In 1890, Kunosuke Isoshima came to Hawaii. He was only 23 but three years later had opened K. Isoshima Shoten at 30 South King Street selling hats and Japanese dry goods. 10 years later, he opened Japanese Bazaar, an "emporium of oriental goods" on Fort Street selling silk and crepe kimonos, Japanese housewares and Japanese art.
A newspaper ad read, "K. Isoshima, Dealer in Japanese Dry and Fancy Goods and Curios." Later they added a store closer to the island visitors on Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki, where they also sold Aloha Shirts.
K. Isoshima pioneered some early Aloha Shirts in the late 1930's with Japanese prints and patterns with themes inspired from Hawaii printed on Kabe crepe fabric. The shirts were made in a pullover style, with 3 coconut buttons, a small chest pocket and a large collar.
The last of these shops closed in the 1960's.
