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Tag: Edo Komon

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Experience Tokyo’s Traditional Dyeing Industry in Shinjuku

By ninjakotan

Reservations for “Oedo Shinjuku Konya Meguri” Begin on September 9. Experience Tokyo’s Traditional Dyeing Industry in Shinjuku   Explore the Art of Indigo Dyeing: Experience Traditional Tokyo’s Culture at the “Oedo Shinjuku Konya Meguri” From Thursday, October 31, to Sunday, November 3, 2024, the “Oedo Shinjuku Konya Meguri” (hereafter referred to as “Konya Meguri”) will be held. The term “Konya” refers to a dyeing shop. During the Edo period, “Aizome” (indigo dyeing) was the dominant dyeing method, leading to the term “Konya” being used as a general name for dyeing craftsmen. In Japanese, the word “Kon” represents the indigo color used in dyeing, and “Ya” means shop. This event offers you the opportunity to observe and experience the traditional dyeing process involved in creating kimono, deepening your understanding of Tokyo’s Japanese culture. Reservations for Tours and Experiences Open Monday, September 9, at 10:00 AM There are many steps involved in turning a roll of fabric into a kimono. A highly developed division of labor has evolved over time, encompassing dyeing techniques such as Edo Komon, Edo Sarasa, and Tokyo Hand-Painted Yuzen, as well as skills like Edo Embroidery, family crest painting, and finishing processes such as dye correction, steaming, andread moreExperience Tokyo’s Traditional Dyeing Industry in Shinjuku

CategoriesExperience

Why Do We Feel Both ‘Iki’ and ‘Wabi-Sabi’ in Tokyo’s Kagurazaka?

By ninjakotan

Why Do We Feel Both ‘Iki’ and ‘Wabi-Sabi’ in Tokyo’s Kagurazaka? Embracing Iki: The Thoughtful Development of Kagurazaka Kagurazaka is a neighborhood known for its ‘Iki (Sophisticated).’ The residents of Kagurazaka have established a town development plan called the “Kagurazaka Machizukuri Kensho,” which aims to create “The town of Iki where tradition and modernity meet – Kagurazaka.” The basic policies for town development include creating “a town where commerce and residential areas coexist,” “a town adorned with traditional charm,” and “a town that is enjoyable to stroll through.” Even the organization responsible for the town’s development is named the “NPO Iki-na Machizukuri Club” (NPO Sophisticated Town Development Club). Iki: The Timeless Elegance of Kagurazaka’s Edo and French Influences The concept of ‘Iki’ is an aesthetic that developed during the Edo period. Under restrictions such as luxury bans, a sophisticated urban culture emerged, characterized by understated elegance, like the Edo Komon (a type of traditional patterned fabric). ‘Iki’ refers to beauty that is simple yet exudes taste and individuality. Kagurazaka, a street built by the third shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu, still retains its Edo-period layout and is a neighborhood steeped in Edo culture. The long-standing geisha district culture also remains. With theread moreWhy Do We Feel Both ‘Iki’ and ‘Wabi-Sabi’ in Tokyo’s Kagurazaka?

CategoriesExperience

Aizome (Indigo Blue Dyeing) and the “Shinjuku Konya Meguri” Tour

By ninjakotan

Did You Know Shinjuku is a Dyeing Kingdom? Aizome (Indigo Blue Dyeing) and the “Shinjuku Konya Meguri” Tour       The Rich Tradition of Aizome: Exploring Indigo Blue Dyeing and Its Historical Significance Every November, the “Shinjuku Konya Meguri” tour takes place in Shinjuku Ward. “Konya” refers to dyers. During the Edo period, “Aizome” (indigo blue dyeing) dominated the dyeing industry, and dyers were collectively called “Konya” because “Kon” means “indigo blue color” and “Ya” means shop. The name “Kanda Konya-machi” still remains in Kanda, which was a dyeing hub before moving to Shinjuku.  “Aizome” is deeply rooted in Japanese life. During the samurai era, indigo blue was favored as a “lucky color.” Even today, most kendo attire is indigo blue. The British scientist Atkinson, who visited Japan in the early Meiji era (1868-1912), described the sight of towns dyed in indigo as “Japan Blue,” symbolizing Japan.    The Art of Aizome: From Indigo Dye to Intricate Kimono Fabrics Aizome is a dyeing technique using the plant-based dye “ai” (indigo). The dyed fabric itself is also called Aizome. Plants like Tade-ai and Ryukyu-ai are used. The dye extracted from these plants, known as “indigotin,” is collectively referred to asread moreAizome (Indigo Blue Dyeing) and the “Shinjuku Konya Meguri” Tour

CategoriesExperience

Do You Know “Shijuhattcha Hyakunezumi (48 Browns 100 Grays)”? The “Iki” Colors of Edo

By ninjakotan

Do You Know “Shijuhattcha Hyakunezumi (48 Browns 100 Grays)”? The “Iki” Colors of Edo     The “Iki” Colors of Edo: Creativity Within Constraints Due to the sumptuary laws of the Edo shogunate, commoners’ kimonos were strictly regulated not only in terms of “colors and patterns” but also “fabrics.” The materials that commoners could wear were limited to “hemp” or “cotton,” and the colors were restricted to “brown,” “gray,” and “indigo.” However, the desire of commoners to wear something unique led artisans to experiment and create subtle variations within these colors. Consequently, this restriction gave rise to the “Iki” colors of Edo (Tokyo).  This creativity and the demand for fashionable attire among the commoners gave birth to the color palette known as “Shijuhattcha Hyakunezumi” (48 Browns 100 Grays, 四十八茶百鼠). These colors, though not flashy, represented a sophisticated and refined aspect of Japanese color culture. The terms “forty-eight” and “one hundred” don’t refer to the exact number of colors but signify a wide variety of hues.    The Ingenious Palette: Unique Shades and the Spirit of “Iki” Among these colors, numerous shades of brown and gray emerged, each with its unique name. For example, in the brown category, there is “Ki-cha”read moreDo You Know “Shijuhattcha Hyakunezumi (48 Browns 100 Grays)”? The “Iki” Colors of Edo