EMI KIKUCHI | jyo-en

EMI KIKUCHI

Ume

Emi Kikuchi

Actor I Kimono Specialist I Japanese Culture Ambassador

Emi Kikuchi is a native of Japan and emigrated to the United States in 1989 to continue her acting

training. She has studied and performed at En acting school, Group Eight and with Crane River

Acting Company in Japan. In New York, she studied at HB Studios and at Terry Schreiber Studio

and has performed in various theater productions. In addition to her acting career, Emi is also

trained in traditional Japanese dance. She also works as a voice-over and narration artist.

Emi is a certified Shihan (master) Kimono Teacher who can issue certificates from the institute in

Japan. She studied at the Naganuma Shizu Kimono School, which is considered one of the top

schools in Japan. Emi teaches classes in New York City regarding kimono dressing, proper setup,

and appropriate fashion standards.

In 2007, she established the “Kimono Experience” initiative in New York City, presenting the

rich tradition of Kimono at various public events such as the Kimono Show at Queens Flushing

Library in 2007, 2013 and 2016 and Obi-Tying Demonstration at The Metropolitan Museum of

Emi also gives Kimono workshops in schools and provides rental services for photo shoots on

various occasions such as wedding ceremonies. She continues to do presentations, demonstrations

and workshops in various places including online.

Most recently, Emi demonstrated kimono dressing at Governors Island Japanese Culture Event

produced by Japan Performing Arts in May 2021 and 2022. She demonstrated obi-tying styles of

the Edo era which are now in the permanent showcase produced by Kaede Kimonos “Floating

Beauty” Ukiyo-e exhibition at the Bruce Museum in October 2020.