Japanese Woman Turns Kimono into Hijabs After Visiting Malaysia

Source: Tiktok | @xiaxiahijabjapan

After her trip to Malaysia, a Japanese woman transformed her favorite kimono into a hijab.

Hijabs are essential for Muslim women to cover their modesty according to Islamic law. In Malaysia, there are many local brands producing various hijab designs like Naelofar Hijab, Sugarscarf, duCKScarves, Tudung Ruffle, and Ariani.

We’re used to seeing hijabs with local motifs like batik, hibiscus flowers, and national landmarks. But how about hijabs with designs from other cultures?

Inspired by Seeing Hijabis for the First Time

A Japanese woman, Kaori-san, created hijabs using kimono fabric. She got this idea after seeing Muslim women wearing hijabs during her visit to Kelantan eight years ago.

In a TikTok video by Navito (@navito_halal), Kaori, who was a student at the time, found hijabi women to be beautiful and decided to turn her favorite kimono into a hijab after returning to Japan.

Initially, she made the KimonoXHijab herself. But as demand grew, she enlisted the help of a group of disabled individuals who were proud to be part of the ‘Made in Japan’ product creation.

Showcasing Japanese and Islamic Beauty

They make the hijabs by cutting kimono fabric and sewing it into square or long shawl shapes. They use thin, soft kimono fabric that’s easy to clean.

Kaori, the founder of Xiaxia Hijab, says their products highlight the beauty of Japanese culture through kimono and Islam.

“I want to share and convey the beauty of Japanese culture (kimono) and Islam to the world,” she said.

In the video, they visit her store located in the Harajuku Tourist Information Center in Tokyo. She also has two other stores in the city, and her products are available online.

Only Six Hijabs from One Kimono

Kaori was drawn to the soft texture and beauty of the hijab, which reminded her of the summer kimono called ‘xia’. According to Xiaxia Hijab’s TikTok account (@xiaxiahijabjapan), recreating the same hijab pattern is difficult because no two kimonos are alike. Usually, only five to six hijabs can be made from one kimono.

For popular patterns, customers often ask when they will be available again.

KimonoXHijab Prices Up to RM600

Xiaxia Hijab collaborates with kimono artists to recreate hijab designs using traditional Yuzen dyeing techniques and modern digital technology. These hijabs are called KimonArt Hijab.

On Xiaxia Hijab’s website, these hijabs can cost up to ¥20,000 (RM592). While it may seem pricey, for fans of Japanese culture, it’s understandable given the high value of kimonos.

@xiaxiahijabjapan

7 years ago, I knew nothing about Islam or the hijab. My impression of Islam from Japanese TV reports was “conflict” and “looks kind of scary. Not only me, but my parents and friends were exactly the same. However, when I visited Malaysia with my wife seven years ago, I met a Muslimah wearing a hijab. The hijab is colorful, thin, and beautifully draped. The word “beautiful” cannot describe the veil of hijab…! I was shocked. I was also struck by the kindness of the Muslims and Muslimas I encountered on my trip to Malaysia and the beauty of their mosques and azan. And as soon as I returned from my trip to Malaysia, I wanted to make hijab furiously. But my relatives and friends around me were very much against it, telling me that Islam was scary and that I should not go to the mosque. But I really wanted to make one. I wanted to share with you all the shock and beauty I received in Malaysia. Islam is not scary.” It’s wonderful.” So I decided to make hijabs using the many, many kimonos I had on hand and loved. with my previous desire to let many people know the beauty of kimonos because I love kimonos, By making beautiful hijabs using beautiful kimonos, I thought that more people would become interested in Islam and we could dispel the media image of Islam…? And I thought so. I received the help of many Muslimas in the making of these hijabs. I would like to thank Muslima for her kindness in teaching me about hijab. Now my relatives and friends are completely free of prejudice against Islam and support my kimono hijab. I hope this circle will expand little by little. The beauty crosses the border Beautiful makes me smile. I will continue to produce one piece at a time with gratitude.

♬ i like you mostt – dea