Japanese Craftsmanship Meets Paris at Le Meurice
On July 5, 2026, MIKI HOUSE brought families together at Hôtel Le Meurice in Paris for a celebration of Japanese culture, craftsmanship and children's curiosity.
Karate champion Kiyou Shimizu demonstrated kata, a carefully practiced sequence of karate movements, before inviting children to try a workshop. The experience connected precision and perseverance with something simple: the excitement of learning a new skill.
Small details, lasting impressions
Guests also discovered a GOLD LABEL samue, a traditional Japanese garment, made using mud-dyeing techniques. The presentation offered a close look at the handcraft and attention to materials behind MIKI HOUSE.
From watching to taking the first step
For the children, the karate demonstration was followed by an opportunity to participate. Shimizu, a former member of Japan's national karate team and an athlete supported by MIKI HOUSE, led a workshop that moved the experience from observation to practice. The children wore MIKI HOUSE clothing designed to give them freedom of movement as they tried something unfamiliar.
The day drew a connection between different kinds of practice: the concentration of an athlete, the patience of an artisan and a child's determination to learn. Respect for others and the willingness to keep trying were central themes, giving the demonstration meaning beyond the performance itself.
A meeting of Japanese and French traditions
The gathering took place in Le Meurice's salons and was attended by Japan's Ambassador to France, Mr. Suzuki. Alongside karate, the mud-dyed GOLD LABEL garment introduced guests to another expression of Japanese skill and aesthetics. Cédric Grolet's buffet brought the celebration to a close.
MIKI HOUSE presented the occasion as part of the long cultural exchange between Japan and France. For the families attending, that exchange became something approachable: a garment to examine, a performance to watch and a new activity to try together.
This story looks back at a private event held in July 2026.
Adapted for MIKI HOUSE USA from MIKI HOUSE Global News, originally published 2026-08-13. Photography: MIKI HOUSE.