Have you ever heard of “Japan Blue”? Ai, or traditional Japanese indigo, was once called that. Ai is a natural dye with bactericidal properties. The color is deeper than royal blue but lighter than navy blue, and has long been loved by Japanese people.
During your stay in Tokyo, we highly recommend experiencing Aizome firsthand (traditional Japanese indigo dyeing).
During the class, a craftsman instructs you on how to make indigo-dyed fabrics. First, you choose fabrics and dyeing techniques you would like to try. My choice was a washcloth and hand towel. I dyed them using rubber bands and wooden plates, for an effect similar to other types of tie-dye.
Now for the dyeing itself. Place fabrics in the dye bath and knead them. Then wring the water, exposing the cloth to air. The color gradually changes from lime-green to indigo. Repeat this sequence three times. When I unfold the fabrics, beautiful patterns appeared on them. No two are ever the same!
About 300 years ago, it is said that 80% of commoner’s clothes were indigo-dyed because they were only allowed to wear clothes in subdued colors. Under this restriction, they found a way to enjoy dressing up, taking advantage of indigo-dyeing with the contrast and shading between indigo and white. As a result, they created various indigo-dyed fabrics full of surprises and a playful spirit.