Inheriting the Spirit and Craftsmanship of Edo Artisans

The origins of Edo Sarasa are believed to date back to the mid to late Edo period. The hard water in Tokyo, including the Kanda River, contains iron, which triggers a chemical reaction during the dyeing process, producing the unique and austere “wabi” flavor of Edo Sarasa and bringing out the subdued and rustic aesthetic of “sabi.” The subdued hues befitting the aesthetic sense of the Edo period are cherished as a fusion of beauty that transcends culture.

For over a century, since 1920 (Taisho 9), Some no Sato OCHIAI has been dyeing Edo Sarasa, a traditional craft known for its vibrant multicolor designs. Edo artisans ingeniously crafted patterns and designs based on their own ideas, dyeing them by hand. To preserve the cultural legacy of Edo is to inherit both the craftsmanship and spirit of the artisans from that era.

Representative Director Yoko Takaichi established Some no Sato OCHIAI in 2020 (Reiwa 2), preserving four-generations of Edo Komon and Edo Sarasa tradition, and promoting the Edo dyeing culture.
Dyeing workshops in Ochiai, Shinjuku, including Some no Sato Ochiai, steadfastly preserve the techniques of the Edo period. The dyeing techniques, passed down solely by artisans and without any manuals, are being passed down to the next generation. Each artisan contributes their own innovative ideas and craftsmanship, continually raising their skills to new heights.

Some no Sato OCHIAI
Yoko Takaichi
2-3-6 Kamiochiai, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 161-0034
TEL: 03-3368-8133
FAX: 03-3362-3287
info@ochiai-san.com
https://www.ochiai-san.com/