Showen Kumihimo

Showen Kumihimo
From Kyoto, finely crafting items for 60 years
Braiding workshop in Kyoto--the integrated
production of dyeing, braiding & finishing is
something only few can do.
Braiding-Its History and Appeal SHOWEN KUMIHIMO's History
Braiding in Japan dates right back to the
Noboru Kaji, the founder, was fascinated with
After this time, techniques that were originally
Showen Kumihimo beginning with Japanese
ancient Jomon period.
brought
across
foundation
and
from
China
braid
creation
become
was
a
then
developed through the use of tools and the
characteristic Japanese use of colors.
During
the
Heian
period,
Kyoto
was
enveloped with the splendor of the dynasty
string and in 1948 opened his workshop,
clothing. Even now his wife Misao Kaji, in her
80s,
continues
to
work
there
teaching
hand-made skills to the next generation and
knowledge whilst Tsutomu Kaji, has become
the second company manager.
culture.
The second generation of Kajis' strength is
and ritual items, but also for the obijime cords
with
Braiding came to be used not only for armor
of a kimono and belts for haori garments.
producing colorful and original braided items
extraordinary
throughout Japan.
speed
that
are
sold
There are more than 3000 different kinds of
The items they make have been requested for
from simple to complex, and there are even
fashion, interior, jewelry, etc., and used for a
braids, with an appealing wide variety ranging
braiding techniques that have been lost over
the course of time.
Compared with the other areas of the world
that use string culturally, there is something
unique in Japan. This is, the tools that are
by a large number of business including
wide variety of uses. Even now, they continue
to operate in the style of a small family-run
business and wish to keep on making these
finely crafted items.
used for braiding are so well developed, that
Kumihimo endeavor to continually develop
surprised
workshop who's braids are not only loved in
research students from other countries are
available.
at
the
extensive
equipment
There are also so many ways to tie the string.
In fact, only the basic kinds number around
50 or so.
These
complex
knots
once
played
an
important role for preventing poisoning and
also they were a kind of puzzle, because if
other people were to unravel them then they
would never be able to put them together
again.
The wonderfully glossy woven in silk thread
that shines like jewels allows them to be used
a variety of different purposes.
these elegant braids and hope to become a
Japan, but all over the world, becoming a part
of people's everyday lives.
C harm poin t s o f S H O W E N KUM IHIM O
Quality craftsmanship from skilled Kyoto artisans
Showen Kumihimo design and manufacture items using skilled Kyoto
craftsmen in order to utilize the beauty of materials and colors.
Crafting items through
experience and trial
manufacture
2. An abundance of material in stock
experience under the wings of the
abundance - 64 colors of pure silk
they knowledge down to the next
Showen Kumihimo are constructed
Thanks to this, it is possible to
On the other hand, 60 years is a
short amount of time.
for a company, so they are trying
The
As a large amount of the production
work is done by hand, machine
is
used
to
get
the
balance just right between strength,
durability,
etc.,
and
supple
high-quality feel. This is done by
using
adjusting
the
hardness,
thickness of bunches, etc., based on
years of experience.
In general, when talking about the
color of strings, they look darker
after braiding than before, so it is
necessary
to
construct
many
prototypes to be sure your desired
the color scheme is achieved.
Also, many prototypes again have to
be
made
during
the
holds
material
in
thread and more than 40 colors of
both by hand and machine.
production
workshop
processing
stage, in order to attain a balance
between useability and beauty.
synthetic thread.
produce original prototypes etc., in a
Processing is Showen Kumihimo's
strongest area.
They have the knowhow and setup
to manufacture high-quality items in
short amount of time.
For example, they can process a
strap into a beautiful shape with a
tidy finish - how do they do it so
There is no other company like this,
who use a variety of tools and
materials
whilst
utilizing
the
originality and ingenuity of skilled
processing
methods
and
Thanks to these 3 systems, it is
workshop of its kind in Japan where
production
performed by craftsmen in the same
Showen Kumihimo's appeal is that
down to finishing.
even in a short time frame.
make the perfect adjustments for
Development of Human Resources
only
easy for them to carry out small lot
all processes of manufacture are
prototypes as customers' requests.
place, from dyeing and tying right
them are able serve your needs,
it
is
the
Because of this, it is possible to
and
Showen
create
Kumihimo,
original
division of labor, etc.
At
veteran
It can be said that, in terms of
continue to be active. Also, young
are
employed and the organization is set
craftsmen
in
their
70s
and
80s
industry, their finely woven braids
craftsmen
in
their
20s
are
also
development strives for.
up so that they can learn and gain
the
outcome
that
machine
include
jewelry,
fashion,
car,
appliance, beverage manufacturers,
etc., meaning that the chances to
make use of their items in your
everyday
modern
increased.
lifestyle
have
items, but also they are working
Showen Kumihimo's biggest appeal
that
together with famous companies that
durable as possible.
materials.
fact
They are involved in new initiatives
From now on they plan to not only
Also, items are processed to be as
their
the
comparatively short amount of time
beautifully?!
Even now they are still improving
is
generation.
their hand at new things.
3.Processing
craftsmen to find their solutions.
