In honor of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, the South Pasadena Public Library invites the community to a unique cultural presentation, The Art of the Kimono. The event will take place on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. in the Library Community Room, located at 1115 El Centro St., South Pasadena.
Led by Akane Mashimo, founder of WakaWakka Kimono and Photo Studio, the event offers an immersive introduction to the beauty and significance of kimono dressing. Attendees will witness a mini kimono fashion show, a demonstration of Obi (sash) tying, and a discussion on the history of the kimono and its seasonal variations. The workshop is designed for ages 5 and up, welcoming families and individuals alike to explore Japanese tradition and aesthetics.
A Cultural Journey Led by a Kimono Expert
Mashimo, a native of Osaka, Japan, has studied kimono dressing for over a decade. She trained at the Kyoto Kimono Gakuin and holds a certification as a professional kimono dresser. In addition to kimono, she has studied traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, flower arrangements through the Sougetsu Ikebana school, and holds a first-grade certificate in Japanese calligraphy.
As president of the LA Kimono Club, Mashimo organizes cultural events throughout the year, including an annual New Year’s kimono contest. Through her work, she aims to make traditional Japanese fashion accessible and meaningful to communities outside of Japan.
“By respectfully dressing in the beautiful and traditional Japanese kimono fashion, anyone can enjoy Japan’s cultural heritage—even in Los Angeles,” Mashimo shares.
Event Accessibility and Details
The program is sponsored by the Friends of the South Pasadena Public Library, Inc. and is free and open to the public. Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request at least four business days before the event. Contact (626) 403-7431 or visit southpasadenaca.gov/ADA to fill out a form and email it to [email protected].
About the South Pasadena Public Library
Located at 1100 Oxley Street, the South Pasadena Public Library offers a wide range of cultural and educational programs for all ages. Visit southpasadenaca.gov/Library for hours and updates.
About the City of South Pasadena
Just six miles from downtown Los Angeles, South Pasadena is known for its tree-lined streets, small-town charm, and vibrant cultural life. To learn more, visit southpasadenaca.gov or follow the City on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.
