Rieko & Suzu of Beyond Kimono
Hi, I’m Rieko!
I am a Japanese native who spent 7 years living in Australia. Why does that matter to you? Because those years overseas gave me a “third-eye” perspective on my own country. I learned how the rest of the world sees Japan—sometimes accurately, and sometimes through a very thick lens of “cool Japan” stereotypes.
I moved back to Japan with a mission: to bridge the gap. I wanted to write for the curious traveler, the culture nerd, and the person who wants to understand the real Japan—imperfections, Wabi-Sabi, and all.
Why Trust Beyond Kimono?
- First-Hand Experience: Every post is written from the perspective of someone who grew up in the culture but understands the Western perspective.
- Original Research: Whether I’m diving into the history of Sony or tracking bear attacks, I use local Japanese sources and my own lived experience.
- Authenticity: I don’t write “fluff.” If something is a “trap” or a “taboo,” I’ll tell you straight—but I’ll probably make a joke about it, too.
But wait — there’s a twist!
Sharing the spotlight is my husband, Suzu, the unofficial Chief Idea Officer around here. While I do the writing, Suzu pops in with offbeat takes, sharp observations, and the kind of unexpected ideas that turn “just another blog post” into something a little weirder, a little deeper, and a lot more fun. Whether he’s debating the best street food in Kansai or challenging me to explain why convenience store fried chicken deserves a love letter, Suzu’s role behind the scenes adds an extra sprinkle of unpredictability to everything we create.
Together, we started Beyond Kimono as a space for curious souls — people like you who want to peek behind the surface of Japan and discover what it really feels like to live, laugh, and occasionally get lost in translation here.
Let’s Connect!
I’m not just a bot (though my husband’s minimalist habits might make him seem like a very efficient one). I love hearing from readers! Whether you have a question about Japanese etiquette or just want to say Konnichiwa, head over to my Contact Page.