Keiko Kira, an accomplished Japanese-American artist and educator, has thoughtfully integrated her passion for art, culture, and sustainability through her family business, Keiko Furoshiki. Founded in 2023, the Kansas City-based business introduces the timeless Japanese tradition of furoshiki—reusable fabric wrapping cloths—to modern audiences. Drawing from her rich artistic background and decades of teaching experience, Keiko approaches the business as a creative extension of her lifelong dedication to sharing the beauty and significance of her cultural heritage.

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Please tell us a little bit about you.

I am the co-founder and print designer of Keiko Furoshiki, a family business based in Kansas City, Missouri. Together with my son Tyler and daughter-in-law Andrea, we launched the business in 2023 with a focus on sustainability and sharing Japanese culture and traditions through the art of gift wrapping using traditional Japanese reusable fabric squares called furoshiki.

I am a Japanese-American artist, born in Japan, and I came to the United States as a teenager to pursue my studies. I have taught art classes at the Nelson-Atkins Art Museum in Kansas City, and I currently work as an Adjunct Professor of Fine Art. Through Keiko Furoshiki, we combine art, culture, and sustainability in a unique and meaningful way.

How did the idea for Keiko Furoshiki come about? What inspired you and what was your journey to launching the brand?

I have always had a deep appreciation for traditional textiles from around the world. Their history, cultural symbolism, and practical uses have fascinated me ever since I was young. As an artist, I’ve often drawn inspiration from the intricate designs and stories that these textiles carry. When I turned 60, I found myself reflecting on how I wanted to spend the next phase of my life. I wanted to continue creating, but also to focus on something that combined my love for art, culture, and sustainability.

Around that time, my daughter-in-law Andrea approached me and my son Tyler with an idea that sparked the creation of Keiko Furoshiki. Andrea envisioned a business that would not only promote sustainability but also introduce Japanese tradition and culture to a broader audience. Her idea was to use furoshiki—traditional Japanese wrapping cloths—as the foundation of our business. It felt like the perfect way to combine our shared values and passions, and together, we began the journey to launch Keiko Furoshiki.

You studied fine arts in college and became an Adjunct Professor in the field. Was it an easy transition to starting a business?

When I was actively creating art, my focus was on installation and performance art, but I always carried a small sketchbook with me. I loved sketching anything that inspired me, using whatever tools I had on hand. There’s something so satisfying about the tactile sensation of holding a drawing tool, feeling the connection between hand and paper. That’s how I worked for many years, until we decided to move forward with our business and I realized I had to transition to digital drawing.

This shift wasn’t easy. I’ve spent years teaching classes with traditional mediums, so switching to digital felt like stepping into unfamiliar territory. It was challenging but also exhilarating to learn something new, especially when I knew it was essential for bringing our business to life. Along with mastering digital tools, learning the basics of running a business—from marketing to production—was a new world for me. But as an artist, I’ve always embraced creativity, and this journey has been another form of that, just in a different context.

How has your background influenced the way you approach building and growing your business?

Having taught for nearly 30 years has been a tremendous asset in building and growing our business. Working with people of all ages has given me the ability to connect with different individuals naturally, whether they’re customers, partners, or collaborators. As an educator, I’ve always believed that our communities grow stronger and more inclusive when we learn about each other’s unique cultures and traditions. That belief has carried over into our business, where we aim to introduce and share Japanese cultural heritage through furoshiki.

I’ve always been a curious person and believe in the importance of being a lifelong learner. This mindset has been key in guiding me through the challenges of entrepreneurship. My background in art and education has given me the foundation to approach each day with creativity and an open mind. Whether it's through workshops, personal interactions with customers, or conversations with retail store owners, these connections have been incredibly valuable in shaping the direction of our business. I love the opportunity to share and learn, and that has become a big part of how we’ve grown Keiko Furoshiki.

Can you walk us through your creative process when designing a new furoshiki?

I approach each furoshiki design as a personal work of art, often tied to my memories, childhood, and the rich symbolism found in Japanese culture. For me, each design carries a story, a reflection of the beauty and traditions that have always inspired me.

When developing a new collection, I usually start with a concept that reflects something meaningful to me. Our first collection, Garden, was inspired by my childhood memory of my mother’s garden. It was my way of honoring her memory and the time we spent together in that peaceful space. The second collection, Wagara, was inspired by my deep appreciation for traditional Japanese patterns, which have always held a special place in my heart.

