tamaki niime

Banshu-ori, highly acclaimed not only in Japan but also in the global fashion industry as a traditional Japanese textile, boasts a 230-year history in the production area centered on Nishiwaki City in Hyogo Prefecture, referred to as the "navel of Japan.” Originating from the weaving techniques of Kyoto's Nishijin-ori, this legacy has been passed down to the present day. tamaki niime utilizes the techniques of Banshu-ori, promoting its unique world view and one-of-a-kind production philosophy, and positioning itself as a "nature brand." It actively communicates its creations to the world. The brand's representative, Niime Tamaki, who, as a woman, takes on the roles of both artisan and designer, engages in new challenges within the Banshu-ori production area. This former dyeing factory has undergone a full renovation to become "tamaki niime mura," a base featuring a lab open for public viewing and a shop expressing the brand's worldview. It handles the entire process of creation, from weaving, knitting, dyeing, washing, and sewing to selling and promoting. In the surrounding area, it also practices agriculture, including pesticide-free cultivation of cotton, and keeps animals such as sheep and alpacas on-site that are used to make textiles, fostering a symbiotic environment. In this activity, artisans and designers guide participants through the lab, explaining the dedication involved in the creation process and tamaki niime's initiatives. Participants not only receive explanations but also experience the sound of fabrics being woven, the vibrant colors of yarn, fabric, and shawls, and the texture of the finished products, engaging all five senses. They will join artisans and designers in cutting and sewing the brand tag onto a shawl that they can take home. The shawl will be completed after washing it at home. This activity allows participants to sense the new potential of Japanese craftsmanship through tamaki niime's initiatives.