The obi, which combines denim, tatami-beri (tatami mat edging), and Sanada himo (braided cords)
【 Kojima Obi 】
was featured in the media.
December 8, 2022 (Thursday)
RSK Sanyo Broadcasting 4:50 PM～
【Live 5 O'clock I'm Dokitto!】
The studio time spent with the wonderful young announcers,
the Kojima Obi, and a silk denim kimono
was very pleasant and enjoyable.
“It’s a story about Okayama denim,
bringing a new breath of fresh air to kimono culture.”
I myself had no awareness of doing anything so grand,
but to be introduced in such a way
was very gratifying.
First,
👘 A description of what 【Kojima Obi】 is
👘 The reason for developing the obi
👘 Difficulties encountered during development
and so on, I talked about the journey of how the Kojima Obi came to be.
And then
👘 Why I was drawn to Kojima
In response to this question,
I mentioned that my family home in Kobe was damaged in the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake,
and I felt a sense of loss seeing my town change.
In Kojima, I felt a connection between people
through the textile industry.
I realized that "if there's industry, the town will survive," and
I wanted to help preserve the town.
This was because
I had moved to Okayama 10 months before the earthquake,
and I felt that "Okayama had protected me."
It might be a meddlesome misunderstanding, but
I wanted to "repay Okayama."
As I spoke,
it was a time when I was reminded anew
that these experiences became the catalyst and driving force behind the creation of the Kojima Obi.
I also introduced the silk denim kimono, and
the "Nanairo-zome" (seven-color dyeing) technique applied to the obi and kimono after creation.
By explaining this completely different way of making traditional Japanese clothing,
"continuously challenging the new kimono culture,"
I was introduced as such, and then I realized, oh, so that's what I've been doing... (chuckles)
Appearing on TV was a good opportunity
to view myself objectively.
Finally,
“By wearing a kimono, your posture improves and you move more gracefully.
You also become more tolerant of others.
I hope this leads to creating a better society.
I want to continue creating things
that people can enjoy using, and that help preserve towns.”
I concluded with these words.
Announcer Takeuchi
Announcer Nakaya
Announcer Nitta
Thank you very much.
