"A Piece of Cloth, A Shift in Perspective"
"The Moment That Changed Everything"
I was traveling with a foreign friend, exploring the streets of Kyoto. Wandering through a small shop, I stopped in front of a display of Furoshiki—and for the first time, I saw them not just as cloth, but as something alive with history, beauty, and meaning.
A cotton Furoshiki with an intricate yet modern take on the traditional crane motif caught my eye.
"How beautiful, how refined, how effortlessly stylish!" That moment shifted something within me. Furoshiki was no longer just about wrapping. It was about self-expression, about the fusion of tradition and modernity, about bringing art into everyday life. I realized then that Furoshiki was not bound by rules. It could be as formal or as casual as you wanted it to be. It could complement a kimono—or a pair of jeans. That realization was the beginning of my journey.
“How Material Shapes Meaning”
The more I learned about Furoshiki, the more I understood its depth. Silk Furoshiki, with its delicate sheen, added elegance to special occasions. Cotton Furoshiki, lightweight and washable, seamlessly fit into everyday life. A single change in material transformed not just the look, but the purpose of Furoshiki itself. I began to see fabric as more than just texture—it was a medium for storytelling, a way to weave together the past and present. And soon, the desire to create my own Furoshiki grew inside me.
"From User to Creator"
At first, I was just experimenting—buying fabric I liked, sewing the edges by hand, making Furoshiki for myself. But something was missing. "What if I could create my own designs?" "What if I could craft Furoshiki that speaks to both tradition and modern life?" As I studied the production process, I was humbled by its complexity and beauty. Furoshiki dyeing is much like Edo-period Ukiyo-e woodblock printing—each color layered carefully, each detail a work of patience and precision. But there was a challenge—limited color palettes due to the dyeing process. That’s when I turned to kimono color aesthetics for inspiration. Japanese color harmony is unlike any other—the way vivid hues contrast against soft pastels, the way colors shift with the light and seasons. I wanted to capture this essence of Japanese beauty and bring it into Furoshiki. And so, I started designing each piece with this delicate balance in mind.
"A Wrap That Feels Like Home"
Furoshiki is more than just a piece of fabric—it’s a feeling. For me, it became a source of comfort and identity. I love mountaineering, often staying in mountain lodges or tents. Surrounded by functional, neutral-toned outdoor gear, something always felt missing. Then, I started bringing a Furoshiki with me. And suddenly, that small piece of fabric made all the difference. A wrap to hold my belongings, a makeshift bag, a soft cover for my pillow as I slept under the stars. Even in the unfamiliar, even in the cold—Furoshiki made me feel at home. It may seem like something small. But in that moment, wrapped in something so deeply personal, I felt a sense of warmth unlike anything else.
"The Hands That Breathe Life into Furoshiki"
As my passion deepened, I met the artisans—the people who have spent over 40 years perfecting their craft.Every day, they pour their heart into their work.Each piece is not just fabric—it is woven with dedication, tradition, and soul."Better than yesterday, even better tomorrow."This is not just a technique, but a way of life.Furoshiki carries the breath of its makers, the rhythm of their hands, the weight of their experience.And that is why, for me, it will never be just cloth. It is heritage. It is passion. It is art.And it is something I want to carry forward into the future.
"Finding My Roots in Yokohama Nassen"
As I dove deeper into my journey, I discovered something unexpected—my own hometown’s rich dyeing history. 120 years ago, Yokohama Nassen (Yokohama dyeing) emerged as a leading industry, pushing the boundaries of traditional techniques. This was where craftsmanship and innovation intertwined. And suddenly, I realized—this was my connection, my foundation, my home. I wasn’t just following a passion. I was unknowingly walking a path that had been paved by generations before me. Furoshiki is not just about preserving tradition. It’s about evolving it, making it relevant, and passing it forward.
What I create today is a bridge—one that connects the past to the future.
"The Spirit of Tea and Furoshiki"
In the world of tea, we say "Ichigo Ichie"—to treasure every encounter as a once-in-a-lifetime moment. A single bowl of tea carries the heart of both the host and the guest. Every movement, every gesture, is steeped in meaning, inviting both giver and receiver to be fully present in the moment. The more I practice the tea ceremony, the more I realize that it is a lifelong path of refinement and discovery. With every lesson, I uncover new layers of depth—each movement, each breath, an expression of quiet intention. And in a way, Furoshiki holds the same spirit. Every wrap is an offering of care. Every knot is a silent exchange of thoughtfulness. I continue to walk this path, learning from those before me, refining my craft. And I hope that, in its own way, my Furoshiki can carry a part of this spirit—a way to connect, to share, and to embrace the beauty of fleeting moments.