#Japan #Tokyo #Indigo Dyeing #Irotoa #Ai no Wa

The Artistry of Irotoa's Ai no Wa Series

Irotoa, known for its commitment to inclusive culture, today introduced a new product line, the Ai no Wa series. This collection reimagines the traditional Japanese indigo dyeing technique, presenting a beautifully curated selection of towels, handkerchiefs, and tenugui. Each piece tells a story interwoven with the deep hues of indigo, reflecting Irotoa's core values of celebrating individual colors and the sounds of life.

Launch Details and Product Stories

The Ai no Wa series will be available starting September 1st at the Irotoa Harajuku store and online shop, with the option for customers to reserve their products in advance. The series encapsulates eight distinct narratives inspired by the enchanting qualities of indigo, emphasizing the beauty in diversity.

Each tale encapsulates a unique aspect of indigo, drawing parallels to human experiences:

1. Diversity of Indigo: Indigo is not just one color; it ranges from the pale translucent blue known as Aijiro to the deep navy Tomekon. Historically, people classified indigo into 48 shades. Just as no two individuals are alike, the variability in colors symbolizes the richness brought forth by our differences.

2. The Sound of Life through Fermentation: In the indigo vats, microbes are at work, creating a thin reddish-brown film known as Indigo Bloom, which indicates the fermentation process is thriving. Craftsmen engage with the vat, gauging its conditions through sensory cues, reminding us that life is an intricate interplay of nature, microbes, and human touch.

3. Unique Color Patterns as Personal Identity: The beauty of indigo fabric lies in its unpredictability. Each piece carries unique patterns caused by factors like dye technique and weather conditions, showcasing that our imperfections are what make us special.

4. Power of Victory Colors: The richest shade of indigo, known as Kachi-iro, was historically chosen by warriors as a color representing victory. This symbolic hue resonates with resilience, serving as a source of strength in the face of challenges.

5. Protective Qualities: Indigo is believed to offer protective properties, being used in garments for babies and agricultural workers for its anti-insect and antibacterial effects. This series positions indigo's protective essence back into contemporary life.

6. Creativity Amidst Constraints: During the Edo period, strict regulations limited the use of bright colors. Yet, people found creative expression through shades of indigo. This illustrates a powerful message: limitations can ignite innovation and invention, much like the journey of a creative mind.

7. A Cycle of Coexistence with Nature: The process of indigo dyeing exemplifies a harmonious cycle with nature. The indigo plant grows, is processed into dye, and eventually enriches the soil as compost, embodying environmentally friendly practices.

8. The Moment of Color Revelation: When fabric is first pulled from the dye vat, it appears brown or green. Upon exposure to air, it transforms into vibrant indigo—symbolizing the unveiling of hidden talents or identities through experiences.

Product Overview

• - Series Name: Ai no Wa
• - Product Items: Towels, handkerchiefs, tenugui
• - Unique Features: Each item features individual colors from natural indigo dye and is crafted for everyday use, using sustainable methods.
• - Sales Locations: Available at Irotoa collaboration store and the online shop starting September 1st.
• - Reservations: Accepting reservations from today. For inquiries, contact the details below.

Store Information

• - Store: Irotoa Collaboration Store
• - Address: 3-21-16 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001
• - Access: 8-minute walk from Harajuku Station on the JR Yamanote Line, 4-minute walk from Meiji-jingu-mae Station on the Tokyo Metro.

Contact Information

• - Phone: 045-309-7611 (Weekdays from 9 AM to 6 PM)

With the Ai no Wa series, Irotoa reintroduces the protective and vibrant power of indigo into our modern lives, reminding each of us that while no two colors are the same, each has a unique narrative to share.