Strongly and gently rooted in the earth

Yakusugi dyeing

Yakusugi is a type of cedar that grows naturally in the mountains of Yakushima at an altitude of 500 meters or more. Trees that are over 1000 years old are called "kosugi" (small cedars). Leather dyed with Yakusugi grown in the great outdoors of Yakushima exudes the strength and gentleness of the majestic life that resides in its color. The dye is made from scraps from furniture production and Yakusugi leaves, and is boiled over many days using a unique technique to extract the color that lies deep within the Yakusugi.

Breathing new life into leftover materials

On Yakushima, cedar trees that are over 1000 years old are called "Yakusugi".
The famous Jomon Cedar and Yayoi Cedar, as well as the Yakusugi Cedars, are said to be over 3,000 years old.
Using Yakusugi cedars and fallen trees cut during the Edo period,
Leftover wood (such as sawdust) and buried wood from the Yakusugi Craft Workshop, which produces Shinto altars and alcove pillars,
The dye solution is created over a long period of time using pruned leaves and other materials.
Yakusugi dyeing uses only the first and second dye solutions to produce a deep, solid color.

Dyeing

Masato Komuro

Born in Fukuoka in 1983, he lives in Tokyo. He moved to Akizuki, Asakura City, Fukuoka Prefecture, where he was exposed to plant dyeing at his family's plant dyeing studio (Kobo Yumezaiku). He majored in dyeing and weaving at the Department of Crafts, Faculty of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts. While studying traditional techniques, he also explored new technical expressions such as plant dyeing leather. In 2007, he introduced whole garment knitting and mastered the techniques. In 2008, he started his own knitwear brand, "MAITO". In 2010, he established Might Design Works Co., Ltd. In the same year, he opened a directly managed store at 2k540 in Ueno, Taito Ward, Tokyo. In 2012, he opened an atelier shop in Kuramae, Taito Ward, Tokyo.

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