Indigo dyeing traditions continue through production and education in Japan

Traditional indigo dyeing practices are being maintained through both industrial production and educational initiatives in Japan. In Kamita Town, Tokushima Prefecture, the Sato Awa Ai Manufacturing Plant has begun the ‘nesekomi’ process. This involves fermenting dried indigo leaves by mixing them with water every five days for 100 days to produce ‘sukumo,’ a dye used by factories nationwide. Despite challenges with low rainfall during the cultivation stage, producers aim to achieve a high-quality, transparent color by December.

In Tochigi Prefecture, students at Kurobane Junior High School participated in a hands-on workshop to learn about ‘Kurobane Ai-zome,’ a designated prefectural traditional craft. Led by Yudai Onuma, the eighth-generation owner of the local dye shop Koya, approximately 70 first-year students practiced dyeing white cloth using various techniques, such as binding fabric or using marbles to create patterns. The session aimed to deepen student understanding of the history and functional benefits of indigo, including its insect-repellent and antibacterial properties.