～ Pontocho Japanese Culture Gathering for "Regional Revitalization and the Transmission of Japanese Culture" ～
On September 25, 2016, a show was held where 100 people showcased kimonos on the stage of the Pontocho Kaburenjo Theater.
When an acquaintance invited me, I was truly at a loss as to what to wear.
I don't own any family heirloom kimonos passed down through generations, and since I usually only wear casual clothes, I don't have many formal kimonos either...
It was then that an idea struck me.
"If that's the case, I'll just make one."
That was the impetus for the creation of the [Kojima Obi].
In Okayama, there is Kurashiki City's Kojima, known as the "City of Textiles."
It's not a "City of Textiles" where a single type of textile is produced through division of labor;
rather, it's a unique, very interesting, and charming city where
various "textile industries" have gathered to form the city.
・Birthplace of domestic jeans
・Place where Sanada-himo, passed down 400 years ago, is still produced
・Japan's leading city in tatami edging (beri) production
Even just writing this, I think you might find it a bit interesting.
Each of these textiles has its own distinct characteristics, but I brought them together into a single "obi."
That is the [Kojima Obi].
It's probably safe to say that the [Kojima Obi] was able to be born
precisely because such a variety of textiles gathered in the same region
(in some cases, different textiles are even produced right next door to each other).
Kojima has another major characteristic.
Its sewing technology is also incredible.
That's why it's no exaggeration to say that we were able to create an "obi" by sewing together different materials for its two sides.
This obi is not just about being interesting or novel.
I wanted it to introduce Kojima, the city of textiles, and hopefully grow into one of the city's representative products, so I gave the obi the city's name.
And on the day of the show,
this incredibly beautiful obi garnered considerable attention on stage.
Just as Kojima and I connected,
I hope this obi will grow to be useful in connecting people with people and regions with people.
(September 2016)
