Jotaro Saito was born into an artistic family in Kyoto, the members of which had established the foundation for modern dye artists. His late grandfather was one such artist, Saizaburo Saito, and his father is Sansai Saito, a modern kimono designer.
Since his debut at the age of 27 as one of kimono’s youngest designers, Jotaro Saito has pursued “kimono as fashion matched with modern space.” Repeatedly featured in the mass media, such as TV and magazines, he is energetically involved as a kimono designer. Today, Saito demonstrates his talent in fields ranging from the production of various products to the design of interiors, proposing “a lifestyle with which to enjoy Japaneseness.” He is a regular member of the Council for Fashion Designers, Tokyo.

1990　Launched “OTIAS,” a ladies’ prêt-à-porter brand.
1996　Participated in the Tokyo Collection as “OTIAS”; made his debut as a kimono designer.
1997　Held the first exhibition “JOTARO SAITO: SOLO EXHIBITION.”
1998　Held the second exhibition “JOTARO SAITO: KIMONO EXHIBITION.”
1999　Held the third exhibition “JOTARO SAITO: EVOLUTION OF KIMONO.”
2000　Held the fourth exhibition “JOTARO SAITO: COLOR MOOD.”
2001　Held the fifth exhibition “JOTARO SAITO: PRINCIPLES OF ATTRACTION.”
2002　Released the collection “NEWNESS IN TRADITION” in the Tokyo Collection.
2003　Released the collection “KIMONO DYNAMISM” in the Tokyo Collection.
2004　Released the collection “AKAI KIMONO” in the Tokyo Collection.
2005　Released the collection “RIKYU” in the Tokyo Collection; participated in the first “100% Design Tokyo” event; released Kyoto lacquer ware and products for interiors.
2006　Oct. Participated in the second “100% Design Tokyo”; released products such as lighting fixtures and shoes.
2007　Jan. Released furniture products in collaboration with Eiri Iwakura, an interior designer.
2007　Mar. Released the collection “HYAKU NEZUMI” as part of the Tokyo Collection.
2008　Mar. Released the collection “GOTHIC CAMELLIA” as part of the Tokyo Collection.
2008　Oct. Released the original au mobile phone case, and the strap in collaboration with BONNIE PINK.
2008　Oct. Released the ceramics line “Japanesque II” in collaboration with Wedgwood
2009　Mar. Released the collection “The Marbling” as part of the Tokyo Collection.
2009　Nov. Opened the first concept shop along the Keyakizaka-dori street in Roppongi Hills.
2009　Nov. Released a new collection of the furniture series “Len-yu”, which is the brand in collaboration with KARIMOKU Inc.
2010　Mar. Released the collection "Seifu Meigetsu x Suigetsu Kyouka" in the Tokyo Collection.
2010　Apr. Work on stage costume for the period drama “NEMURI KYOUSHIROU BURAI HIKAE” starring GACKT (nationwide performance starts in Tokyo in May and will play in 7 cities total)
2010　June. Work on stage costume for Mr. Taichi Saotome (nationwide performance starts in Tokyo in June)
2010　Sep. Redesign and opening of Hakuho-kan banquet hall at Happo-en Japanese garden through collaboration of three designers including Jotaro Saito.