Japanese Culture and Traditions dba NADESHIKO KAI
In May of 2011, Nadeshiko Kai founder Takako Sasaki, a kimono expert from Tokyo, Japan, created a casual study group in Torrance, California, by inviting anyone interested to join and learn all there is to know about Japanese kimono culture.
Without a location or funding, Ms. Sasaki created hand-made posters and displayed them in various Japanese grocery stores in Torrance. She started the organization as a free kimono study group with her first 14 students. Word quickly spread about the unique classes; there are currently about 100 Nadeshiko Kai member volunteers from all around the metro Los Angeles and Orange County areas.
Nadeshiko Kai offers five monthly class levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Proficient, Advanced, and Professional. In each class, members are taught how to dress in the kimono, learning advanced kimono techniques and etiquette. Member students learn to master the art of kimono dressing, and they volunteer for many US-Japan friendship gatherings as well as free demonstrations throughout Southern California promoting the beauty of Japanese kimono culture.
The Seijin-shiki celebration teaches Japanese culture to the next generation, and we hope that it will enhance the revitalization of Japanese-American society. With the endorsement of the Consulate General of Japan, Nadeshiko Kai has conducted a public Seijin- shiki celebratory event locally for the past two years.
Nadeshiko Kai recently achieved status as a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization and needs your support. Member volunteers have worked extraordinarily hard to finance this Seijin-shiki event by conducting several fundraising projects by themselves since anticipated grant money was unattainable.