A dyeing workshop is evolving daily with the pride of being the best in Japan.

There are many dyeing craftsmen and related companies in Shinjuku Ward. This is because dyeing involves using water in its processes, leading craftsmen to gather by the riverside, contributing to its historical development. Fujiya Dyeing Workshop, which specializes in hikizome (hand-pulled dyeing), is also located along the Kanda River in Shinjuku Ward.

Takatoshi Nakamura, the representative who carries hand-dyeing techniques, is the third generation. The workshop was founded in 1952, and at that time, its main work was subcontracting jobs, such as dyeing many fabrics in the same color. However, it gradually shifted towards custom-made, one-of-a-kind pieces, which have now become its main focus.
A significant feature of the workshop is its 12-meter-wide earthen floor, which allows for hanging fabrics. In hikizome (hand-pulled dyeing), color fixation through dyeing and drying is a crucial process, and maintaining a constant humidity level is essential to ensure the color adheres evenly without blotches. This earthen floor plays an important role in achieving that.
The main processes are divided into jiire (preparation), shikicho (color mixing), dyeing, mushi (color fixing through steaming), and mizumoto (rinsing), but essentially, all of them are done by hand, relying on the craftsmen’s skills. Traditionally, the steaming and rinsing processes were handled by separate specialists. However, due to a shortage of successors, they have acquired equipment and techniques from businesses that have closed, enabling them to perform these processes in-house. While preserving tradition, they continuously adapt to changing times by incorporating new elements.

Fujiya Somekobo
3-28-13, Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0075
Tel:+81-3-3368-8559
Takatoshi Nakamura
nt1116fujiya@gmail.com