Enjoy the beauty of nihongami, centuries-old Japanese hair styling at a special live demonstration at Japan House London.
Japanese hairstyling (nihongami) developed from the late sixteenth century and flourished during the Edo period (1603–1868). In its broadest sense, nihongami refers to Japanese hairstyles worn from the Kofun period (c. 3rd to 7th century) through to the early Shōwa era (1926–1989). More than a fashion statement, hairstyles would have indicated a woman’s age, marital status, social position and profession. While largely disappearing from everyday life from the 20th century onwards, nihongami remains an important feature of classical performing arts, including Japanese dance, kabuki and bunraku.
This event welcomes Tanimura Masaki, who trained in nihongami hairstyling in Kyoto, to demonstrate the art of Japanese hairstyles. Tanimura creates an intricate Japanese bridal hairstyle on a model dressed in a bridal costume by professional kimono stylist Satō Mamiko. The sculptural beauty of nihongami, created through the intricate arrangement of multiple sections of hair, is one of its most distinctive features.
Following the demonstration, five further variations of nihongami will be introduced: an ofuku hairstyle traditionally worn by unmarried women under the age of 20, a yokoshimada hairstyle worn by maiko (apprentice geisha), a tsubushi shimada hairstyle worn by geiko, or fully qualified geisha, a marumage hairstyle worn by married women, and a bunkin takashimada, the traditional bridal hairstyle worn by brides. Together, these styles reveal the rich history, artistry and cultural significance of nihongami.
The event is followed by an opportunity to ask questions after the demonstration.
About the demostrators
Tanimura Masaki established B.A.S.K HAIR & MAKE in 2003, followed by his private hair salon, B.A.S.K HAIR, in 2021. Alongside his salon work, he studied Japanese hairstyling (Nihongami) in Kyoto. He has worked as a traditional Japanese hairstyling instructor and has participated in various hair shows and cultural events.
Kawauchi Ario is a Japanese writer and filmmaker. After studying at Nihon University College of Art and earning a master’s degree in Latin American Area Studies from Georgetown University, she worked in international cooperation before becoming a non-fiction writer. Her books have received major Japanese literary awards, including the Nitta Jiro Literary Award and the Kaikō Ken Non-fiction Award.
Kawauchi made her directorial debut with Blind Mr. Shiratori’s Eye for Art (2022), based on her bestselling book Going to See Art with Mr. Shiratori, Who Is Blind, winner of the 2022 Non-fiction Book Award. Screened in Japan and South Korea, the film received critical acclaim. Her second feature, Rokkoku Kitchen (2025), co-directed with Miyoshi Daisuke, is currently enjoying a successful theatrical run in Japan.
Today, Masaki specialises in Bunkin Takashimada, the traditional Japanese bridal hairstyle, and is actively involved in workshops, photography, and cultural projects. In 2017, he travelled to New York, where he created traditional Japanese hairstyles for a Japanese traditional dancer. In 2024, he participated in a performance at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London, and conducted a traditional Japanese hairstyling workshop at the University of the Arts London (UAL).
Satō Mamiko is the founder of Kimono de Go, a London-based company specialising in traditional Japanese kimono, kimono dressing, hairstyling, and hair and makeup. After moving to the UK in 1997, she built her career in the beauty, fashion, and entertainment industries before establishing Kimono de Go in 2005. Since then, she has worked across fashion, advertising, television, theatre, and cultural events, providing kimono styling, traditional Japanese hairstyling, hair and makeup, and cultural demonstrations. Her clients have included major international and Japanese brands such as Pepsi, Peugeot, Kao, Canon, Asahi, and Mazda UK, and her editorial work has appeared in publications including Vogue and W.
She has also presented demonstrations of Japanese culture at institutions such as the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), the Museum of Textile, and the University of the Arts London (UAL). Mamiko is a qualified Kimono Dressing Instructor and Kimono Stylist, trained at Kyoto Kimono Gakuin in Japan. One of her specialities is Jigami-yui Nihongami, traditional Japanese hairstyling using the client’s own hair, including the recreation of bridal styles such as Bunkin Takashimada. Through Kimono de Go, she is dedicated to preserving traditional Japanese dressing and hairstyling techniques and sharing their cultural significance with audiences in the UK and beyond.
*Please note that filming and/or photography may take place at this event. Photos and footage of the event may then be used to promote Japan House London, helping more people to discover what we offer. If you have any concerns, please contact us online or contact a member of the team on site.