In 1997, Masako Toukei established the fashion brand “SOULWORK” in her hometown of Kyoto, incorporating traditional patterns from Japan and around the world. The brand ignited the Japanese pattern fashion boom that followed.

She received the Nikkei Woman of the Year award in the Career Creation category and the Kyoto Prefecture Akebono Award, gaining recognition as a catalyst for the Japanese fashion boom and establishing herself as a prominent opinion leader in the industry. She has also participated in the Apple Expo (Paris, France) and exhibited at the British Museum (London, UK).

Additionally, she has been involved in the branding and design of “rin no ne,” a yukata brand that has revitalized the kimono industry and garnered significant attention. She also launched the brand “KAYAMA,” which incorporates the artwork of the late Japanese painting master Matazo Kayama into fashion.

Currently, she collaborates with Japanese master craftsmen on everything from haute couture to ready-to-wear women’s clothing and operates pop-up stores in major department stores nationwide. She has also been responsible for designing and producing uniforms for the staff of Hoshinoya Kyoto, a Hoshino Resort, for many years since its opening.

With the goal of expanding the circle of peace and harmony globally through traditional patterns, the company continues to pursue a refined style of “tradition and innovation” that can contribute to society through fashion.