About
Legacy
The history of YUMI KATSURA is, in essence,
the very history of Japanese bridal fashion.
In the 1960s, the culture of wearing wedding dresses was non-existent in Japan.
The pioneer who first introduced it to the nation was Yumi Katsura, the founder of YUMI KATSURA.
She opened Japan’s first bridal specialty boutique, presented the country’s first bridal show, and brought the beauty of Japanese and Western aesthetics to the world.
Her pioneering spirit continues to inspire the brand today.
The history of YUMI KATSURA
History
Honoring the Past,
Shaping the Future
Driven by one woman’s passion, YUMI KATSURA transformed an era and fulfilled the dreams of countless brides.
Explore the legacy of YUMI KATSURA—and the future it continues to shape.
The Early Era: Pioneer of a Series of “Japan’s Firsts”The Early Era: Pioneer of a Series of “Japan’s Firsts”
1965
Opened Japan’s first bridal specialty boutique, the Yumi Katsura Bridal Salon. Held Japan’s First Bridal ShowOpened Japan’s first bridal specialty boutique, the Yumi Katsura Bridal Salon. Held Japan’s First Bridal Show
1967
Introduced an Original Wedding Concept at the 3rd Grand Collection
1968
Published Japan’s First Bridal Magazine
1969
Founded the All Japan Bridal Association
1975
Relocating and expanding to the “Yumi Katsura Bridal House” in Nogizaka, TokyoRelocating and expanding to the “Yumi Katsura Bridal House” in Nogizaka, Tokyo
Introduced Japan’s first-ever “Prêt-à-Couture” (semi-custom) wedding dresses
1978
Pierre Balmain Visited the Yumi Katsura Bridal House
1978
Introduced the Wedding Party Concept at the 15th Grand Collection
The 1980s Revolution: Redefining bridal gowns, menswear, and traditional attireThe 1980s Revolution: Redefining bridal gowns, menswear, and traditional attire
1981
Made Its U.S. Debut and Introduced the “Yumi Line”Made Its U.S. Debut and Introduced the “Yumi Line”
1983
Introduced “YUMI KATSURA Monsieur” at the 19th Grand Collection
1984
Introduced a 300-million-yen wedding dress at the 20th Grand Collection. Introduced “Shin-Wasou” (Modern Kimono), initiating a new era for Japanese bridal attire
A Spectacular Wedding Dress Featuring a 12-Meter Train, Crafted from 30 Meters of Custom-Woven Hakata-Ori Brocade and Embroidered with real pearls. Production Cost: 300-million-yen
1985
Actress Brooke Shields Appeared in the New York Show
1986
Featured in the Hollywood motion picture “The Jewel of the Nile”
YUMI KATSURA on the World StageYUMI KATSURA on the World Stage
1986
Presented China’s First Bridal Show
1987
Presented the First Collection in ParisPresented the First Collection in Paris
Received a handwritten praise letter from author Françoise Sagan
Received a handwritten praise letter from author Françoise Sagan: “There is no one but Yumi Katsura who can express our romantic dreams in fashion with such bold and liberated flair.”
1988
Expanded Its Nationwide Franchise Network to 70 Locations
1991
Awarded the “Triumph Award” (Fashion Division) by the European Excellence Association
1992
Presented the First Collection in Spain
1993
Presented a sacred vestment to Pope John Paul IIPresented a sacred vestment to Pope John Paul II
Vestment designed and presented to Pope John Paul II, who wore it during Easter Mass that same year
1995
Presented the First Asia Bridal Summit
1997
First-ever collaboration with the Vienna Boys’ Choir in a fashion show
The 21st Century: Expanding Dreams, Endless InnovationThe 21st Century: Expanding Dreams, Endless Innovation
1998
The Bridal Rose “Rose Yumi” Was Created in Honor of Yumi Katsura
1999
Made her debut at the Rome Haute Couture Collection
2001
Presented the grand finale of the Spring/Summer Rome Haute Couture Collection at the Spanish StepsPresented the grand finale of the Spring/Summer Rome Haute Couture Collection at the Spanish Steps
Closing the final stage of “Donna Sotto Le Stelle” at the Spanish Steps in Rome
2003
Debuted at the Paris Haute Couture Collection, capturing global attention with unique Japanese materials like hand-crafted Washi paperDebuted at the Paris Haute Couture Collection, capturing global attention with unique Japanese materials like hand-crafted Washi paper
Unveiled the “WASHI-MODE” dress at the Paris Collection under the theme “JAPAN VIEW,” featuring an ocean-inspired design crafted from traditional Japanese washi paper
2005
Opened the YUMI KATSURA Paris Boutique
2008
Two YUMI KATSURA dresses featured in the Hollywood movie “27 Dresses”
2009
World’s First: A Robot Walked the Runway as a Fashion Model
2011
Returned to the U.S. with an Exhibition and Fashion Show in New York
2012
Guinness World Record recognition for a wedding gown embroidered with 13,262 Akoya pearls
Carrying Forward the Founder’s Vision, Building a Brand for the Next 100 YearsCarrying Forward the Founder’s Vision, Building a Brand for the Next 100 Years
2014
Released the documentary film “Mother of the Bride,” celebrating the life and vision of founder Yumi Katsura
2016
Staged the theatrical play “The Yumi Katsura Story”
2018
Presented the First Fashion Show at the State Guest House, Akasaka Palace
2020
Celebrating 55 Years of Creativity and Innovation Presented the 88th Grand CollectionCelebrating 55 Years of Creativity and Innovation Presented the 88th Grand Collection
2022
Grand opening of the YUMI KATSURA MUSEUM
2024
February: Broadcast of the TV drama “Harenohi Cinderella,” based on the life of Yumi KatsuraFebruary: Broadcast of the TV drama “Harenohi Cinderella,” based on the life of Yumi Katsura
April 26: The sudden passing of founder Yumi Katsura August 9: Presenting the Yumi Katsura Memorial Fashion Show
Fulfilling her final wish: “Celebrate my departure not with a funeral, but with a fashion show.” Held at the Imperial Hotel, the “Yumi - Celebration of Life” showcased 100 iconic dresses worn by top models such as Ai Tominaga, breathtaking floral design by Shogo Kariyazaki, and a soulful performance of “A Thousand Winds” by Masafumi Akikawa
2025
Presented the 60th Anniversary Special Exhibition, Brilliant Future – The Next Chapter, at Omotesando HillsPresented the 60th Anniversary Special Exhibition, Brilliant Future – The Next Chapter, at Omotesando Hills
Marking its 60th anniversary, YUMI KATSURA launched “Life-Couture,” a bold new endeavor to create attire for all of life’s most celebrated moments. The exhibition transformed the grand atrium staircase at Omotesando Hills into a spectacular space of celebration
Unwavering passion
passed down through time.
Our evolution continues—
now and always.
Founder
Yumi Katsura
Founder of YUMI KATSURA
1930–2024
Born in Tokyo, Yumi Katsura graduated from Kyoritsu Women’s University before studying fashion design and haute couture techniques in France.
In 1965, she began her career as Japan’s first bridal fashion designer, becoming a pioneer and leading figure in the country’s bridal fashion industry. Dedicated to creating beautiful bridal experiences, she presented fashion shows in the capitals of more than 20 countries and continued to inspire dreams of beautiful weddings around the world.
She became widely known as the “Mother of Bridal Fashion” and the “Missionary of Bridal Fashion.
12 Words That Linger
in the Heart: Yumi Katsura
1 / 12
