As a weaver and apparel designer in his family’s three-generational apparel company in Kyoto’s renowned Nishijin weaving district, Maeda created N’s 1182, a Maison brand for a worldwide market featuring contemporary fashion using high-value traditional Japanese textile craftsmanship, while training a new generation of young craftspeople to carry on centuries-old skills.

Yusuke MAEDA

  Fashion Design, Nishijin Ori Weaving・ Kyoto

  • Artist's Story

    Positioned as “an antithesis to mass-produced replicas,” N’s 1182 explores the potential of Nishijin small-width textiles and seeks the true value of authenticity. The brand aims to translate the notion of “authentic” mass production̶rather than

    reproducing copies̶into both design and process, presenting an alternative to mass production and consumption as a distinctive value of traditional craft.

    Born in Kyoto in 2000 into a family engaged in Nishijin obi weaving, Maeda is the third generation to carry on kimono manufacturing while also leading the new project N’s 1182. 

    His work pursues world-ready design and craftsmanship, with the aim of ensuring that Japanese traditional craft techniques are passed on to the future.

    2020 ‒ Founds N’s 1182

    2022 ‒ Successfully completes a crowdfunding campaign on MAKUAKE; receives the Grand Prize at THE FUTURE OF KYOTO AWARD business contest; Grand Prix at Nishijin DESIGN Grand Prix; Runner-up at the Kyomono Youth Competition

    2023 ‒ Hosts a fashion show at Toei Kyoto Studio Park; featured in ELLE as one of “8 Upcycling Companies to Watch”; covered by Fujingaho Online

    2024 ‒ Wins the JapanCraft21 Craft Leader Award

    2025 ‒ Provides costumes and receives coverage for SEIKO PRESAGE CLASSIC SERIES (Seiko Watch Corporation); receives the Audience Award at KYOTO CRAFTS and DESIGN COMPETITION 2024‒2025; presents at the Osaka Expo fashion show; selected for

    Forbes JAPAN “Culturepreneur 30”

  • About the Craft