Internship at Asakusa Mokubakan A Journey Through Japanese Theater and Design, from a German Fashion Student
My name is Emma, a German fashion student with Japanese heritage studying kimono design whilst working at the Japanese Taishu Engeki theatre, the Asakusa Mokubakan. Working as an intern in Tokyo provided me with a unique opportunity to immerse myself in Japanese culture while gaining invaluable professional experience. I spent my internship at Asakusa Mokubakan, a traditional Japanese theater nestled in the historic district of Asakusa. This theater specializes in Taishu Engeki, a captivating style of performance that can be described as a modernized version of Kabuki. Throughout my time there, I witnessed how these shows seamlessly blended modern and traditional elements to create a truly unique theatrical atmosphere.
Fusing German Heritage with Japanese Design
The design portion of my internship was perhaps the most exciting aspect, as it allowed for a direct cultural crossover. My primary responsibility was to create a new kimono design intended for the theater’s live performances. I chose to deliberately mix my German background with traditional Japanese design by creating a kimono that incorporated features of the Dirndl, a traditional Bavarian dress. Throughout this project, I was grateful for the significant creative freedom I was given to implement my ideas, even as I received essential guidance and advice on the technicalities of the design process.
Through this creative journey, I gained a deep wealth of knowledge regarding traditional Japanese clothing. I moved beyond simple appreciation to truly understand the structural differences between kimonos and yukatas, the specific cultural occasions that demanded each, and the historical role that social status played in how these garments were worn.
Navigating Marketing in a Dynamic Startup Environment
My marketing responsibilities focused on expanding the theater’s reach and diversifying its audience. Because the audience was primarily limited to local Japanese people, a major goal of mine was to help make the business better known to an international community. Working in this environment gave me hands-on experience in the inner workings of a startup business. My daily tasks were incredibly diverse, which kept the work consistently engaging. On any given day, I might have been behind the lens of a camera, creating digital content, or interacting directly with our customers both online and in person.
Cultural Immersion and a Supportive Workplace
Beyond professional growth, this internship offered me deep personal immersion and a remarkably supportive environment. The team fostered a truly international atmosphere where Japanese and international staff worked side-by-side, always ready to help one another. I found that strong communication was the key component that held our team together. By working four days a week, I was able to fully commit myself to this rare and important facet of Japanese culture. One of my favorite aspects was the chance to participate in Japanese arts firsthand; I had the incredible opportunity to engage in choreographed katana dances, learn the nuances of using a sensu (folding fan), and master the art of dressing myself in a kimono.
As I look back on my time in Tokyo, I realize that this internship was an amazing and deeply in-depth cultural journey. It was a rare privilege to explore the world of traditional Japanese theater while contributing to meaningful design and marketing projects. The
combination of a supportive international team, the variety of my daily tasks, and the genuine excitement I felt going to work every day made this a highly fulfilling chapter of my professional life.
Written by Emma Lachenmann,
Edited & Published by Liam Hallin