#Japan #Setagaya #Ars Shimura #Fukumitsu Shimura #Arts Course

Discover the Ars Shimura Course at Atelier Shimura

Starting April 2026, Atelier Shimura in Setagaya, Tokyo, is excited to unveil its new curriculum with the launch of the Ars Shimura Course. This unique program offers an in-depth exploration of the art of weaving, emphasizing the connection between traditional dyeing techniques and philosophical discussions surrounding color and language.

The course lasts six months, allowing participants to focus on the intricacies of weaving their own kimono fabric. The term "Ars" comes from Latin, meaning art or skill, reflecting the blend of manual craftsmanship and artistic expression that defines this experience. Through hands-on learning and academic lectures, students will engage deeply with the essence of textiles, enriching their understanding of themselves and the natural world. As society rapidly evolves, Atelier Shimura aims to convey the intrinsic value of traditional dyeing and weaving techniques to the next generation.

About Atelier Shimura

Atelier Shimura is a dyeing and weaving brand that embodies the artistic spirit of renowned textile artists Fukumi Shimura and Yoko Shimura. Founded in 2016 by their grandson, Masashi Shimura, the studio aims to share the beauty of colors derived from plants. Located in Saganohara, Kyoto, the studio primarily focuses on dyeing silk threads with natural colors from plants, crafting beautiful kimonos, obis, and stoles using traditional handlooms. In addition to fabric production, Atelier Shimura operates a school in Setagaya, emphasizing the importance of cultural transmission and the continuation of dyeing and weaving practices. They seek to preserve the Japanese appreciation for nature and color, nurturing the cultural and philosophical values that have flourished from these traditions.

An Invitation to Explore

The school welcomes students eager to embark on a journey of learning that emphasizes the interplay between color and language as expressed through the art of weaving. The process involves creating a fabric that reflects one's inner landscape through the subtle hues derived from the colors of spring (like plum or cherry blossoms) combined with thoughts and emotions. This ancient practice of dyeing and weaving represents a sophisticated dialogue between humanity and nature, ultimately connecting participants to the universal question of how to live meaningfully. We invite you to knock on the door of learning at Atelier Shimura.

Course Overview

The Ars Shimura Course comprises an exciting curriculum that includes:

• - Seasonal Dyeing: Students dye silk threads using natural plant-based colors, learning the fundamental techniques of Atelier Shimura's dyeing practices.
• - Fabric Weaving: Students will weave their own kimono fabric, employing various weaving techniques to express their unique visions through colors and patterns.
• - Special Lectures and Field Trips: Courses include additional lectures on philosophy and culture, along with field trips to Kyoto to visit the studios of Fukumi and Yoko Shimura where students can gain hands-on experience.

Curriculum Breakdown

During the six-month course, participants will engage in the following:
1. Design Selection: Before the course begins, individuals will meet with an instructor to choose the design and colors for the warp threads, which will be prepped before the session.
2. Dyeing Techniques: Students will select several plants to dye their weft threads, learning about colors derived from flora such as various spring blooms and roots.
3. Weaving: Utilizing plain weave techniques, students will bring their inner images and emotions to life through colors, learning about the structure and mechanics of kimonos as they complete their woven fabric.
4. Kyoto Field Trip: This excursion includes a visit to the Takumi Studio and Atelier Shimura’s Midori Studio for hands-on extra lessons and explorative learning about nature and textile practices in Sagaonohara.
5. Specialized Lectures: Additional lectures presented by Masashi Shimura, Yoko Shimura, and external experts will focus on pre-defined themes annually, encompassing philosophy and culture.
6. Events: The course features several events such as orientation on the first day, presentations on personal design inspirations, feedback sessions with peers and instructors, and a final exhibition showcasing the completed kimono fabric.

Registration Information

Before registering for the course, prospective students are invited to attend an informative preliminary briefing session, where instructors will provide comprehensive details about the course content and objectives.

• - Spring Pre-Session Registration: Sign-up here
• - Autumn Pre-Session Registration: Sign-up here

Contact Us

Atelier Shimura Gallery & School
Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan
Address: 6-17-7 Soshigaya, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 157-0072
Phone: 03-6411-1215
Email: [email protected]
Website: Atelier Shimura
Instagram: @ateliershimura
YouTube: Weekly Reading

Photos credited to Nobuhito Kabe and Yoko Taguchi.