1. Integrated Production System
older generation, who in turn pass
produce
hard
their
day
experience
by
development
existing
day
for
to
accumulate
refining
through
standard
the
product
use
of
color, design, etc., and also, most
importantly,
to
continue
the
development of human resources by
passing on the baton on to the next
generation.
商品一覧
名刺入れ
飾り結び
帯
ネックストラップ 絹艶
ストラップ 天然染め
お茶缶
ストラップ 綾高麗
ストラップ 矢絣
三色鈴
C om pany 's M a i n A c c o m p l i sh m e n ts a n d Clie n ts
Hiei Enryakuji Temple
Suntory Iemon(Tea brand)
GI (General Imaging)
Hieizan Enryakuji, the headquarters
10,000 of Kumihimo's braids were
GI Company is a digital camera
The Hyatt Regency Kyoto is adjacent
The world's first male jewelry brand
place of reverence during the Heian
These
international manufacturer founded
famous
who
of the Tendai sect, which was a
period for the imperial family and
noblemen.
The many monks of Japan's famous
buddhist history, spent their youth
practicing buddhism at Mount Hiei
amongst and the national treasures
and important cultural assets and so
the mountain became known as the
“mountain
buddhism”.
Thanks
to
mother
the
of
monks
Japanese
of
Hiei
Enryakuji Temple liking their items,
Kumihimo have visited the temple
many times. The monks use their
braided straps with made-to-order
color schemes.
Braided items with a Hiei Enryakuji
Temple wooden name tag attached,
said to include people's hopes and
prayers, are now available as part a
standard line up at the temple.
used in promotional sets of Iced Tea.
Iced
Tea
sets
were
very
popular and were around for an
amazing 3 consecutive years. The
sets
appeared
commercials
celebrities
many
featuring
Rie
Masahiro Motoki.
times
in
Japanese
Miyazawa
and
Showen Kumihimo was given the job
thanks
10,000
to
the
items,
standards
quick
and
concerned
delivery
their
with
such as durability and safety.
of
strict
factors
specialist
subsidiary
of
Hyatt Regency Kyoto
the
by Edison, GE Company. As part of
a promotion to establish their brand
within
Japan,
Kumihimo
create
original digital camera straps for
them.
In
catalogs
throughout
products
with
are
those
Baisenan.
that
are
Japan
of
distributed
Kumihimo's
introduced
Kyoto's
together
Miyawaki
Due to its popularity, even at the
brick and mortar store, a follow-up of
this unusual partnership is currently
being carried out.
to
Kyoto
National
temples
Sanjusangendo.
Museum
such
Dinh Van
and
as
An original and very popular good
luck
strap
was
born
after
a
conversation with the manager of the
select shop “Kyo”, which uses the
wonderful modern Japanese spirit its
theme.
They also sell wrist watches that use
braids that have been dyed with
natural dying methods such as plum
dyeing (umezome).
was created by Mr. Jean Dinh Van,
was
originally
designer for Cartier.
a
jewelry
Popular amongst men's magazines
such as LEON,
his style updated
traditional jewelry styles.
He has an established reputation for
making simple yet authentic designs.
Dinh Van's typical item is the Pi
Chinois pendant and we designed an
accompanying 5-colored cord that is
supposed to ward off bad luck.
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Tokyo
GORA KADAN
The National Art Center, Select
Shop - Souvenir from Tokyo
その他主なお取引先
Toyota Lexus
鳩居堂（銀座・新丸ビル）様
代官山アドレス様
コシノミチコ様
イッセイミヤケ様
サントリー様
任天堂様
界ASO（九州）様
主要な取材実績
K um i h i m o
golden-colored
c r e a te d
strap
and
o r ig in a l
tassel
charms attached to fans for this
luxury hotel, which was the first 6
star hotel in Japan.
The braid itself was a deep, relaxing
golden brown color with hints of gold
and purple, differing from the light
red-purple color of the Mandarin
Oriental Hotel.
A luxury ryokan inn located in Gora,
Kumihino's straps are sold at the
Lexus
They
Souvenir from Tokyo.
craftsmanship.
Hakone.
buy
Kumihimo's
ultra-fine
tassels which include the essence of
Kumihimo's skills.
These hardy tassels with the refined
draped look and glossiness are easy
to arrange, making them a popular
item.
They have many uses, for example,
they can be attached to a bag, used
as a key holder, etc.
largest
This
museum
very
shop
popular
in
select
Japan,
shop
managed by CIBONE has, as the
name suggests, a line up items that
include the essence of Japanese
craft and traditional culture.
-
known
in
the
representing
quality
Indeed,
words
the
craftsmanship”
are
Lexus' brand concept.
West
for
Japanese
“Japanese
included
in
Kumihimo created an original strap
with an attached metal charm that
was used as a free gift for a test
drive promotion.
On top of the craftsmanship, original
家庭画報
和楽
うつくしい着物
ＳｈｏｕＳｈｏｕ
朝日新聞など
主な催事
伊勢丹新宿様
京都高島屋様
難波高島屋様
梅田阪急百貨店様
梅田大丸様など
colors and silver thread were also
ご連絡先
crafted item.
昇苑くみひも 星野
〒611-0021
京都府宇治市宇治妙楽146
TEL：0774-23-5510
URL: hoshino@kyotomade.com
used
in
this
high-quality,
finely