A letter from Takahiro Sato, founder of KUDEN
Thank you, truly, for your continued support of KUDEN by TAKAHIRO SATO. I'm Takahiro Sato—founder and designer.
Today, I want to speak honestly—without pretense—to those of you who have believed in us and walked alongside us since the earliest days of this brand. I need to share the deep conflict I've been carrying, a harsh reality of Japanese manufacturing that I can no longer keep to myself, and the decision KUDEN is making going forward.
Let me start with the conclusion: Beginning May 15th, KUDEN's clothing will shift to a higher price range—one that gives proper value to the handwork of our artisans. And with the exception of tops such as shirts, we will move to a fully made-to-order model, where each garment is crafted one piece at a time by our artisans.
"Why make such a decision?"
For the past several months—no, for years—this is all I've been thinking about.
Right now, Japanese sewing factories are collapsing and disappearing one after another—crushed by an aging workforce, a prolonged economic downturn, and soaring costs. The artisans who bring my designs to life with quality we can proudly stand behind on the world stage are, quite literally, "vanishing." Under these brutal conditions, the only way for our brand to survive—to protect "Made in Japan" quality and continue paying our artisans fair wages—is to raise prices.
And yet, even knowing this was the logical answer, my heart fought back hard.
"Won't I be abandoning the customers who loved KUDEN precisely because it was within their reach?" "Won't raising prices feel like a heartless betrayal?"
Weighed down by that guilt and fear, I clung to keeping prices where they were—even knowing it couldn't sustain us. I kept searching for excuses, trying to stay small and play it safe.
But then, something made me see it clearly: If I refused to raise prices, if the company collapsed, if I went down with it—who would be hurt the most? And who would I truly be betraying?
The real reason I started KUDEN. The dream I've been sharing with you from the very beginning: "To create a place where I can work alongside my son, who has disabilities."
Now, I've given that dream a name. I'm going to build a place called "KUDEN Village" in Nikko. A place where my son Takeru, and other children who face similar challenges, can one day work with pride alongside artisans carrying Japan's traditional craft techniques.
To keep my promise to that "unchanging future," I had to let go of my grip on the past. I needed the resolve to change—to evolve this brand to its next stage.
Prices will go up. You may not be able to buy our garments as often as before.
But that is precisely why I will put more effort than ever into supporting you—so that the KUDEN garments already in your hands can be worn and treasured as pieces for life.
KUDEN currently has the "KUDEN Concierge," a service for styling advice and repair consultations. It was born from a shared belief in a way of living where you care for good things and keep them for a long time.
Right now, alongside an incredibly reassuring partner—a former sewing factory president—we're strengthening this system for our customers in Japan. Beyond our usual repair consultations, we'll now offer professional cleaning and finishing presses as well. We are fully committed to bringing your cherished garments back to life so they can stay with you for years to come.
Why go this far? Because selling new clothes is not my only job.
That garment you reached for—making sure it's still part of your life ten years from now. Protecting that bond is the absolute promise I made to myself, and to all of you, as I steer KUDEN toward single-piece, high-end craftsmanship.
Even if you can't buy new garments as often, I don't believe for a moment that the en—the bond—between us and everyone who has supported KUDEN will be broken.
We now have rinlife Magazine, a way to stay connected every day with all of you who love Japanese culture, starting with kimono. For those who want to go deeper, we've launched the rinlife Magazine Members Forum (free to join) and a subscribers-only newsletter called Suki.
Our connection doesn't end with clothing. Whether you enjoy KUDEN's world through our writing, or take part in our community—this is the place where we stay connected. Here, you are our "partners," standing with us to protect artisanal skills and build the workplaces of tomorrow.
From here, KUDEN will grow beyond a clothing brand into an ecosystem that protects Japanese culture and the workplaces of the future. Behind the scenes, we are already preparing a new production structure.
I would be grateful if you'd continue to watch over KUDEN's challenge—unpolished in how we express it, but absolute in our resolve.
Thank you for being part of this journey. I look forward to what we'll build together.
