Imperial House of Japan
Starting from 1966, Ashida became the personal designer for Empress Michiko, an appointment that lasted for ten years. This opportunity with the Imperial House of Japan came when he first tailored a suit for a young Akihito, who was a Crown Prince at the time. After departing from his role with the Imperial House of Japan in 1976, Ashida presented his first Paris collection the following year. The designer opened a boutique in Paris in 1989 at 34 Faubourg Saint-Honore.