About Karaku by me
Designer`s Profile
Makiko Amano
Representative Director of Amamaki Co., Ltd.,
&
Designer at KARAKU by me
Start of my fashion life
Early childhood to middle school years
I hail from Sagamihara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. Fashion has been my passion since childhood, leading me to embark on self-directed studies in garment construction during my middle school years. My aversion to arbitrary regulations and a desire for individual expression prompted me to creatively modify my school uniform, garnering notice from both my educators and peers.
Think about my future
High School Years
In high school, I co-founded a girl band with my friends, and we crafted our own outfits for performances. My go-to fashion magazine was 'Zipper,' a Japanese publication. It was during this period that I started contemplating the prospect of eventually selling my own design creations.
The toughest time in my whole life
During my time at Fashion College
After high school, I joined the Fashion Department at Bunka Fashion College. I found myself constantly swamped with assignments, often pulling all-nighters. Reflecting on it now, those two years were undoubtedly the most challenging period of my life. However, graduating from Bunka Fashion College remains one of my most cherished accomplishments. I still draw inspiration from the advice of my teacher back then, who said, "In the grand scheme of a lifetime, two years, if tackled with determination, won't go to waste. Give it your all."
After graduation
During my time working at an apparel company
After graduating from Bunka Fashion College, I landed a role as a salesperson at a prominent apparel company. I was stationed at a department store, representing one of the company's brands, which provided invaluable insights into the world of a working professional, along with honing my customer service and display skills.
While I appreciated the mentorship of my supervisors and senior colleagues during that time, my passion for product creation persisted. This led me to pursue a career change.
Subsequently, I diversified my experience by working as a designer, production manager, and buyer at several different apparel companies.
Expanded my horizons
During my time in Korea
At 29, when the financial stability of the company I worked for began to decline, I saw it as an opportunity to pursue my true passions. Inspired by my growing enthusiasm for K-POP, I made the bold decision to embark on a working holiday in Korea.
Despite my limited knowledge of the Korean language, I was able to secure a position at an apparel manufacturer that had business ties with Japan. During my tenure there, I took on various responsibilities including dealing with buyers, providing interpretation and translation services, and sourcing fabrics and accessories.
Over the course of approximately three and a half years in Korea, I broadened my horizons and forged many meaningful friendships. However, due to visa limitations, I eventually had to return to Japan.
Know about Japanese culture
My encounter with the Japanese tea ceremony
While living in Korea, I came to a realization that I had a limited understanding of Japanese culture. Upon my return to Japan, I embarked on a journey of studying the Urasenke tea ceremony. Immersing myself in this traditional practice allowed me to gain a deeper appreciation for the beauty and spirituality inherent in Japanese culture.
Inspired by my newfound passion, I felt compelled to share this cultural treasure with others, both within Japan and across the globe.
the new career
Establishment of a company
On November 1, 2022, Amamaki Co., Ltd. was founded with a mission to rediscover the essence of Japan and to promote Japanese culture globally through fashion, cuisine, and lifestyle. Additionally, the company is committed to challenging conventional notions and fostering connections with diverse individuals, ideas, and experiences, with the aim of mutual growth.
At the core of the company's ethos is the belief in "Growing Together: A Company Filled with Excitement and Inspiration."
Beginning of the brand
Launching KARAKU by me
In February 2023, Amamaki Co., Ltd. debuted its inaugural project, KARAKU by me, an original headband brand crafted from locally-sourced materials. Our objective is to spread excitement and happiness globally through our headbands.
About me
Favorite Phrase
「 一期一会 」: "One lifetime, one encounter."
「 唯一無二 」 : "Be unique."
「 明日死ぬ覚悟で今を生きる 」: "Live each moment as if you were to die tomorrow."