Terms

Samue (Samui) was originally worn by Zen monks as their work clothes. "samu /作務" refers to the chores at the temple, and "e (i) / 衣" means clothing. Today, many artisans as well as people in the general public wear samue for a variety of uses.

The jinbei originated from haori worn by samurai in the Warring States period, becoming popular among common people during the Edo period. It is a perfect summer garment with great ventilation and breathability.

Hanten is a traditional coat that has been worn by common people since the Edo period. The padding between the outer and inner layers provides excellent heat retention, making it warm and comfortable for the cold seasons.

Haori was originally worn for warmth as well as a decorative item to show one's status during the Warring States period. Its shape and materials have changed over time and now, people wear haori casually and also in formal situations.

Zudabukuro was a bag that monks would hang from their necks when collecting alms and storing Buddhist altar equipment. Nowadays, it is also used as a fashionable accessory that goes well with Japanese and Western clothing.

Kiryu-ori has a history dating back to the Nara period (710-784) and is produced mainly in Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture where WASUIAN's physical store is located. Its high-quality and traditional craftsmanship is highly regarded.

Sashiko-ori is a traditional Japanese handicraft in which cloth is stitched with a needle to reinforce the fabric, retain heat, and create a decorative pattern. The fabric is durable yet has a gentle texture. It is used in judo and kendo uniforms.

Shijira-ori is said to have been accidentally invented by a woman living in Tokushima. Because of the “shibo” (creases ), there are fewer areas that touch the skin than plain weave, so it is more breathable and can help keep you cool in hot temperatures.

Enshu-ori is produced in Shizuoka, starting from the Edo period. The fabrics have a gentle texture and a unique feel that becomes more familiar every time you use them. They are also used at the world's top fashion shows.

This is a type of fabric that is woven with strong twists in the weft, and is made usually from silk or hemp. The natural creases in the fabric release heat, so it is often used for summer kimono.

Tsumugi is a strong fabric that is originally woven from thread and made by hand-spinning raw silk from defective cocoons that do not produce silk. It is characterized by its simple patterns and gentle texture.

Nanako literally translates to “fish eggs.” It’s called this because the surface of the fabric woven in plain weave resembles the pattern of fish eggs. The fabric is soft, shiny, durable, and highly resistant to wear and tear.

The technique of kasuri originated in India and was introduced to Japan in the 7th -8th century. Kasuri refers to textiles with a distinctive faded pattern. From the Meiji period until the 1960s, many people wore kasuri kimono on a daily basis.

It is the strongest natural fiber with excellent sweat absorption, good breathability, and quick drying properties, which make the fabric excellent at cooling you down. In Japan, it has been used not only for clothing but also for Shinto rituals and traditional performing arts since ancient times.

Kakishibu has long been used as paint, dye, and medicine, taking advantage of the bactericidal, and antiseptic effects of tannin. When applied to fabrics, it creates a tough film on the surface of the fibers, making them stronger and also waterproof.

Yoryu means “willow leaf.” The name comes from the creases on the surface of the fabric that resemble a willow leaf. The fabric has less contact with the skin, excellent sweat absorption, and breathability, making it comfortable to wear.

Bushu (Saitama Prefecture) is especially famous for indigo dyeing. It is characterized by the dye made from naturally fermented indigo leaves, and the subtle texture of the hand-dyeing, which becomes more beautiful as it fades.

This fabric was introduced from India, which was originally called “Tenjiku” in Japanese. The plain-woven cotton fabric is characterized by its light and thin qualities, as well as its good breathability, pleasant texture, and excellent sweat absorption.

The word “Hijiri” means “sacred” or “saint” in English. In Japan, it originally meant a monk of high virtue.

KAIHARA’s denim fabrics are recognized worldwide. KAIHARA applies the techniques that have been cultivated in traditional kasuri patterns to denim production and now is the largest denim fabric manufacturer on the market in Japan.

Sen no Rikyu (1522-1591), a tea master, invented setta. He made sandals that guests would wear on snowy days to tea ceremonies more comfortable by attaching leather, making them waterproof and keeping out the cold.

Geta are traditional Japanese footwear with three holes called “me” (eye) through which the strap is threaded, and a stilt at the bottom called "ha” (tooth) for making contact with the ground.