岡山おしゃれスタイル ～和で魅せる～

Okayama Fashion Style ～Attractive Japanese Style～

 

Kojima denim has been assimilated into the Japanese climate over a long period of time, and
has continuously evolved to better fit the Japanese physique.

 
Among these, are you familiar with the fabric called "silk denim"?

Kojima denim has evolved over time to become a fabric
that fits the Japanese physique.
Have you heard of “silk denim”?

 

When one hears "denim," many people still imagine it as "100% cotton, thick, and prone to fading,"
conjuring an image of workwear.
 
However, this silk denim completely redefines the conventional image of denim.

The warp threads are made by twisting three ultra-fine cotton yarns, and the weft threads are made of carefully selected silk.
It combines the durability of cotton with the softness of silk, and its luster is so exquisite that it can be mistaken for 100% silk.
Moreover, (despite containing silk) it is hand-washable and resistant to rain.

 I believe this silk denim is "the most suitable denim for Japanese clothing."

Many people think of denim as workwear. 
However, this silk denim completely changes that image.
The warp threads are cotton and the weft threads are silk,
combining the durability of cotton with the softness of silk,
and the luster is indistinguishable from silk.
It can be hand washed and is rain resistant.
I believe that this silk denim is the most suitable denim for Japanese clothing.

 

We have named the kimonos made from carefully selected Kojima denim, including this silk denim,
"Kurashiki Wadenim®" and have registered it as a trademark.

We have registered a trademark for kimonos
made from selected Kojima denim,
calling them “Kurashiki Wadenim®.”

 

《 Features of Kurashiki Wadenim® 》

～characteristic～

～Patterns can be added～
Patterns can be added

Kimonos are tailored to order, and afterwards,
we can add our original patterns.
 
 Most Kojima denim is plain,
and the fabrics we select as suitable for kimonos
are almost all plain.
If these were tailored into kimonos, we would end up with only identical kimonos, like uniforms.

Therefore, we add patterns directly to the denim tailored into kimonos,
and create a unique "bespoke" item
to suit the preferences of each customer who places an order.

We make plain denim kimonos to order,
and then add patterns directly
to the kimono to suit the customer's preferences.

We currently incorporate the following artisan techniques:
introduction to the skills of craftsmen

 

●Shichisai-zome (Seven-Color Dyeing) ～Cosmos -sora- pattern～
Shichisai-zome ～ Cosmos -sora- ～

Shichisai-zome is a special technique by a traditional craftsman from Nagoya City.
We use only gold and silver colors from the Shichisai technique,
and apply original designs inspired by "Cosmos -sora-" to kimonos.

According to customer requests, we can change the density of coloring and the proportion of gold and silver,
to create a "one-of-a-kind piece."

Shichisai-zome is a traditional craft technique.
We tailor original kimonos for our customers
by changing the distribution and density of gold and silver.

   

 The "Cosmos -sora-" pattern carries a wish.

The world is facing numerous problems such as environmental issues, conflicts, wars, and poverty.
Unless we collectively address these issues on a global scale, there will be no future for humanity.

 With the hope that the world becomes a place where everyone can live safely and with rich hearts,
we have incorporated the universal theme of "peace" into the "Cosmos -sora-" pattern,
and applied it to kimonos and obis.

There are many problems on Earth, such as conflicts and poverty.
With the hope that the world will become peaceful,
I designed the “Cosmos-sora” pattern.

 

《Topics》

Takeda Senko Co., Ltd. in Nagoya City, which applies the Shichisai-zome technique,
was awarded the "Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award (Grand Prize)" for their new Shichisai-zome work
at the 70th National Dyeing Competition in October Reiwa 7 (2025).

New Shichisai-zome "Sabi"

 

Traditional craftsman Kazuya Takeda.
A technique refined over two generations by father and son, with Kazuya adding his unique sensibility to the method devised by his predecessor.
This technique blossomed beautifully, culminating in the Grand Prize at the Dyeing Competition.

We hope that "Shichisai-zome" will become a traditional craft and the "Cosmos -sora-" pattern will become a traditional design, adorning kimonos and obis for generations to come.

 

 

 

●Reikōsho (Reiko Calligraphy) ～Gold and Silver Ink Calligraphy Pattern～

Reikōsho  ～ gold and silver ink writing ～

Calligrapher Reikō Asada, based in Osaka,
writes directly onto kimonos with gold and silver ink.
 
Calligrapher Reikou Asada writes directly on kimonos.

Ms. Reiko, who "expresses Japanese culture through calligraphy," once realized during her rigorous training that she was not "writing" but rather "being written through."
Since then, she has continuously pursued her mission of "energizing people through calligraphy."

Reiko has many fans both in Japan and abroad, and continues to pursue her mission of
“expressing Japanese culture through calligraphy and energizing people.”

 

"When I hold a brush and stand before what I am to paint, the characters descend upon me."
The numerous works born from this process by Ms. Reiko
blossom in her original calligraphy "Rosai-sho®", are dedicated to temples and shrines,
and she is a calligrapher with many fans both domestically and internationally, holding solo exhibitions and winning numerous awards.

* "Rosai-sho®" is vulnerable to water and thus cannot be used on kimonos or obis.
Therefore, we use gold and silver ink for our products.

According to our customers' requests,
we add Ms. Reiko's calligraphy to kimonos, obis, coats, and all of our other products. 

 

 

 

●Shichiryūsai (Seven Dragon Colors) pattern
 
This pattern is a masterpiece created with passion and combined "ki" (energy) by the traditional craftsman of "Shichisai-zome" and calligrapher Reikō's "gold and silver ink calligraphy pattern",
two masters working together.

This pattern was created with great care by a traditional craftsman
specializing in Shichisai-zome dyeing and calligrapher Reiko,
who created the gold and silver ink pattern.

 

"Shichisai-zome," "Reikōsho," and "Shichiryūsai" are applied not only to kimonos,
but also to obis and other products we offer.

Adorning the entire garment with a pattern for a "komon" (small pattern kimono),
or creating a flowing picture-like pattern for a "hōmongi" (visiting kimono),

You can freely choose the formality of the kimono,
and create your own original kimono.

Even a used kimono is perfectly fine.
Please feel free to
consult us anytime
you wish.

You can add techniques to kimonos,
obi sashes, coats, and all of our other products
to create your own original Japanese clothing.

A kimono dyed with only gold and silver pigments,
elegantly and beautifully.
Please don the original kimono made just for you.

 

*Our silk denim fabric
is manufactured by
"Showa Co., Ltd." in Kojima, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture.