Let's check out the roots of the cute Japanese accessory, Koginzashi!

Kogin-zashi is an embroidery technique handed down in Aomori Prefecture.
This is a traditional technique that has been passed down from generation to generation by female farmers since the Edo period.
Did you know that Japanese embroidery, Kogin-zashi, is secretly becoming a hot topic at the moment?

Koginzashi is secretly a hot topic among young women because it's cute.
This time, I will introduce you to Koginzashi!

What is Koginzashi?

Kogin sashiko is an embroidery technique that is considered one of the three major sashiko in Tohoku, along with Nanbu Hishi sashiko and Shonai sashiko.
So, how did Kogin embroidery come about, and what are its characteristics?

History of Koginzashi

Aomori Prefecture is the northernmost part of Tohoku.
It is not possible to grow cotton in the Tsugaru region, so cotton must be ordered from other regions.
Therefore, cotton products had to be effective.

Furthermore, in 1724, the Farmers' Thrift Restriction Ordinance was enacted, prohibiting farmers from using cotton for work or everyday wear.
The only fabric available in the Tsugaru region is linen, which has good breathability.
This is not enough to survive Aomori's extremely cold winter.

Then, the farmer woman came up with the idea of ​​filling in the holes in the linen by embroidering it.
By filling the eyes of the coarse linen fabric, she is able to trap the warm air within her clothing.
This is the beginning of Koginzashi.

"Kogin" originally meant noragi.
Kogin-zashi, which is now a cute and modest luxury item, was born as wisdom for living.

Types of Koginzashi

Nowadays, Koginzashi is often applied to small items, but its original purpose was to improve clothes to make them durable and warm.
It is said that there are three types of Kogin-zashi clothing that have survived from that time: Higashi-kogin, Nishi-kogin, and Sanjima-kogin.

East Kogin

Higashi Kogin is a type of Kogin sashimi made on the east side of the Iwaki River. It is embroidered on cloth woven from thick, coarse linen thread.

West Kogin

Nishi Kogin is Koginzashi on the west side across the Iwaki River. Kogin-zashi is a delicate pattern embroidered on cloth woven from thin ramie threads.

Three-striped Kogin

Sanjima Kogin was created mainly in Goshogawara City, which is downstream of the Iwaki River.
Kogin-zashi is a type of embroidery with three bright white stripes on indigo-dyed cloth. There are only a few that have survived from that time, making it a valuable piece.

If you want to see Koginzashi work, visit a handicraft store.

Museums that display Koginzashi works are nice, but if you want to learn more about Koginzashi, the best place is a general craft store!
Since embroidery was originally developed as a technique applied to farmers' clothing, the essence of Kogin-zashi is the work that is closer to everyday life.

Here we will introduce some handicraft exhibitions where Koginzashi works are displayed and sold.

Shimaya

A handicraft store located in the city center around Hirosaki Castle.
There are many samples of Koginzashi works on display.
Samples of fabric and thread combinations are also on display, so it's also recommended for those who want to try their hand at Koginzashi.

Shima ＜Information＞

• Name: Shimayama
• Address: 13-1 Momokokucho, Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture 036-8035
• Phone number: 0172-32-6046
• Official URL: https://www.shimaya.info/

Google Map

Tsugaru Kobosha

This is a handmade item store that sells Koginzashi items.
In addition to Koginzashi, they also sell Tsugaru lacquerware, so if you want to buy small items as Hirosaki souvenirs, please come and visit us.

Tsugaru Kobosha <Information>

• Name: Tsugaru Kobosha
• Address: 52 Motteramachi, Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture 036-8355
• Phone number: 080-1675-3753
• Official URL: https://tsugarukoubousya.com/

Google Map

Tsugaru Domain Neputa Village

There is also a corner selling Kogin-zashi in Tsugaruhan Neputa Village, a tourist facility that conveys the traditions of Hirosaki.
Here you can watch demonstrations by craftsmen and learn about the different types of Koginzashi.

Tsugaru Domain Neputa Village <Information>

• Name: Tsugaru Domain Neputa Village
• Address: 61 Kikkocho, Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture 036-8332
• Phone number: 0172-39-1511
• Official URL: http://neputamura.com/

Google Map

summary

Kogin-zashi is a traditional embroidery technique that has been passed down in Hirosaki since ancient times.
Due to its cuteness, there is currently a boom in accessories.
If you are addicted to Koginzashi, why not come to Hirosaki City to find its roots?
If you know the history, you might become even more captivated by its depth!