Exploring the Art of Textile Creation: The Karimoku and NUNO Exhibition

Karimoku Furniture Co., headquartered in Aichi Prefecture's Tokai region, is set to spotlight an innovative partnership with textile designer Reiko Sudo and her company NUNO. Mark your calendars for an exciting exhibition titled 'Karimoku and NUNO: Thread and Fabric Creation', running from September 6 to October 11, 2025, at Karimoku Commons Tokyo. This event aims to illuminate the creative process behind textile production, emphasizing sustainability and the rich cultural heritage of Japanese fabric-making.

Under the supervision of interior designer Yukiko Ono and with the spatial design by the studio we+, the exhibition will feature fabrics developed cooperatively with craftsmen from two important textile regions in Japan: Banshu (Aichi Prefecture) and Joshu (Gunma Prefecture). This unique showcase will not only highlight the beautiful fabric creations but will also delve into the sustainable practices that underpin this craftsmanship, inviting visitors to explore the charm and potential of Japanese textiles.

A Journey of Collaboration: The Story of Karimoku and NUNO

The ‘Karimoku and NUNO’ project was initiated in 2022 with the goal of discovering and creating new values in the field of interior textiles. Although Japan has a rich and diverse fabric culture, the true beauty and utility of its textiles have not always been fully recognized, especially in furniture upholstery. This collaboration seeks to highlight the allure of Japanese textiles and innovate their applications, filling a gap that has existed in the furniture industry.

The Fabric Creations

During this exhibition, visitors will have the opportunity to see three fabrics: 'Enpitsu,' 'Marker,' and 'Mosaic,' created in partnership with Banshu artisans, alongside prototypes of new fabrics developed with Joshu artisans. What sets this exhibition apart is its interactive elements; attendees will experience the journey of fabric from raw materials to final product through drawings, material samples, manufacturing tools, and a visual presentation depicting the production processes.

There will also be engaging talk events throughout the exhibition period. More details will be available soon on the Karimoku Commons Tokyo website.

The Binding Threads

Creating textiles for ‘Karimoku and NUNO’ begins with visiting the weaving and dyeing regions across Japan, where dialogues are established with local artisans. Designers from NUNO gain inspiration from these interactions and incorporate the unique characteristics of each area into their fabric designs. This approach merges the accumulated knowledge of fabric creation with NUNO's innovative spirit, resulting in uniquely expressive textiles perfect for furniture.

Materializing Sustainability

The exhibition will showcase the sustainable practices inherent in fabric making from Banshu, which has renowned its reputation for high-quality woolen fabrics. A notable aspect is the 'waste not, want not' mentality of Banshu’s textile artisans, who have been reusing materials since the Meiji period. This cultural ethos has led to the development of the fabrics presented at the exhibition. Furthermore, Joshu—famed for its embroidery techniques—is collaborating on new upcycled fabrics, breathing life into older inventory through creative embroidery work.

Capturing the Creation Process

Visual representation plays a significant role in this exhibition. We+ has produced captivating video works documenting the textile creation processes in both the Banshu and Joshu regions. Visitors will also find stools and sofas upholstered with the featured 'Karimoku and NUNO' textiles displayed in the gallery, offering a tactile experience of the fabrics.

Event Overview

Exhibition: Karimoku and NUNO – Thread and Fabric Creation
Dates: September 6 – October 11, 2025
Closed: Every Sunday
Time: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Venue: Karimoku Commons Tokyo, 1F Gallery Space, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Admission: Free
Website: Karimoku Commons
Organizer: Karimoku Furniture Co.
Textile Design: NUNO
Supervision: Yukiko Ono (Ono Design Planning)
Spatial Arrangement and Video Production: we+

This exhibition promises to be a deep dive into the heart of Japanese textile craftsmanship—don't miss this unique opportunity to explore the intricate beauty of fabric-making processes. We look forward to welcoming everyone to this celebration of creativity and sustainability in textile design.