Today we’d like to introduce you to Rie Nakasone
Hi Rie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey with KIKI Japan began with a personal mission: to create a world where all dogs are happy and safe. Naturally, I knew I wanted to start a business that revolved around dogs. As a proud dog mom, I noticed there weren’t any high-quality pet bandanas with Japanese designs on the market. Being Japanese, I wanted something special for my dog that represented my culture—after all, she’s like my baby. So, I took matters into my own hands and started making them myself. That’s how KIKI Japan was born.
It turns out, I wasn’t the only one searching for high-quality pet bandanas with unique designs. Many of my customers are like the old me—looking for something special that reflects their style and culture. Some of them had never been fans of pet bandanas because they found the designs too generic, but when they saw KIKI Japan’s bandanas, they fell in love. I’ve even had customers tell me that they put my bandanas on their pets to make them appear more friendly. Unfortunately, some dogs are judged by their looks or breed, and a cute bandana helps soften their image.
At KIKI Japan, I also make sure to cater to a wide range of pets by offering five sizes, from XS to XL, so that cats, toy breed dogs, and even giant dogs can enjoy wearing our bandanas. In addition to bandanas, I offer matching pocket tees for pet parents who want to coordinate with their fur babies. The pocket on each tee is made from scrap fabrics, which adds a unique touch and helps reduce fabric waste.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges I faced early on was finding my audience. I initially started selling at farmers markets, but I quickly realized that my ideal customers weren’t there. It wasn’t until I shifted to Japanese and Asian-related events, like anime conventions, that I found my true audience. I always knew that having a great product wasn’t enough to guarantee sales, but experiencing that firsthand really drove the point home.
Another ongoing challenge for me has been using social media for KIKI Japan. I barely use it personally, so I had to push myself to learn how to post regularly. In 2023, I set myself a social media challenge to post five times a week. It was tough because filming, editing, and posting didn’t come naturally to me, but halfway through, I started getting used to it. While the content quality wasn’t great, the challenge taught me consistency.
For 2024, my goal is to improve the quality of KIKI Japan’s content with purpose—making sure every post serves the business in a direct or indirect way. I’m still not perfect, but I’ve definitely improved, and I can see the results. My views in 2024 have already surpassed those from 2023.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about KIKI Japan?
At KIKI Japan, our mission is to “create a world where all dogs are happy and safe.” As part of that mission, we donate all tips to animal shelters and rescues, and we’ve proudly donated over $4,000 so far.
KIKI Japan specializes in creating high-quality, Japanese-inspired pet bandanas with unique designs that reflect Japanese culture. We cater to a wide range of pets, with sizes from XS to XL, ensuring cats, toy breeds, and even giant dogs can enjoy our products. We’re known for offering something different—many of our customers appreciate how our designs stand out from the generic options they’ve seen before. Some had never liked pet bandanas until they discovered KIKI Japan.
What sets us apart is the thoughtfulness behind each product. We understand that some people, unfortunately, judge dogs by their appearance or breed, and our bandanas help make pets look friendlier and more approachable. Beyond bandanas, we offer matching pocket tees for pet parents, with pockets made from scrap fabrics, allowing them to coordinate with their pets in style.
Ultimately, I want people to know that KIKI Japan is more than just a pet accessories brand. It’s about celebrating the special bond between pets and their owners, while also giving back to help make a difference for dogs in need.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kikijp.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellokikijapan/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hellokikijapan/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@hellokikijapan
- Other: https://kikijapan.carrd.co/
