Kurume Kasuri Apprenticeship: Short Course - 2 Days
Kurume Kasuri is a traditional dyed textile from southern Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan that dates back to around 1800. On this program, you will spend two days at Sakata Orimono, a Kurume Kasuri workshop, where you will experience the processes of yarn-tying, indigo dyeing, and weaving* as an artisan creates a handkerchief-sized piece of Kurume Kasuri with a design based on the traditional Japanese calendar. You can also dye a kasuri stole during the indigo dyeing portion of the program.
- ● Create a Kurume Kasuri handkerchief featuring next year's zodiac sign.
- ● Experience yarn-tying, indigo dyeing, and weaving, the major steps of the Kurume Kasuri production process, on this short two-day program.
- ● You can also dye a kasuri stole in indigo.
- ● English-speaking interpreters will help you communicate with the artisans
- ● Join an online lecture before your stay.
- Kazuo Sakata CEO Sakata Orimono 坂田織物
- Founded in 1948, Sakata Orimono is a Kurume Kasuri weaver with a workshop in the town of Hirokawa in Yame District. In addition to creating traditional garments, CEO Kazuo Sakata works tirelessly to promote Kurume Kasuri. He has launched a private brand called Tsugu, and he also exhibits and sells his works overseas. The company began accepting international residencies in 2020, and they have hosted 5 artists and designers to date.
Kurume Kasuri: One of Japan’s three major kasur
Kasuri is a type of fabric whose signature patterns are created by using pre-dyed yarn for either the warp, the weft, or both directions. This technique, which is said to have originated in India, spread throughout the world and was introduced to mainland Japan from Okinawa. The three major kasuri production centers in Japan were Hiroshima and Okayama (Bingo Kasuri), Ehime (Iyo Kasuri), and Fukuoka (Kurume Kasuri), but Bingo Kasuri producers shifted to using canvas and denim, and Iyo Kasuri producers shifted to making towels. Although there are fewer than 20 workshops left, the only region where there is still a collection of dedicated kasuri weavers is Kurume in the Chikugo region of Fukuoka Prefecture.
Sakata Orimono: In pursuit of various forms of expression
There are two styles of Kurume Kasuri, fabrics produced using the traditional indigo-dyed, hand-woven technique and colorful fabrics produced using chemical dyes and power looms, and each has its own distinct charm. While many weavers only focus on one style, Sakata Orimono, the partner for this program, is a rare case of a weaving workshop that produces both indigo-dyed, hand-woven fabrics and chemically dyed, machine-woven fabrics.
Yarn-tying, indigo dyeing, and weaving: The major steps of the Kurume Kasuri production process
On this short program, you will spend two days at the workshop of Sakata Orimono where you will experience making a Kurume Kasuri handkerchief with an original design featuring next year’s zodiac sign. You will get a brief introduction to yarn-tying, indigo dyeing, and weaving, the three major step of the Kurume Kasuri production process. You can also have your Kurume Kasuri framed to take home with you. Unlike the 35-day and 15-day programs, although you will briefly try your hand at each step of the process, the threads you will use to weave the handkerchief will be pre-prepared.
Dye a Cotton Scarf Woven by Sakata Orimono in Indigo
Create your own indigo-dyed scarf using Kurume-Kasuri fabric woven by Sakata Orimono. Learn how to create different patterns including gradations, tie-dye, and stripes. The craftsman can help provide tips and advice depending on your pattern of choice.
Orige: A well-kept guest house equipped with a kitchen
During the program, you will stay at Orige, a guest house that is about a 6 to 7-minute bicycle ride from Sakata Orimono. Orige is a long-stay accommodation facility with single bedrooms, a spacious shared kitchen, and a washing machine. The clean, bright atmosphere is popular with many guests. If you wish, you can change your accommodation to Craft Inn Té , an old private house decorated with indigo-dyed fabrics and bamboo crafts (additional fee required).
| Tour Code | GFHK10 |
|---|---|
| Dates | Year-round
|
| Duration | 2 Days |
| Departure Point / Return Point | Guesthouse Orige |
| Schedule | [Pre-Arrival Online Lecture]
[Stay at Sakata Orimono] (2 days) Please note that the schedule is a guideline and may change depending on circumstances. |
| Workshop for Your Stay |
|
| Price | ¥84,000（tax included） |
| Included in the Price | Tuition fees, material costs, accommodation fees, interpreter fees (limited to those related to the program), and expenses for the kimono dressing experience. |
| Not Included in the Price | Travel expenses, transportation costs, meals, shipping fees for international delivery, travel insurance, and any other items not listed above. Optional Add-On: A craft tour to visit other Kurume Kasuri weavers or nearby workshops for Yame lanterns, Yame washi paper, wooden barrels, incense, and more (additional fees apply). |
| Language | Japanese/English |
| Minimum Participants | 2 *If you wish to participate alone, the cost will be ¥141,000 per person. |
| Maximum Participants | 3 |
| Reservation Deadline | One month before the event |
| Number of Meals | Breakfast: 0 times, Lunch: 0 times, Dinner: 0 times |
| Number of Nights | 1 night |
| Accommodation | Guesthouse Orige |
| Mode of Transportation | Transportation from the accommodation to Sakata Orimono is not provided. However, we can arrange a taxi upon request. Please pay the taxi fare directly to the driver. |
| Tour Escort | None |
| Payment Method | Payment via the application form: pre-authorized card payment (VISA, MasterCard, Amex, JCB), bank transfer, or TransferWise. |
| Notes |
|
| Cancellation Policy | The customer may cancel the tour contract by paying the cancellation fee outlined below to the Company. The date of cancellation of the tour contract is based on when the customer submits a cancellation request during the Company’s days and hours of operation. Any requests made outside of these times will be considered as having been submitted on the next business day. Timing of Cancellation and Cancellation Fee From the day before the start of the tour (online lecture)
|
Travel Planning: Implementation
- UNA Laboratories Inc. (Fukuoka Prefectural Governor Registration #2-951)
- 3-12-22-302 Yakuin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka Prefecture 810-0022
- TEL: 092-982-7956E-MAIL: tour@unalabs.jp
- Domestic Certified Travel Supervisors:
Aya Tamura, Noriko Yahata, Rei Watanabe - Business Hours:
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday (Closed Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays) - *Requests received outside of business hours will be processed the following business day.
- *Domestic Certified Travel Supervisors are responsible for transactions held at the sales office that processes customers’ travel. Please do not hesitate to contact the aforementioned Domestic Certified Travel Supervisors with any questions or concerns regarding the travel contract.
Tour Information
- Available Dates
- Year-round
- Duration
- 2 days
- Recommended Age
- 18 years old and above
- Price
- 84,000yen (tax included)