Shaping the future of Edo Sarasa

Ochiai, Shinjuku City, got its name from the confluence of the Kanda River and the Myoshoji River meet (“ochiau” in Japanese). The rivers provided clean, abundant water; therefore, so the area attracted dye houses and dyers who would rinsed dyed goods in the rivers, which was a typical sight in the area. Yoko Takaichi founded Some no Sato Ochiai in 2020 to preserve the tradition of Edo Komon and Edo Sarasa, which the Kobayashi family passed down for four generations, and is now reproducing the dyeing culture of Edo.

Edo Sarasa is dying with brushes and paper stencils into which the designs are cut. The number of stencils required depends on the number of the colors—simple design requires a dozen stencils while a complicated design requires as many as 300.

Some no Sato Ochiai holds workshops for local elementary school students and adults and events to promote regional revitalization through dyeing. In addition, Some no Sato Ochiai actively participates in overseas exhibitions. Its artisans also post information on social media platforms. “We want to continue to grow with the local community as a business, and we can introduce our works to overseas countries with confidence because we are supported by the local community as a company.” Some no Sato Ochiai is committed to introducing the beauty of Edo Komon and Edo Sarasa to many people from local people to people around the world to shape their future.

General Incorporated Association Some no Sato Ochiai
Yoko Takaichi
161-0034 2-3-6, Kamiochiai, Shinjuku-ku,Tokyo
Tel:+81-(0)3-3368-8133
Fax:+81-(0)3-3362-3287
info@ochiai-san.com
https://www.ochiai-san.com/