#Japan #Tokyo #Japanese Textiles #NUNO #Karimoku Furniture

Discovering Japanese Textile Mastery: 'Karimoku and NUNO'

From September 6 to October 11, 2025, the Karimoku Commons Tokyo will host an innovative exhibition titled 'Karimoku and NUNO - Thread Making, Fabric Making'. This collaborative creative project unites Karimoku Furniture, one of Japan's leading furniture makers, and the esteemed textile designer Reiko Sudo from NUNO. Under the skilled supervision of interior designer Yukiko Ono, the exhibition will delve into the sustainable backgrounds of textile creations developed in collaboration with artisans from two renowned regions of Japan, Bishu (Aichi Prefecture) and Jōshū (Gunma Prefecture). The aim is to explore and celebrate the beauty and potential of Japanese fabric.

During the exhibition, on October 2, a special talk event will take place featuring key figures from the project, with further details to be announced on the Karimoku Commons Tokyo website. Visitors are warmly welcomed to attend this engaging exploration of the textile world.

The Essence of 'Karimoku and NUNO'

Japan boasts a rich dyeing and weaving culture that integrates traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology—a rarity in the world. However, the intrinsic value of Japanese textiles, especially in furniture upholstery, hasn't been fully recognized. In 2022, Karimoku and NUNO launched the 'Karimoku and NUNO' initiative to spotlight the allure of Japanese textiles within this sphere and strive for new value creation.

The fabric design process begins in the textile-producing regions of Japan, where designers from NUNO engage directly with skilled artisans, drawing inspiration from their conversations and the unique characteristics of each region’s traditions. This dialogue ensures that the accumulated knowledge in fabric-making seamlessly merges with NUNO’s innovative approach and Karimoku's perspective in craftsmanship, leading to the creation of distinct, high-quality fabrics for furniture.

Exhibiting the Fabric Making Journey

The exhibition focuses on the two important textile regions of Bishū and Jōshū which have collaborated with 'Karimoku and NUNO' in the fabric-making process. Visitors will get a chance to experience the development journey of the fabrics produced, including drawings of the development process and material samples. Additionally, audiovisual works created by we+ will provide insights into the fabric-making experience.

Among the showcased creations are three types of fabric developed with artisans from Bishū: 'Enpitsu,' 'Marker,' and 'Mosaic.' Bishū, recognized as Japan's top wool fabric-producing area, has cultivated a spirit of sustainability that is reflected in their innovative textile production methods.

Covering a rich history in the silk industry, Jōshū is also famous for its intricate machine embroidery. Collaborating with local artisans, 'Karimoku and NUNO' has been focused on upcycling deadstock upholstery fabrics found in Karimoku's warehouses by adding embroidery patterns, resulting in new textile designs such as the prototypes 'Gizagiza' and 'Tsubutsubu,' which will be unveiled for the first time at this exhibition.

Capturing the Craftsmanship through Photography and Film

Additionally, photographs documenting the production processes in Bishū and Jōshū and videos showcasing the fabric creation efforts will be displayed. Guests will also find stools and sofas adorned with the unique 'Karimoku and NUNO' fabrics, thus experiencing the touch and quality of these textiles firsthand while thoroughly enjoying the exhibition.

Exhibition Details

• - Exhibition Title: 'Karimoku and NUNO - Thread Making, Fabric Making'
• - Dates: September 6 (Sat) to October 11 (Sat), 2025
• - Closed on: Every Sunday
• - Hours: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
• - Venue: Karimoku Commons Tokyo, 1F Gallery Space (2-22-5 Nishiazabu, Minato Ward, Tokyo, 10 min walk from Omotesando Station A5 exit)
• - Admission: Free
• - Website: Karimoku Commons

The exhibition is organized by Karimoku Furniture, textile design by NUNO, with supervision by Yukiko Ono (Ono Design Plan) and venue construction and video production by we+. Collaborators include Ooyabu Textile Co., Ltd., Orima Co., Ltd., Kasamori Co., Ltd., Nakaden Wool Weaving Co., Ltd., and Kenichi Murase.

On October 2, don’t miss the talk event featuring Reiko Sudo (NUNO), Yukiko Ono (Ono Design Plan), and we+, with more information to follow on the Karimoku Commons website.