada Email: E.Harada@sanki-group.co.jp Phone: 070-7810-7378

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  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: New Product