The traditional dyeing culture that was cultivated in a land where two rivers converge
Ochiai in Shinjuku is the living culmination of dyeing traditions brought together by artisans from the Meiji era to the Taisho era. The Kanda River and Myoshoji River are rich in the clear rivers current that is essential for dyeing. Ochiai, this name refers to Ochiau, a Japanese word to express falling or flowing together.. And the land where these two beauty currents flow together was the perfect production spot for artisans.
Futaba Co., Ltd., the predecessor of Some no Sato Ochiai, was founded in Ochiai in 1920. It garnered popularity as a dyeing workshop where patrons could enjoy the free and individual styles of each artisan. A culture that continues to create new designs without being bound by eras or theories remains active here even today. Despite boasting the oldest history among existing dyeing workshops, it remains a pioneer that continues to create designs that match cutting-edge trends.
Learn about history and culture while choosing Tokyo fine-patterned Some-Komon dyeing and Edo-Sarasa calico designs
This plan is a dyeing activity that uses Tokyo dyed textile techniques. You will dye your own initials with your own hands into a scarf that has been dyed with a design by an artisan. The activity begins with a video teaching about the history of dyeing in the Ochiai area and fine-patterned Edo-Komon dyeing. Learning about the history before experiencing the dyeing process will allow you to feel the flow of time that exists underneath the tradition of dyeing fabrics.
After viewing actual accessories and Kimonos that artisans have dyed, it is time to select the pattern of the scarf you will use for the activity. The pattern you select will come from Some no Sato Ochiai’s special collection of fine-patterned Tokyo Some-Komon dyed fabrics and Edo-Sarasa calico fabrics. That feeling when you select your design and color will remain as a vivid, vibrant memory of your journey that you can enjoy remembering any time.
Quickly and carefully dye your initials onto your one-of-a-kind scarf.
After touring the workshop, where you can see the various dyeing processes, it is finally time to dye your initials with your own hands. You will dye your own initials in the color of your choice on a scarf that has been dyed with a design by an artisan while you were touring the workshop. You can also choose to blend your initials into the design. Or, you can dye them on the edge of the fabric. Choose the spot that most expresses your personality.
After selecting a color, use a round brush to work the pigment into the fabric. The pigments used in dyeing are so delicate, the slightest variation in pressure can change the color. Quickly, but carefully, rotate the round brush, and dye the fabric a color you enjoy. The process of seeing fabric colors beautifully transform with the slightest movement of your fingertips offers a precious opportunity to experience the history of dyeing firsthand.
Look back on the Edo dyeing tradition from an artisan’s perspective
The activity ends with a commemorative photograph with the artisan. Interacting with an artisan who has inherited centuries-old techniques and honed them for decades is a valuable experience not usually available in everyday life.
We will ship your initialed scarf to you at a later date, after it is steamed, washed, and dried by the artisan. Every time you touch your beautifully rendered pattern, remember your time spent with the Edo dyed textile tradition.
Founded in 1920 under the name Futabaya in Ochiai, Shinjuku-ku, an area where the plentiful currents of the Kanda River and Myoshoji River flow together ("ochiau" in Japanese). For over 100 years since its founding, it has carried on the tradition of Tokyo Some-Komon fabrics, with their intricate and exquisite patterns, and Edo-Sarasa calico fabrics, with richly expressive multi-colored dyeing techniques. In 2020, it was reborn as General Incorporated Association Some no Sato Ochiai, which widely advertises the beauty of Edo culture by expanding to offer dyeing activities and modern style items featuring fine-patterned Komon dyeing and Sarasa calico patterns.
