Tokushima Prefecture is the birthplace of Awa indigo, a traditional Japanese dye. Over 700 years of history has been passed down here. While changing with the times, indigo dyeing techniques continue to evolve. If you visit an Awa indigo artisan's workshop, you can get a glimpse of the traditional techniques of skilled dyers. At Kimono Awawa, we use fermented indigo dye "sukumo" to breathe new life into our customers' shirts.

The Roots and Development of Awa Indigo

Tokushima Prefecture is the region with the oldest history of indigo dyeing in Japan. It is known that indigo dyeing has been practiced in the area around present-day Tokushima City for over 700 years. In the Middle Ages, indigo produced in Awa Province (present-day Tokushima Prefecture) spread throughout the country and became Japan's representative color.

As indigo from Tokushima developed, it became known nationwide as "Awa indigo." Awa indigo is a representative traditional Japanese color, a beautiful blue that is still popular today.

Inheritance of genuine indigo dyeing - technological innovations of the Meiji period

In the Meiji era, Awa indigo also underwent a major change. There was a shift from the traditional method of using wood ash to a new chemical manufacturing method. This resulted in the development of "hon-ai dyeing," a traditional craft that still represents Tokushima Prefecture today.

Genuine indigo dyeing is a dyeing method that uses fermented indigo called "sukumo." The dye is made by fermenting indigo leaves and is characterized by its vivid blue color. Genuine indigo dyeing using fermentation is a Tokushima craftsmanship that spares no time or effort and is thoroughly committed to quality.

The journey of indigo dyeing - A series of processes from tradition to completion

Indigo dyeing is generally done through a division of labor, with someone who ferments indigo leaves to make the dye (the indigo dyer), and someone who uses the indigo dye to prepare the dye solution and dye the fabric (the dyer) in charge of each step.

Awa indigo sukumo

There are indigo masters who make the plant dye "sukumo." One indigo master is a "Contemporary Master Craftsman" designated by the government as an outstanding craftsman. The "Manufacturing of Awa Indigo and Teita Method" has been designated an intangible cultural property, and the raw materials for indigo dyeing are made using a traditional method that has been continued for 600 years.

At kimono awawa, we use the finest "sukumo" to create a vivid and beautiful indigo color that maximizes the indigo pigment produced during the fermentation process. This is a truly delicious product that is worthy of being called the work of a master craftsman.

Awa Indigo Craftsmen - A New Breath of Indigo Dyeing in Tokushima

The dyeing solution is prepared using sukumo (a type of indigo plant), and the dye is made using natural lye fermentation. This technique has been highly praised both in Japan and overseas.

Modern appeal of traditional colors

At kimono awawa, we re-dye our customers' aloha shirts using the finest "sukumo" and the outstanding dyeing techniques of our Awa indigo artisans. The vibrant indigo colors created using traditional techniques blend perfectly with modern designs, giving them a new appeal.

This traditional Awa indigo dyeing technique, backed by 700 years of history, has been passed down to the present day while also evolving. We hope that through our aloha shirts, you will be able to experience the modern possibilities of Japan's traditional colors.