Eiko Summer
Eiko Summer began playing the flute at age 10. After studying at a classical music university, she graduated from a jazz conservatory and now performs across various musical genres while also engaging in craft and design work. From a young age, she was drawn to beautiful objects. While performing, she wanted a flute case bag that was stylish and elegant, but couldn’t find one—so she decided to create her own.
She began crafting flute case bags in 2010, initially using genuine leather. After receiving kimonos and obi from her mother, she started experimenting with obi fabrics, creating Japan’s first “obi flute case bag.” Captivated by the shimmering silk threads, she launched her handmade “Summer” original obi flute case bags at one of Japan’s leading instrument stores in 2011.
Eiko Summer carefully selects each obi with the question, “Is this something you’d want to carry every day?” in mind. Each obi yields only three to five bags, making production limited, with many customers returning for more. She also preserves Japanese cultural heritage by remaking traditional kimonos into modern, wearable “dresses,” allowing contemporary audiences to enjoy Japan’s rich textile history.
