Arimatsu Narumi, an area near Nagoya, in Central Japan is famous for the historic tie dye technique, called Arimatsu Narumi Shibori since over 400 years ago. In 1975 Arimatsu Narumi Shibori was designated as a traditional craft by the Japanese Minister of Trade and Industry (currently the Economy, Trade and Industry).

Visiting one of the remaining factories left, Asai Shibori develops Arimatsu Narumi Shibori and creates a wide range from traditional to modern patterns. All products are handmade by skilled crafts(wo)men.

The characteristics of Arimatsu Narumi Shibori is the variety of techniques. There are more than 100 types of Shibori techniques. Abundant techniques and hand-sewn techniques create a wide variety of designs.

What is Shibori?

Shibori is a technique expressed by tightly tying the fabric with thread and the entire process is made by hand. The shape becomes different depending on the tying technique. Since it is expressed by precise manual work, there are no two ways to get the same pattern. While there is thread tying, sometimes wooden plates are used and many more different techniques.

Taku Edge is a Nagoya based textile supplier, who exports Arimatsu Narumi Shibori to oversea clients, including some of the worlds leading high-fashion brands from Europe and the US. Taku Edge works with high-quality mills combining Japanese craftsmanship and innovative new techniques to keep the Arimatsu Narumi Shibori technique alive. The aim is to protect the Arimatsu Narumi Shibori craft and pass it on to younger generations for future generations to enjoy.

Photography by Alisa Ota Tietboehl

www.takuedge.com