Exquisitely crafted obi fabrics that are both lightweight and cool to wear, enhancing the beauty of kimono fashion.

Exquisitely crafted obi fabrics that are both lightweight and cool to wear, enhancing the beauty of kimono fashion.

Exquisitely crafted obi fabrics that are both lightweight and cool to wear, enhancing the beauty of kimono fashion.

Exquisitely crafted obi fabrics that are both lightweight and cool to wear, enhancing the beauty of kimono fashion.

Exquisitely crafted obi fabrics that are both lightweight and cool to wear, enhancing the beauty of kimono fashion.

Lightweight and comfortable, these zōri sandals feature a natural texture that feels pleasant against the skin, making them ideal for summer wear.

A folding screen that evokes the transformation of tree bark into shina cloth, inviting viewers to appreciate both this remarkable process and the wisdom passed down through generations.

A folding screen that evokes the transformation of tree bark into shina cloth, inviting viewers to appreciate both this remarkable process and the wisdom passed down through generations.

Japanese Linden trees growing naturally in the mountains are carefully harvested for their bark. Because their roots remain vigorous after cutting, they readily produce new shoots, making them a species that thrives when thoughtfully managed by people.

In the mountain village of Yamakumata, where I live, there has long been a tradition that allows the harvesting of tree bark for only three days each year.

In the mountain village of Yamakumata, where I live, there has long been a tradition that allows the harvesting of tree bark for only three days each year.

In the mountain village of Yamakumata, where I live, there has long been a tradition that allows the harvesting of tree bark for only three days each year.

Preparing the bark is a labor-intensive process. It is simmered for several days with hardwood ash collected from a wood-burning stove and sometimes fermented with rice bran grown on our own farm. The bark is then washed in the clear stream that flows through the village. Every material used in this process is a gift of nature, sourced from the mountain community itself.

Using only the fingertips, the bark is split into delicate strands, which are then twisted and joined one by one to create an endlessly long thread. Once enough thread has been produced, it is prepared on the loom for weaving.

Using only the fingertips, the bark is split into delicate strands, which are then twisted and joined one by one to create an endlessly long thread. Once enough thread has been produced, it is prepared on the loom for weaving.

The winter months, when the village is covered in deep snow, are the peak season for weaving.

The outer bark, unsuitable for use as fiber in shinafu production, has been transformed into a natural dye, giving new value to a material that would otherwise go unused.

The outer bark, unsuitable for use as fiber in shinafu production, has been transformed into a natural dye, giving new value to a material that would otherwise go unused.