Once I have the concept, I begin the design process by sketching in my sketchbook. I jot down notes and gather images from my research to guide the direction I want to take. Then, I transition to digital drawing, which is a newer but exciting process for me. I typically produce about 50 to 60 initial sketches. From there, we work as a team—Tyler,
Andrea, and I—going through an evaluation process to narrow down the designs. We carefully select eight final designs, and the reevaluation process continues until all three of us are fully aligned with the vision for the collection.

What are some of your favorite designs, and what do they mean to you personally?

Each design in our collections holds a special place in my heart, infused with personal stories and memories. If I had to choose a couple of favorites, I would say the Zinnia Flower print from the Garden Collection and the Mameshibori print from the Wagara Collection truly resonate with me. The zinnia flowers evoke memories of my childhood summers, where vibrant zinnias grew along the pathway to my childhood home against the bright blue sky. Their cheerful colors always greeted me as I left for school or returned home, bringing a sense of joy. For this design, I incorporated simply outlined hexagonal shapes as a motif, inspired by the traditional kikko monyo pattern often seen in kimonos and obis. This pattern, resembling a tortoise shell, symbolizes longevity and good health, beautifully connecting the memories of my mother’s garden with the values of well-being.

The Mameshibori print is another favorite, inspired by the traditional mameshibori pattern, which I’ve always admired for its simplicity. This pattern is commonly used in the traditional cotton towel called tenugui and is created using a labor-intensive tie-dye technique known as shibori. The symbolic meaning of this design is also rooted in good health. I aimed to infuse this pattern with a sense of playfulness while still respecting its traditional roots. Both designs reflect not only my artistic vision but also the deep connection I have with my heritage and the memories that shape who I am today.

Keiko Furoshiki is a family business with your daughter-in-law and son involved. Do you find that makes things easier or more complicated?

Working together as a family is undoubtedly our strength at Keiko Furoshiki. Each of us brings invaluable skills and expertise in distinct areas that are crucial to our business’s success. Andrea, with her extensive background in marketing and e-commerce, plays a pivotal role in driving our growth. Her insights and strategies have been instrumental in reaching new audiences and enhancing our brand visibility. Meanwhile, Tyler’s business acumen shines through in the production and manufacturing aspects of our operations, ensuring that we deliver quality products that align with our vision.

Beyond our professional roles, I can’t emphasize enough the importance of our bond as a family. Our relationship is built on love, trust, and respect, which creates a strong foundation for collaboration. Tyler and Andrea have guided me through areas of the business that are new to me, always approaching our discussions with directness and honesty. I deeply appreciate their candidness, knowing that I can rely on their support and guidance as we navigate the challenges of growing our business together. It’s a unique experience to work with the two people I love and trust completely, and it makes every step of this journey all the more meaningful.

Who or what inspires you the most?

Looking back on my childhood, I have no doubt that my parents were the two people who inspired me to become the person I am today. My parents, especially my father, always emphasized that my life was mine to live, regardless of the traditional expectations that came with being a daughter. They consistently encouraged me to pursue my passions, follow my dreams, and embrace my individuality. Even as a young girl, I was acutely aware of the limitations placed on girls regarding their futures, whether it pertained to career choices or life paths. I often heard adults express doubts
about the value of investing in their daughters, believing they would eventually be married off.

However, that was never my parents' mindset. They instilled in me the belief that my aspirations mattered and that I had the right to carve out my own path. I am forever grateful for their unwavering love, support, and trust, which allowed me to explore my interests and develop the confidence to pursue my dreams. Their encouragement has been a guiding force throughout my life, inspiring me to not only follow my passions but also to foster that same spirit of  empowerment in others.

Is there one piece of advice you wish you had before you started your career or launching your business?

If there's one piece of advice I wish I had before starting my career or launching my business, it would be this: time doesn't wait for you. If there's something you want to do, make it happen! When I was younger, I often found myself waiting for the perfect moment to pursue my creative passions. Juggling work and family responsibilities, I spent far too long trying to carve out time for my artistic endeavors, hoping everything would align perfectly. However, I learned that time passes by, regardless of whether you take action or wait for that elusive perfect moment. Embracing creativity and pursuing your dreams often requires diving in, even if the timing feels less than ideal. I've come to realize that making time for what you love is essential, and it’s often through those imperfect moments that we discover our greatest opportunities. So, my advice is to seize the moment and not let hesitation hold you back from your passions.

Images provided by Keiko Furoshiki