Kimono Reception at the Swiss-Japan Chamber of Commerce (SJCC) New Year Party
In January 2022, I had the honour of serving as a kimono-dressed receptionist at the Swiss-Japan Chamber of Commerce (SJCC) New Year Party, held at Zunfthaus zur Meisen in Zurich.
Although the weather had been unsettled earlier that day, the skies over Zurich cleared beautifully by the time I arrived at the venue.
For the occasion, I wore a formal houmongi kimono decorated with a fan motif — a design traditionally associated with good fortune, symbolising growth and prosperity, fitting for the New Year and other celebratory events.
Greeting ambassadors and corporate guests while confirming names at the reception desk was a moment of quiet focus, and it was a lovely surprise to unexpectedly run into acquaintances among the guests.
I also met a young guest who had made her own kimono, and I was genuinely impressed by the quality of her design — she shared her dream of studying kimono-making in Japan, which left a lasting impression.
My heartfelt thanks to everyone involved for this wonderful opportunity.
