Shiho Brenner

So nice to meet you! First off, what’s your name? Tell our readers a bit about yourself—where you’re from originally and where you live now.

It’s lovely to meet you, too! My name is Shiho Brenner, and I’m an author, kimono ambassador, and founder of Kimono Suishin. I’m originally from Mishima, a city in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, and I’m now based in San Diego, California, where I live with my husband and our two daughters.

I moved to the United States in 1994 and graduated from UCLA with a degree in economics. Today, my work brings together storytelling and Japanese culture. Through Kimono Suishin, I offer kimono dressing services, lessons, and sales, sharing the beauty of kimono with people here in Southern California.

I also write children’s books and am developing a Japanese-inspired fantasy series. Kindness, gratitude, and connection are themes close to my heart, and they shape both my stories and the way I share my culture.

Tell us one thing you love about where you live now.

One thing I love about San Diego is the opportunity to share Japanese culture with people from so many different backgrounds. Through kimono lessons and cultural events, I get to meet people who are curious about Japan. Those connections make living here especially meaningful to me.

Tell us a little more about what your company does and how it started. How does it help your customers?

Kimono Suishin is a San Diego–based business offering kimono sales, dressing services for photo sessions and events, and lessons in kitsuke—the art of wearing kimono. As a certified kimono-dressing consultant, I help customers experience this beautiful Japanese tradition, whether they are discovering kimono for the first time or deepening an existing interest.

My love for kimono began when I was four years old. I still remember wearing a yukata to preschool and loving it so much that I didn’t want to take it off. Years later, while my family was stationed in Japan, I studied kitsuke and turned that lifelong passion into a business, founding Kimono Suishin in 2018.

Since then, the business has continued to grow through lessons, kimono sales, and dressing services. Customers can learn to wear their own kimono, find an affordable piece through my pop-up sales, or receive professional dressing assistance for a special occasion. Through these services, I make kimono more accessible while sharing the tradition and care behind how it is worn.

If someone wants to start a business, what advice would you give them?

My advice is to start with something you care deeply about, then find a practical way to make it useful to others. My love for kimono began in childhood, but learning kitsuke gave me the skills to turn that passion into a business.

You don’t have to begin with something big. Start with a service or product you can offer well, listen to your customers, and build from there. Passion gives you a reason to begin, but developing your skills and earning people’s trust give your business a foundation to grow.

What is one piece of feedback from a happy customer or client that you won't forget?

One comment that would stay with me is hearing that wearing kimono helped a customer feel beautiful, confident, and more connected to Japanese culture. That captures what I hope to offer through Kimono Suishin: an experience that inspires both cultural appreciation and confidence.

I’ve loved kimono since childhood, so helping someone discover its beauty while feeling good about themselves would be especially meaningful to me.

Where do you see your company in the future?

My dream is to become known around the world as a kimono ambassador and author. I see Kimono Suishin growing into a bridge between cultures, introducing more people to the beauty of kimono and the traditions behind it.

Through kimono experiences and my books, I hope to inspire curiosity about Japan, encourage kindness, and help people feel more confident in themselves. I would love to reach an international audience while keeping the personal connections that make my work so meaningful.

What is the biggest misconception about your industry?

One of the biggest misconceptions is that kimono is always expensive. While some pieces can be costly, there are also beautiful, affordable options, especially secondhand kimono. You don’t need a large budget to begin enjoying it.

Through Kimono Suishin, I want to show people that kimono can be accessible. Its beauty isn’t defined by its price—it’s also in the craftsmanship, the way you wear it, and the connection you feel to Japanese culture.

Who was your favorite music artist and athlete growing up?

My favorite music artist growing up was Noriyuki Makihara. His songs helped me through difficult times and gave me comfort when I needed it most. Sometimes, music can express feelings that are hard to put into words, and that’s what his songs did for me.

He wasn’t simply an artist I enjoyed listening to—his music became a source of encouragement. That personal connection is why his songs hold such a special place in my heart.

Any shoutouts you want to make?

I’d love to give a heartfelt shoutout to my ancestors, my parents, my husband, Scott, and our two daughters, Midori and Maya.

I’m deeply grateful to my ancestors and parents for the life and heritage they have passed down to me. Sharing Japanese culture through my work is a meaningful way to honor that connection.

To Scott, Midori, and Maya—thank you for being part of my journey. As much as I love building my business and writing stories, sharing my life with you means the most. You hold such a special place in my heart, and I’m grateful for our life together.

Where can our readers learn more about you and your company?

Readers can visit kimonosuishin.com to learn more about my story and explore Kimono Suishin’s kimono sales, dressing services, and lessons. They’re also welcome to contact me through the website with questions or service inquiries.

You can also follow me on Instagram at @kimonosuishin for upcoming cultural events, pop-up kimono sales, and glimpses of my work. I share updates on my writing journey, books, and upcoming publications, too, so readers can follow both sides of my passion: kimono and storytelling.

Whether you’re curious about Japanese culture, interested in wearing kimono, or excited to discover my next book, I’d love to connect with you!