Hibiki Whisky Commissions Bespoke Kimono from 470-Year-Old Chiso House

In 1987, Suntory introduced Hibiki, a Japanese blended whisky, and has now commissioned a unique, hand-painted kimono from Chiso, a kimono house in Kyoto with origins dating back to 1555. This kimono, which draws inspiration from Chiso's extensive archive of over 20,000 pieces, including Shogun period textiles deemed national treasures, took a year to craft and involved 20 specialized processes. Chiso creates only about a dozen custom designs each year, starting at approximately three million yen (£14,000), employing over 300 skilled artisans. The completed kimono will be worn by Hibiki's global ambassador, actress Anna Sawai, and showcased at JFK airport for the new terminal's opening in June 2026. Additionally, the article by Neil Ridley delves into Japanese hospitality and craftsmanship, emphasizing the philosophies that influence Hibiki's blending at the Yamazaki distillery.