Why did K-iwami adopt the Edo Komon dyeing technique?

A fusion of traditional crafts and modern fashion

In today's fashion market, trends change rapidly and we continue to live in an era of mass production and mass consumption. In this climate, our brand "K-iwami" takes on the challenge of incorporating Japan's proud traditional craft techniques into bags and pouches that can be enjoyed casually in everyday life.

At the core of this is the "Edo Komon" dyeing technique.

K-iwami has a clear answer to the question, "Why Edo Komon now?"

This is not simply a design choice, but the result of an attempt to combine "the inheritance of tradition" with "a modern aesthetic sense."

What is Edo Komon?

Edo Komon began as a pattern used for kamishimo, the formal attire of the samurai class , during the Edo period .

Starting with the Shogun family, the domain's unique patterns were added to the originally plain Kamishimo, and these were used exclusively as "Otomemonyo" or "Sadamekomon." This was also convenient as it meant that you could tell at a glance which domain a samurai belonged to by looking at the pattern on the Kamishimo they were wearing. This led to a dramatic development in the dyeing of "Edo Komon."

[ Source: Toyokuni III's painting "Oboshi Yuranosuke 1862 (Bunkyu 2) arcUP1729 Ritsumeikan ARC Collection 】

"Edo Komon" dyeing is a type of dyeing with intricate patterns that developed as patterns for samurai kamishimo (traditional Japanese formal attire), and is characterized by patterns so intricate that they appear solid from a distance. These patterns are created by artisans who hand-carve stencils and then carefully dye each one using a dye-resistant paste. This intricate technique can truly be said to be a symbol of "Japanese beauty."

The techniques of Edo Komon are supported by skilled craftsmen who have honed their skills over many years.

In particular, K-iwami's products are dyed by Nakajo Furuichi, a recipient of the Medal with Yellow Ribbon, and his craftsmanship cannot be easily imitated. K-iwami aims to share this precious technique and culture with as many people as possible by incorporating it into bags.

Recipient of the Yellow Ribbon Medal for Dyeing, Mr. Furuichi Nakajo

Why did K-iwami choose Edo Komon?

1. A desire to pass on traditional craftsmanship to future generations

One of K-iwami's brand philosophies is "connecting Japan's traditional crafts to the future."

Many techniques are disappearing due to the aging of artisans and a lack of successors, so in order to protect this cultural heritage, it is necessary to reconstruct it as a "craft that can be used in everyday life."

Therefore, we thought that by incorporating Edo Komon into fashion items that can be worn daily, it would be possible to make it blend naturally into the lives of modern people.

2. From carving to dyeing, the skills of Japanese artisans come together

The production of Edo Komon requires the technique of stencil carving, which is produced in Shirako Town, Mie Prefecture. This is a delicate process in which a craftsman carves each small pattern into a stencil using a fine-tipped tool, and it takes at least three or four months to complete one piece, and depending on the pattern, it can take up to a year.

A craftsman in Shirako Town, Mie Prefecture, making stencils

Edo Komon dyeing involves a large number of processes, including dyeing using the stencil, then resist dyeing, dyeing, washing, steaming, etc. Each process requires skilled techniques, and the skills of many artisans are combined to complete a single piece.

K-iwami was impressed by this "collaboration of skills" and has incorporated the value of the people and techniques behind the designs into its products, rather than just patterns.

3. It has an elegant and understated beauty that appears plain from a distance, but the pattern becomes visible upon closer inspection.

The greatest appeal of Edo Komon is that you only notice the beauty of the pattern when you get up close. From a distance, it looks like a calm, plain color, so it can be easily matched with any fashion, and even those who don't like patterns will find it a natural fit. It perfectly matches the Japanese aesthetic, which values modesty and elegance rather than flashiness. It also expands the range of coordination options, making it an item that can be used for both everyday and special occasions.

4. We want people to experience and enjoy the craftsmanship of our artisans.

K-iwami products are not just "Japanese-style" goods. They are crafted with the genuine skills of traditional artisans recognized by the government. By holding pouches and shoulder bags crafted with the skills of stencil carving artisans from Shirako Town, Mie Prefecture, or dyed by recipients of the Yellow Ribbon Medal, we hope you will experience the "joy of owning something authentic."

For the person who owns it, it will be a special experience that goes beyond being just a tool.

Edo Komon × K-iwami creates new value

K-iwami uses the traditional techniques of Edo Komon to create modern items such as bags and pouches. While paying respect to tradition, the company strives to create products that are appealing to people of all ages and genders by providing designs and functionality that suit modern lifestyles.

If you were to buy an Edo Komon kimono at a department store, you would pay 350,000 to 400,000 yen per roll, but with K-iwami products you can get the same or even better quality.

As a result, searches for keywords such as "traditional craft bags," "Edo Komon bags," and "Kaminoito fiber" have increased, sparking interest from many people.

Finally - Technology and Spirit for the Future -

K-iwami's efforts go beyond that of a simple fashion brand.

This is also an expression of the determination to "make use of" traditional Japanese culture, in other words , to "change in order to preserve it ." In order to pass on the delicate beauty of Edo Komon and the passion of the artisans that is embodied in it to the next generation.

We will continue to deliver "Japanese beauty" to the world through the creation of products that bridge the gap between tradition and modernity.