Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Keiko Kira. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Keiko, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
My most meaningful project is definitely starting a family business Keiko Furoshiki with my son Tyler and daughter-in-law Andrea. Furoshiki is a traditional Japanese wrapping cloth. I am a Japanese-American who was born in Japan and came to the US as a teenager. Because of my background, I embrace our similarities and respect our differences when I meet people. To me, our community becomes larger and more accepting of each other when we connect with others and share the beauty of different cultures and traditions. How do I reach out to people to make this connection? Well, my medium happens to be visual art.
As far back as I can remember, I have always been passionate about creating something using artistic forms. Even as a very young child, I was drawing, painting with watercolor and making sculptures with available materials and resources in a family environment that nurtured creativity. When Tyler and Andrea approached me with an idea for a company that brings artistic expression and sustainability together, I immediately saw a great opportunity to contribute my passion for art and environmental concerns and to reach people near and far. Additionally, I loved the idea of sharing Japanese culture through the use of furoshiki.
I have spent over 25 years teaching art and working with people of all ages. One of the many aspects I enjoy about teaching is that I get to share my personal stories and experiences while working closely with others. Because Tyler, Andrea and I work together, setting up Keiko Furoshiki has been such an amazing journey for the three of us to come together and deepen our appreciation for one another as a family. I find that the connection we all make with others is inspirational and healing whether it is personal or not. To me, Keiko Furoshiki represents this connection that I want to share with others.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Keiko Kira, co-founder and designer of Keiko Furoshiki based in Kansas City, Missouri. Keiko Furoshiki is a textile company whose mission is to introduce furoshiki – Japanese fabric wraps, as a sustainable way to solve the modern problem of disposable paper gift wrapping while sharing the beauty of Japanese culture.
My background is in Fine Arts, and I have taught art classes at an art museum and colleges. However, I have always dreamed about working with textiles and designing patterns and products. There is something so comforting about holding fabric in my hands or feeling the softness on my skin. I love the patterns and distinct color palettes of traditional textiles from around the world. So, when my daughter-in-law Andrea approached me with an idea for a family business working with Japanese furoshiki, I immediately knew I wanted to be part of this journey! Together with Andrea and my son Tyler, we bring three distinct skill sets in the areas of design, manufacturing and marketing.
In Japan, furoshiki is part of everyday life. But in North America, wrapping presents in fabric is a somewhat novel idea. The wonderful aspect of furoshiki is that there are centuries of collective knowledge of how to tie, fold, reuse and make the most of your fabric wraps. That’s why our brand focuses on education as well as making products. Whether you use our furoshiki or make your own, we delight in the idea that anybody can start incorporating reusable wrapping in their lives.
For the few brands that do sell furoshiki in the United States, many tend towards very traditional neutral Japanese colors and prints. Keiko Furoshiki prints bring a playful, almost rebellious style to the traditional furoshiki by blending bold colors with hand-drawn elements. Within our daring designs are still a lot of traditional Japanese elements and cultural symbolism – some very personal to my own experience as a Japanese-American.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
Sustainability is our mission at Keiko Furoshiki. Growing up in Japan, I was surrounded by the beauty of nature in my hometown. Seasonal changes showcased such a rich color palette in the nearby mountains. I could see the shades of blue of the sea from my bedroom window. However, I was aware of the fragility in our environment even as a child. So, it makes perfect sense that we want to introduce a solution to reduce and eliminate disposable paper gift wrapping.
As an adult, helping others has always been central to what I do whether it is teaching, designing products, volunteering or simply being a good listener. It has been my hope that I can contribute to creating a community with a better understanding for others. Keiko Furoshiki is where I can share my Japanese heritage with people. Through the beauty of artistic expression, I hope we can make a difference.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
To me, staying open-minded and fearless is the most rewarding aspect of being an artist. Perhaps I might have answered this question differently 10 or 20 years ago. I might have focused more on the creative process or something else as a studio artist. However, my ability and willingness to step out of my comfort zone has immensely helped me grow as a person. Gaining confidence has directly impacted my path in life. Because of this, I know for sure that I am where I am in life.
As an artist, I have always dealt with uncertainty: all aspects and challenges of art-making, the reality of making a living, family life, illness, etc. Starting a family business in my early 60s was both exhilarating and terrifying! I had never run a business let alone learned and kept up with all the new technology. But being an artist has taught me the importance of staying open-minded and fearless. It has instilled in me a “can do” attitude and a trust in myself that I can figure out the next steps and problem-solve. I can always learn! I can always gain more experience! As a designer of Keiko Furoshiki, I create hand-drawn images although much of my work is done digitally. I enjoy every challenge along the way because I know I continue to grow as an artist and individual.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://keikofuroshiki.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keikofuroshiki/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keikofuroshiki/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/keiko-furoshiki/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6MW8Fu6At-ulMlnkLZJLdg
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/keikofuroshiki/
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keikofuroshiki
Image Credits
Image credit: Keiko Furoshiki Team