Our Amazing Experience at the Yukata Contest: Champions of Chiba!

On Sunday, August 3rd, 2025, Nozomi-san and I had the incredible honor of participating in the Yukata Contest at the Funabashishi Kinro City Center. It was an unforgettable day filled with excitement, cultural exchange, and a whole lot of fun. Here's a glimpse into our experience!

A Unique Experience

With about 40 participants in total, all of whom were women (and some even brought their daughters!), I stood out as the only male participant and, amusingly, the only Caucasian (lol). I was also the first participant to take the stage, which added a little extra pressure, but also a lot of excitement!

I had to introduce myself to the three judges, who were some of the highest-ranked Kimono and Yukata teachers in Japan. I presented and showed off my Yukata to both the judges and the public, but since my Japanese is still a work in progress, I didn’t say much (lol). Thankfully, Nozomi-san was there to help me out, providing more information about me and my Yukata, and of course, translating everything perfectly!

The Fun Moments: A Dance to Remember

After all participants had presented themselves, the judges left to deliberate and choose the winners. In the meantime, we were treated to a special presentation from the teachers of the center, where each of them explained their own Yukata and the thought process behind their choice of attire. It was fascinating to hear their insights on the art of Yukata wearing.

Then, something truly unexpected and amazing happened! Teachers and members of the audience (including the fantastic Nozomi-san!) got together to perform a Japanese samba dance to the famous song Matsuken Samba II by Matsuken. It was a joyful moment where everyone danced, clapped, and smiled together. The energy in the room was so contagious—it was an experience I will remember forever!

The Moment of Truth: And We Won!

After the judges returned and announced the results, the tension in the room was palpable. The moment of truth came, and... WE WON! 🎉

Nozomi-san and I were crowned champions of the Yukata Contest for 2025 in the Chiba region, which means we’ll be going on to participate in the grand final national Yukata competition on August 31st, 2025, at the luxurious Hotel Chinzaso Tokyo! ✨

And that’s not all! If we win the final, we’ll have the chance to go to Okinawa, staying in a beautiful hotel! 🏖️ It’s an incredible opportunity, and we couldn’t be more excited.

Final Thoughts

Looking back, this experience has been more than just a competition. It was a celebration of culture, community, and tradition, all brought together by the love and appreciation of the Yukata. It’s a moment that will stay with me for a long time, and I’m so grateful for the support of Nozomi-san and everyone who made the day so special.

We’re excited for the upcoming national competition and look forward to representing Yamato Kimono Remix on a bigger stage. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue this amazing journey!

Thank you to everyone who made this event unforgettable, and to our amazing community for your continued support! 🌸👘🎉

Matthew FLESCH

Marketing & Communication Leader

Yamato Kimono Remix