Miss Maekawa, you mainly make bags using traditional dyeing techniques. Please tell us how you came to be involved in this work.

I've loved kimono since I was a child so I decided to enter college to learn about dyeing. In Kyoto, Japanese culture is still very strong and while learning about dyeing I came to feel the harmony in conveys and was attracted by its charm. At the same time I came to realize that kimono culture these days is not as strong as it was.

After graduating from college and while working in the Textile Printing industry for a company that printed sliding screens, I came to realize that I have a strong desire to dye my own products with my own hands.

While dyeing cloth and making full use of traditional techniques, I came to see how I could design things that people could enjoy using or wearing. Not just making Kyoto Gift Souvenirs. So I decided to work on bags.

The bags I designed were large sack type bags that could be given as gifts and were suitable for people with limited time on their hands. I worked on the technologies and design characteristics needed and considered the sewing style, as used in the branch stores, that would make the bag extremely strong and rugged and a marketable product. I worked on the bag strap and made sure the sewing used was strong and reached the point where I thought leather would be the most suitable material.

These days, I get reference ideas from my customers, which I put into the products. It's very important to listen to the customers and keep making great bags.

Why did you decide to try your style of dyeing technique? If you could please let us know.

There are many rules to dyeing. When using the dye, the template must be lined up and exactly cut out just right. In the same way as you would cut out a picture. While following this rule it makes things work out well and the work is very pleasant. I am always astonished by the beauty that can be achieved by following some simple rules. Why choose this dying technique? I love it! That's really the only reason.

Do the products convey a message?

If the customers enjoy the products and feel the beauty and harmony that they convey, I am delighted. Please use the items of the “kouya-no-shirohakama' series and become aware of Japanese culture. As for the matching strap, its character must be visible at first glance. It must show its strength and help present the character of its home country. With both western clothes and Japanese clothes the products must still allow you to show your individual style. Your own sense of color and your own sense of shape must be highlighted and give you and enjoyable experience.

Finally, can your please tell us about your vision for the future?

I'd love to completely master the technique for shaping and dyeing bags. Even though I'm often referred to as a craftsperson, I still feel I'm immature when it comes to technique. I'll probably keep dyeing for all my life, that's my feelings at this time.

The shape of the bags is often said to be very pleasant. However I'm constantly changing my outlook on shape as new ideas form. Mixing materials such as leather, gold brocade, denim and fur to create belts is something I find challenging and would like to keep on getting better at. I want to create products that are rugged and match the seasons and will last a long time.

My dream is to open a store. Also, if I can continue dyeing materials and making new items, I am fortunate indeed. I want to be sure the customers are satisfied and that the full potential of the power of the colors has been achieved. Selling the “kouya-no-shirohakama' series of products in my own store and keeping my customers satisfied is my true goal for the future. Whatever the future holds, right now I'm still in the midst of training.

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Feelings about (kouya-no-shirohakama)

General feelings
1.When I am busy making things for others, I try to make them as if they were for myself.
2.Whenever I possibly can, I try to put my true feeling into the products.

The way I have thought about things for a long time now
3.While dying the products myself, I felt I was putting my very spirt into them.

(kouya-no-shirohakama) a new way of thinking.

(kouya-no-shirohakama) hand-dying craftsperson Shoko Maekawa.