Also known as “Bushu”, the area has for over 200 years been renowned for its indigo dyeing industry, known as Bushu Indigo Dyeing, and continues to be a centre of traditional Japanese crafts. As he learned a lot about sukumo from his father-in-law, he is quite strict about the choice of the ingredient. He decides how many times he soaks the cloth in the pots or in which pots he soaks it. It’s really interesting that everyone’s came out so unique.” (Nationality: Japan) The clothes are cool in summer, warm in winter, and have antibacterial properties. Surprisingly, the average bedding uses chemicals like formaldehyde, mercury, and lead for “performance”. Aizome refers to the practice of traditional indigo dyeing. TEL / FAX: 03-5603-9169 “The dye that we’re using today is called shibu-ai, one of the noblest colors among the 48 shades of Japanese indigo. And seeing it for yourself rarely happens. JR Edition: Visit all of Tokyo in one Day with the Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass! Zero chemicals only. Email:mail@wanariya.jp Indigo-Dyed Sashiko Jacket, Early 19th Century, Met Museum. A shop in Asakusa called Wanariya lets you experience this traditional technique of dyeing for yourself. “Oh, wow!” The change in color throughout the process is really beautiful.” (Nationality: Japan) Did you know that blue is one of Japan’s most loved and significant colors? It becomes bluer and bluer after being exposed to the air. It has long been used in many fields: for working clothes, decorative fabrics to samurai garments and armors. This indigo dye is said to have many properties: it acts as an insect repellant, shields against sunburn, and rarely allergy-causing. “I want it to look cute, but how do I do that...” The town surrounded by idyllic landscape is located right next to the Kyu-Yoshinogawa river, where abundant clean water flows. Aizome is good for you and the planet. “It’s unbelievable that there’s no dyeing shop in Asakusa” was the thought that led to Mr. Kikuchi opening Wanariya, having learned aizome from his grandfather and continuing the family tradition in the third generation. Explore Shinjuku: The Coolest Neighborhood Where Old Tokyo Meets Modern Tokyo! They’re alive and have their own wish to dye, just like us.’ The design that I ended up with was more beautiful than what I imagined. “It really turned out to be pretty!” Next is an explanation of the different methods of aizome dyeing. LIVE JAPAN joined 28 Japanese and international students on their quest to traditionally dye their own hand towels! Some choose to methodically wrap the fabric, while others think carefully about the design and apply the tie-dyeing method accordingly. Craftsmen can tell the condition of the dye by checking this “flower”. No compromise. The raw ingredients are fermented and this turns them into dye. Hours: 10 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Some even choose to be surprised by the outcome and utilize rubber bands and ties wherever they seem to fit – in any case, everyone is working excitedly on their very own hand-dyed towel. “We are the ones who need to compromise with nature.”. And, indigo’s antibacterial properties prevent pathogenic irritants. Thus, if the quality of the raw ingredients is not good, we cannot create good aizome dyeing,” said Ranshu. The process of color change and the craftsman’s indifferent repetition impress those who visit aizome factories. “In order to achieve the color we want, we need good ingredients. Japan has its own dyeing technique called “aizome,” literally indigo dyeing, utilizing a plant called “tade.” Aizome has been introduced to Japan in Nara period (710 – 794), and it is said that depending on different factors, such as mixture and time, this Japanese indigo can be separated into a total of 48 different shades! “Fermentation is not convenient for us,” said Ranshu. ・Stole (30cm × 135cm): 4,280 yen (tax included) Try long-lasting comfort tonight. Long-fermented ingredients develop a darker color of blue; short-fermented ones give out a lighter color. If you ask them to take a picture, they show their hands really proudly. 5 Best Pokemon Centers and Pokemon Stores in Tokyo: Catch Them All! Accurate color control is done visually. When he turned 20 years old, he married Hiroko, whose father was a grower of the indigo plant called. After Ranshu married her, he became an indigo dyeing craftsman in her family. From GOTS-certified Virgin Cotton, soft to prevent irritation to soothing Allium extract for a silk-like touch. The lumpy bits in the pot are called the “tade no hana.”. Once the future pattern is decided, the real aizome dyeing starts. The dying process is nothing but traditional Japanese artisanship. Aizome, indigo dyed clothing, is made with natural dye. ・Hand towel (35cm × 90cm): 1,920 yen (tax included); 45 minutes (same price as handkerchief dyeing) 11 Secrets About Mt. "Best bedding for sensitive skin or allergies", 4 Bedding tips that make your bed a safe haven, How to Reduce Your (Quarantine) Anxiety for Better Sleep, How sleep can boost your immune system to fight viruses. The result of the color is totally down to craftsman’s capability, which require extreme sensitivity and intuition. Tokyo Sightseeing Deals: 6 Hours of Unlimited Rides on the Tokyo SKY HOP BUS for 1000 Yen!? Essential Tokyo Nightlife Guide: Safely Navigate a Great Night Out in Central Tokyo with Minato Flag. If you’re looking to not only get an authentic taste of traditional Japanese craftsmanship yourself but are also on the lookout for a true one-of-a-kind work of art, look no further than Wanariya and its aizome dyeing. The substance that is floating on the top is called ‘indigo flower’ and the result of this reaction. Hiroko’s family was all about aizome dyeing. No synthetic dyes. Japanese people learn this old saying at school; however, not many people know what it really means. Even wastewater is renewable for irrigation. Our dermatologically tested bed sheets protect against three forms of skin irritation: Sateen weaving prevents irritation by friction. The dyed hands of aizome artisans – even the nails are blue. Some look like cloudy skies, while others resemble intricate floral patterns.