Case Study: A Cross-Cultural Home Run – Custom Furoshiki and Yukata Collaboration with the Chicago Cubs
At Keiko Furoshiki, we believe in the power of thoughtful design, cultural storytelling, and sustainable gifting. When the Chicago Cubs reached out to collaborate on a special cross-cultural initiative ahead of their 2025 MLB season opener in Tokyo, we were thrilled to bring their vision to life through our Custom Furoshiki service—and something even more unique.
The Opportunity: MLB’s Historic Tokyo Opener
In preparation for the highly anticipated 2025 MLB Opening Series between the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers, held in Tokyo on March 18-19, the Cubs merch team looked to create meaningful, Japan-inspired gifts that bridged both tradition and team spirit. The Cubs recognized the cultural significance of gift-giving in Japan and wanted to honor it with intentional, beautifully crafted items. The result? A two-part collaboration: custom furoshiki gift wraps and a limited-edition yukata featuring a bespoke Cubs print.
Custom Furoshiki: A Gift That Wraps with Purpose
We began with a custom run of 500 furoshiki wraps. The Cubs provided their own print design, which we adapted to suit the traditional square furoshiki format. The artwork tastefully integrated team branding with clean, bold lines, resulting in a versatile, elegant wrap that could be used again and again.
Half of the furoshiki were sent to Tokyo as part of the Cubs’ VIP gift packages for media, league representatives, and guests. The other half were gifted to players, executives, and friends of the team in Chicago, serving as a memorable keepsake that represented the Cubs' commitment to international engagement and cultural respect.
Our furoshiki are made from organic cotton, combining sustainability with striking design. The wraps measured 25.5 x25.5 inches—ideal for packaging small to medium-sized gifts, accessories, or merchandise.
Beyond the Wrap: A Custom Yukata Like No Other
In addition to the furoshiki wraps, the Cubs wanted to create something even more immersive—a wearable tribute to Japanese tradition that players and VIPs could wear proudly during their time in Tokyo. Inspired by the cultural prominence of the yukata—a lightweight, summer kimono-style robe often worn at festivals—we collaborated on a bespoke garment that brought together team branding and wagara (traditional Japanese patterns).
We collaborated on a limited-edition yukata featuring a custom blue-and-white seigaiha (青海波) pattern. Seigaiha, which translates to “blue ocean waves,” symbolizes peace, good luck, and resilience—an ideal motif for a sports team embarking on a historic international opener. Cleverly integrated within the wave pattern was a subtle nod to the Cubs logo, creating a harmonious balance between traditional design and contemporary sports culture.
These yukatas were manufactured by Shitateya Jingoro, a renowned garment maker based in Beppu, the hometown of Keiko Kira, our founder and lead designer. The fabric was sourced from Kyoto, a city known for its centuries-old textile heritage. Only 275 yukatas were made, gifted exclusively to Cubs players, staff, and high-level VIPs—including, reportedly, the Emperor of Japan.
The sight of Cubs players donning these yukatas upon their arrival in Tokyo made headlines across the sports world and beyond. Media outlets from Essentially Sports to Cubs Insider covered the team’s thoughtful cultural gesture, applauding their willingness to embrace and celebrate Japanese customs.
This type of attention not only honored the Cubs' host country but showcased how sports organizations can use design and intentional collaborations to make a meaningful impact on the global stage.
Production and Coordination
Executing this project required tight coordination and a high level of trust. We managed the end-to-end production of the furoshiki wraps, including fabric printing, cutting, hemming, and packaging—all on a strict deadline aligned with international shipping schedules.
For the yukata, we worked closely with Shitateya Jingoro to ensure every garment met high standards of comfort, fit, and aesthetic quality. We also coordinated international logistics to ensure the garments arrived in Tokyo on time for fittings, press events, and internal gifting moments. This collaboration demonstrated how traditional artisanship and modern brand storytelling can come together across continents.
Shitateya Jingoro is a distinguished kimono and yukata maker based in Beppu, Japan—also the hometown of our founder, Keiko Kira. Founded in 1993 by Kenichi Takahashi, Shitateya Jingoro is known for its blend of tradition and innovation. While the company specializes in traditional Japanese garments, Mr. Takahashi holds several patents for modern kimono adaptations and leads a dynamic design team that embraces fresh ideas while honoring centuries-old techniques.
For this collaboration, the Keiko Furoshiki and Shitateya Jingoro teams worked closely through many design iterations to create the final look and feel of the Cubs' custom yukata. The result is something both teams are truly proud of—an item that speaks to cultural respect, modern sportsmanship, and timeless design.
The partnership also held a personal touch. Mr. Takahashi is an alumnus of Komazawa University, just like Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga, creating an unexpected but meaningful connection between this artisanal project and the team it was created for. A celebrated athlete himself, Takahashi-san was a standout on Komazawa’s track and field team and still holds collegiate records in Japan to this day.
Results and Takeaways
500 custom furoshiki wraps produced, split between Chicago and Tokyo
275 limited-edition yukatas created and gifted to Cubs players, staff, and VIPs
5+ media mentions from major sports outlets spotlighting the Cubs' cultural appreciation
International visibility for the Cubs' brand, positioning them as globally minded and culturally respectful
Ongoing conversations with other sports and entertainment brands inspired by this project
Why It Worked
This collaboration worked because it wasn’t performative—it was personal. From the design phase to final delivery, the Cubs team was committed to honoring the nuances of Japanese design and etiquette. By investing in traditional crafts like furoshiki and yukata, and working with Japanese-American partners like Keiko Furoshiki, they were able to offer something authentic, memorable, and deeply respectful.
It also helped that furoshiki aligns perfectly with modern values: sustainability, versatility, and reusability. In an era when single-use packaging is falling out of favor, offering a reusable wrap with cultural relevance made this a standout gift.
Looking Ahead
As interest in cultural collaborations continues to grow, Keiko Furoshiki is ready to partner with other brands and organizations looking to create meaningful, sustainable keepsakes that connect people across traditions. Whether it’s a product launch, milestone event, or VIP activation, our custom furoshiki and Japanese textile services offer a unique way to tell your story—with beauty, purpose, and authenticity.
Want to collaborate with us on your next big moment? Visit our Custom Furoshiki Services page or contact us directly at hello@keikofuroshiki.com.
