Washi paper has been used as a "thread" for clothing and is beginning to be used in a variety of fabrics.

Originally, washi paper is a material that has been nurtured in Japan's four-season climate. Its ability to absorb moisture in the hot, humid summer and release it in the dry winter makes it essential to traditional Japanese homes for comfortable living.

Retaining the characteristics of this breathable material, washi thread (washi thread) developed by a manufacturer in Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture, is 10 times more absorbent than cotton and one-third lighter. Washi thread is now attracting attention as a "material of the future" and is beginning to be used in a variety of fabrics, including washi polyester pique, washi polyester jersey, washi denim, and washi dungaree.

This exhibition explores the wisdom of our ancestors embodied in washi paper, highlighting it as an advanced material and introducing a variety of washi products. Experience the crisp feel of washi cloth. During the exhibition, there will also be a workshop titled "Making Tote Bags with Washi Cloth" by Hamai Koji, who was responsible for the development, textile design, and final product design of the exhibit, as well as an open interview with WWD Japan Senior Editor Matsushita Kumi. Hamai Koji is a fashion designer who won the 61st Soen Award and has also worked as a clothing designer at Miyake Design Office. Manga artist Uchida Shungiku will also provide fun and easy-to-understand illustrations depicting the techniques and drama involved in turning washi paper into thread and fabric. Washi paper is currently being researched and applied to clothing fabrics, evolving from a "material for living" to a "material for wearing." Experience the comfort and feel of this exhibition and get a glimpse into the future of washi thread and washi products.
【Event Information】
WASHINOITO -Wearing the Future, Hamai Koji's Washi Product Exhibition
Dates: December 26th - January 24th, 2016, Open every day during the exhibition period (Closed December 29th - January 3rd, 2016)
Time: 9:00 - 20:00
Venue: Seikatsu Kobo Gallery (3rd floor, Carrot Tower, Sangenjaya)
Admission: Free
Organizer: Setagaya Cultural Foundation Seikatsu Kobo (Public Interest Incorporated Foundation) In cooperation with: Ohara Orimono Co., Ltd., Ozaki Pleats Co., Ltd., Sanyo Knit Co., Ltd., Shinohara Textile Co., Ltd., Shimada Weaving Co., Ltd., Shimada Textile Co., Ltd., Nakaden Woolen Co., Ltd., Nissen Factory Co., Ltd., Bingo Twisted Ito Co., Ltd., Act Bravalley Co., Ltd., M.D.Com Co., Ltd., Takumi Yamapaku LLC, Resia Co., Ltd.
Exhibition venue illustration: Uchida Shungiku
Sponsored by: Setagaya Ward