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Have you heard of the fabric called "Yonezawa Tsumugi"
Yonezawa Tsumugi, also known as "Safflower Tsumugi" or "Okitama Tsumugi," is a popular tsumugi fabric for people of all ages and genders. Made using only natural dyes, including safflower, the vibrant colors of the kimono are a natural look that even older people will find comfortable
This time, we will introduce "Yonezawa Tsumugi," a tsumugi fabric that represents Yamagata Prefecture
The history of Yonezawa Tsumugi
Among the Yonezawa weaves, Yonezawa Tsumugi is particularly popular. This Tsumugi fabric has been a Yonezawa specialty since the Edo period
Uesugi Harunori (Uesugi Yozan) the ninth lord of the Yonezawa domain , took office, the domain was suffering from a financial crisis due to repeated reductions in its rice yield.
In order to rebuild the finances of the Yonezawa domain, Harunori encouraged sericulture and silk weaving as part of his plan to restore the domain's government, and the domain was able to successfully rebuild its finances and overcome the famine
This is said to be the beginning of Yonezawa Tsumugi
Yonezawa Tsumugi is a fabric made using a technique called "pre-dyeing."
This method does not dye the fabric with dyes, but dyes the yarn before it is woven, which allows for soft colors, beautiful color blends, and textures to be created
Another distinctive feature of Yonezawa Tsumugi is that it only uses dyes produced from nature
Yamagata, blessed with abundant nature, is home to a variety of dyes, including safflower, indigo, and kariyasu. This is why Yonezawa is able to produce tsumugi fabrics known as "plant-dyed tsumugi" and "safflower-dyed tsumugi," which do not use synthetic dyes
Yonezawa Tsumugi is dyed using only natural dyes, which is why it is able to produce vibrant yet soft colors that cannot be achieved with synthetic dyes
The most popular type of Yonezawa Tsumugi is safflower dyed Tsumugi, a Tsumugi fabric with gorgeous colors ranging from yellow to crimson
Among the many Tsumugi fabrics that are subdued and have a subdued color, the vibrant colors of Benibana Tsumugi stand out. It is vibrant yet elegant, so it looks natural on people of all ages, from young to old, and this is probably the secret to its popularity
Experience Yonezawa weaving and safflower dyeing at the Wakuwakukan dyeing and weaving workshop
From here, we will introduce some spots where you can experience weaving in Yonezawa
Wakuwakukan Dyeing and Weaving Workshop is a comprehensive tourist facility that includes a workshop, shop, gallery, and cafe, located a 15-minute drive from Yonezawa Station
Tokiiro Yonezawa, a gallery where you can view Yonezawa weaving
At the gallery, you can enjoy a variety of Yonezawa textiles woven by modern artisans
Within the 100m2 space, the beautiful and majestic charm of Yonezawa weaving, which combines techniques passed down from ancient times with modern technology, is on full display
Choose from hand weaving or safflower dyeing at this workshop
At the experience workshop, you can try both hand weaving and safflower dyeing
You can choose from two types of hand-woven items: table centers and silk coasters, and two types of safflower-dyed items: silk scarves and handkerchiefs.The hand-woven items take 30 to 50 minutes, and the safflower-dyed items take 15 to 30 minutes
You can take home the work you make during the experience on the same day. Since you've come all the way to Yonezawa Ori no Sato, why not make a keepsake to commemorate your experience?
Shops & Cafes
At the shop, you can purchase Yonezawa weaving, Japanese accessories, and safflower-dyed products
The safflower-dyed shirred stole is a popular item, boasting vibrant safflower colors and the unique comfort of silk. Accessories made from Yonezawa Tsumugi silk are also appealing, with a soft feel that only Tsumugi can provide. Enjoy the Japanese texture that can easily be incorporated into your daily life, such as bags, pouches, billfolds, and coin purses
The cafe at the back of the shop is a space where you can relax after your experience or during your trip. Spend some time relaxing while looking at the beautiful and unique works
Wakuwakukan Dyeing and Weaving Workshop <Information>
Name: Wakuwaku Dyeing and Weaving Workshop
Address: 1-2-37 Gobyō, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, 992-0055
Try wearing it and you'll understand the Yonezawa Tsumugi!
Yonezawa Tsumugi is a beautiful fabric that makes the most of the colors created by nature. Its charm can be felt even more strongly when worn
If you want to know the charm of Tsumugi, try wearing it, even if it's just a small item. You'll be able to enjoy the beauty woven by Yamagata's nature!
A writer with thinning hair who loves traveling and laughter. A nice guy who hides his thinning hair by shaving! He travels from north to south to bring smiles to Tohoku with his writing!
![PXL_20220922_044645946](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAJYAAACWAQAAAAAUekxPAAAAAnRSTlMAAHaTzTgAAAAaSURBVEjH7cExAQAAAMKg9U9tDQ+gAACAdwMLuAABXZHjmQAAAABJRU5ErkJggg== "We tried weaving in the Okitama region of Yamagata Prefecture, known as the "town of textiles"!")
![PXL_20220922_044645946](https://jp.neft.asia/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/PXL_20220922_044645946-150x150.jpg.webp "We tried weaving in the Okitama region of Yamagata Prefecture, known as the "town of textiles"!")
![Mogami safflower](https://jp.neft.asia/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/30121446_m-1-150x150.jpg.webp ""Mogami Safflower" certified as a Japanese Heritage and Japanese Agricultural Heritage [Yamagata Prefecture]")
