Idaseni, the Leading Manufacturer of Samue, introduced our Company, EDO KAGURA
Idaseni: The Top Manufacturer of Samue in Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture
Our samue rental business has been introduced on the corporate site “WASUIAN FOR BUSINESS” of Idaseni Co., Ltd. (hereafter referred to as Idaseni), under their brand “和粋庵 Wasuian.” It is a great honor for us to be introduced by Idaseni, the leading manufacturer of samue. We are truly grateful. Idaseni is a reputable company based in Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture, specializing in the manufacturing and sales of samue and jinbei, with a strong commitment to Japanese-made products.
Our Company Offers Traditional Cultural Experience Tours in Kagurazaka, Shinjuku
Our company, EDO KAGURA, primarily offers tours of traditional cultural experiences, such as traditional crafts and zazen meditation, to foreign travelers centered around Kagurazaka in Shinjuku.
Providing an “Immersive Feeling” During Traditional Cultural Experiences with Samue Rentals
We believe that having travelers wear samue during these experiences enhances the “immersive feeling” and allows them to enjoy traditional cultural experiences even more. Craftsmen in workshops and monks in Zen temples wear samue for its comfort and ease of movement.
By wearing samue, travelers can share a sense of unity with the space and the people around them. Therefore, we started the samue rental business simultaneously with the launch of our traditional cultural experience tours. Of course, we purchase our same from Idaseni, which is known for its top quality.
Swedish Family Fully Satisfied with Zazen Experience While Wearing Samue
Recently, a family from Sweden visited Japan and ordered samue rentals for their Zazen experience. They were aiming for a more profound Zen experience, which is why they decided to wear samue. As you can see from this photo, it’s clear at a glance that practicing zazen in samue is entirely different from doing it in T-shirts and jeans. We believe you can understand how wearing a samue enhances the “immersive feeling” of the zazen experience.
The feedback after the zazen experience was very positive, with comments such as “Very kind and clear instruction. Thank you very much! The guides were very generous, taking us to the temple and sharing many interesting things,” and we received a perfect score.
Moreover, this family was so impressed with the comfort of wearing a samue that they asked, “Where can we buy this samue?” We introduced them to Idaseni’s online store and informed them that they could purchase it even after returning home, which made them very happy.
The monk who instructed the zazen was also very pleased, saying, “It makes me happy to see foreigners practicing zazen wearing samue, which I wear daily.”
Samue Rentals Bring Happiness to Both Travelers and Traditional Cultural Experience Providers
Thus, wearing samue not only pleases the travelers but also delights those providing the traditional cultural experiences (in this case, the monk), resulting in a situation where everyone involved in the experience is happy. This aspect of making everyone happy is crucial, and it creates precious memories for both the travelers and the experience providers that will be remembered for a long time.
“Wasuian” and Kagurazaka Share the Common Theme of “Iki”
The brand “和粋庵 Wasuian” by Idaseni and our company, which provides traditional cultural experiences in Kagurazaka, are strongly connected by the keyword “粋 IKI.” Kagurazaka is known as a city with the “IKI” atmosphere of Edo, and our partner in the town development of Kagurazaka, “粋まち Ikimachi Co., Ltd.,” also uses “IKI” in its company name.
“Iki” is a Key Concept in Japanese Culture
“IKI” is a word that represents the Japanese sense of beauty and values, mainly rooted in the culture and spirit of the Edo period. It refers to an aesthetic sense of beauty that is refined and elegant, avoiding ostentation and excess yet possessing a charming style. “IKI” emphasizes not only external beauty but also internal beauty and dignity, making it similar to the worldview of “wabi-sabi.”
“IKI” is a uniquely Japanese sensibility, and it is said to be difficult to express in a single English word. Candidates for translating “IKI” include sophistication, refined elegance, chic, stylishness, and tasteful elegance.
Samue is the perfect garment to express “IKI.” While kimonos often feature flashy patterns such as flowers and butterflies, samue expresses a more profound inner beauty rather than surface-level splendor. The reason why craftsmen and monks prefer to wear samue is likely due to the high affinity between the “IKI” spirit of samue and the daily pursuit of their professions. I believe that samue is chosen not only for its functionality but also for its spiritual elegance.
I Am Very Grateful That Idaseni Partnered with Our Company, EDO KAGURA, for the Samue Rental Business
We have introduced Idaseni in our blog several times in the past, so please take a look. The company embodies the spirit of samue with a strong commitment to Japanese craftsmanship. I have deep respect for Idaseni, and I am very grateful that they have partnered with our company, EDO KAGURA, for the samue rental business. Please also visit Ida Seni’s website.
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How to Access Kagurazaka
The Kagurazaka area is conveniently located within 30 minutes from any major station in Tokyo. This is because Kagurazaka is situated in the heart of Tokyo, at the center of the Yamanote Line. Please come and visit this convenient and charming Kagurazaka.