Hello! I'm Emi Ito.
I am the great granddaughter of a tea master, the granddaughter of a calligrapher, and the daughter of a koto and shamisen player. I am also a mother and proud ethnic studies educator.
A few years ago I become passionate about sustainable fashion and began speaking out about the cultural appropriation of the kimono in fashion. I also founded and co-moderate the Instagram page, @buyfrombipoc, which celebrates Black, Indigenous, and other people of color who are creators and innovators in the sustainable, slow, and ethical fashion communities.
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Little Koto is the meaning of my middle name. I'm named after my Great Grandmother Kokin and koto is the name of the instrument my mother played throughout her short life. You can find me on Instagram @little_kotos_words.