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Tag: Edo Sarasa

CategoriesExperience

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

Traditional Dyeing in Shinjuku: Beat the Heat with a Cool Dyeing Experience by the River

By ninjakotan

Traditional Dyeing in Shinjuku: Beat the Heat with a Cool Dyeing Experience by the River   Enjoy Traditional Dyeing Experience in Shinjuku Our company offers dyeing experience tours at “Tomita Sen Kogei (Tokyo Some Monogatari Museum)” and “Some-no-Sato Ochiai.” Under the guidance of skilled artisans, you can dye your own cotton tablecloths, tote bags, and silk scarves, creating unique, personalized products. This summer, many children are participating in dyeing, an activity that people of all ages can enjoy. Not only is it fun, but it’s also a great opportunity to learn about the traditional culture of Shinjuku, Tokyo. The History of Dyeing in Tokyo Dyeing requires a large amount of water to wash away the dyes and starch, which is why Tokyo’s dyeing industry began along the water-rich Kanda River during the Edo period. In the Meiji and Taisho periods, dye houses moved upstream along the Kanda River, spreading to areas such as Edogawabashi, Waseda, and Ochiai in search of better water. Even today, this area remains a center for the dyeing industry. In the past, it was common in Tokyo to see people washing kimono dyes and starch in the river. “Iki” Born from “Tokyo Some-Komon” and Samurai Cultureread moreTraditional Dyeing in Shinjuku: Beat the Heat with a Cool Dyeing Experience by the River

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