[Himeji City] Enjoy a relaxing experience in a 100-year-old traditional house. Indigo dyeing experience taught by Mr. Zenbei of the cotton products store “Nagiya”

• Table of Contents
• Wataya and Zenbei
• Try your hand at indigo dyeing at a cotton shop!
• Weaving love with thread. Thoughts on the revitalization of “Himeji Momen”
• Great value 1,000 yen per day bus ticket “Hyogo Amazing Pass”

Wataya and Zenbei

Wataya is a shop located on the west side of Himeji Castle that sells indigo dyed fabrics and miscellaneous goods where you can experience indigo dyeing.

When you step into this 100-year-old traditional house, you can see many beams on the wide ceiling, creating a nostalgic and warm space.

At this location, we experienced indigo dyeing under the guidance of Yoshihiro Sawada, who has been running experience classes for the past 20 years.

Mr. Yoshihiro, nicknamed ``Zenbei-san,'' is the teacher of this indigo dyeing class.

The reason why I started Cotton Shop was because I wanted to help people live in Japan, and because even though cotton is used in everyday clothes, there are people who don't know how the raw material is made. There are a lot of people, so I want people to know more about it.''

Cotton has always been familiar to Zenbei, who grew up surrounded by fluffy cotton due to his grandfather's cotton work.

I still have memories of playing in the warehouse, and because I grew up through cotton, I wanted people to know the warmth and softness of cotton. A base is being created.

He says he would be happy if people could learn about the existence of cotton through the casual experience of indigo dyeing, and if they could experience the charm of indigo dyeing and vegetable dyeing, which Japanese people loved in the past, here.

I will report on the ``indigo dyeing experience'' taught by Mr. Zenbei.

Try your hand at indigo dyeing at a cotton shop!

This time, the buyer/editorial department will experience indigo dyeing of an A4 size eco bag.

We showed samples of various patterns such as polka dots, marble patterns, and radial ripples, and the interview began with the question, ``What kind of pattern do you like?''

First, decide on the pattern you want to create, and then think about whether you want the indigo to be darker or lighter. (The more times you add and remove the cloth in the indigo bottle, the darker it will become.)

The two of us choose a darker shade and a lighter shade, and proceed with the preliminary preparations to create each pattern.

To create a polka dot pattern, first draw polka dots on the fabric, then twist the fabric around and wrap it in plastic wrap, securing it with a rubber band to prevent the indigo liquid from staining the area.

This ``tie-dyeing'' prevents liquid from entering and creates a beautiful circle.

Repeat adding and removing it about 5 times. When exposed to air, the initially light green color gradually changes to an indigo blue color.

And the pink color of the rubber gloves gradually turns blue! (Watching the colors change in a short period of time gives me a feeling of excitement, as if I'm experimenting.)

Next, the editorial staff experienced it.

I thought the marble pattern on the tote bag that you showed me as a sample was beautiful and looked like the sky, so I told Mr. Zenbei that I wanted to make the same one, and he told me that the light color could be completed by dyeing it two times. I was told that.

Again, to create cloud parts (white parts), tie the dough tightly with rubber to reduce the surface area that the liquid will get on. Connect a new piece of vinyl string to this lump to make it look like a fishing rod.

Gently apply this to the indigo bottle. Repeat 2 or 3 times and rinse in water.

``If the water area is a normal sink, customers may feel like they have to remember the washing area at home and do their housework!'' To avoid that, we designed the water area with chic tiles. I wanted it to be a space where you can forget about your work at home and take a breather.”

When you spread out the washed fabric, a wonderful pattern is created. The finished color and pattern were different from when I dyed it, and I was happy because the color was bright and beautiful. The dot pattern and sky pattern are completed.

Members' impressions

The renovated old folk house is very nice, and above all, the indigo dyeing experience is full of charm, such as Zenbei's stories and personality. The tremendous excitement I felt until the eco-bag was made was extraordinary. Being able to freely decide on the pattern, color, and everything to your liking is also appealing, and it's an experience that you can confidently recommend to others! (YUKA)

It was my first time trying out indigo dyeing, and I was worried about whether I would be able to do it well, but Mr. Zenbei kindly taught me how to create it, with humor mixed in, and I was able to create a tote bag that exceeded my ideals. It's done! Elementary school students will say, ``I feel calm here,'' and the space will soothe your soul. (CHIKAKO)

Weaving love with thread. Thoughts on the revitalization of “Himeji Momen”

During the Edo period, cotton cultivation became popular in Himeji, and ``Himeji Cotton'' was distributed throughout Japan under the monopoly of the Himeji Domain. This is said to have led to the recovery of the Himeji domain's finances, which were suffering at the time.

Based on this history, Zenbei has started a project aimed at reviving Himeji Momen. Together with our friends, we grow ``Himeji Cotton'' using traditional cultivation methods and without pesticides in the fields of Yumesaki Town, and we strive to spread the word by making it available in elementary school educational programs.

Mr. Zenbei was very happy when a student he taught in a class over ten years ago came to the cotton shop to experience indigo dyeing for the first time in about 20 years, and smiled, saying he was happy that he had left it in a corner of his memory. .

The cotton fabric woven from Himeji Cotton is thin and soft to the touch, and we are currently thinking about how to make the best use of Himeji Cotton, and are trying to commercialize products that will make people feel warm. It seems that ideas such as turning it into an experience are being solicited and discussed. This activity is carried out through the membership system ``Watatomo'' for those who want to enjoy cotton.

“I want to grow cotton! ” “I want to spin yarn” “I want to try weaving or knitting” “I’m interested in commercializing cotton!” ”, please contact us using the contact information below.

Soya INFO ☎079-294-5555

Click here for the Soya HP

Check here to make a reservation for the cotton shop experience!

At typical indigo dyeing experience facilities, the ``pattern'' and ``number of times of dipping'' are decided in advance, but at ``Nazaya'' you are free to do everything! The indigo dyeing experience with Mr. Zenbei, who has a laid-back and unique personality, went by quickly and was a very pleasant time.

From small children to adults, we have devised ways to enjoy it, so why not try out indigo dyeing with your family, friends, or lover?

Great value 1,000 yen per day bus ticket “Hyogo Amazing Pass”

Hyogo Amazing Pass

With this ticket, you will not only be able to ride the route bus (Orange Shinki Bus) that runs within Hyogo Prefecture as many times as you like for one day, but also the City Loop and Port Loop, which connect Kobe's main tourist spots. This is a ticket that allows you unlimited rides.

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