Photography: Yoko Taguchi

In the strong light of the Japanese summer, people have long found a special coolness and tranquility in the color blue.
Shimura Indigo, passed down through generations from dyer and weaver Shimura Fukumi, is nurtured in a workshop in Sagano, Kyoto, using the ancient method of lye fermentation. Prayers are offered to the moon god, Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto, and the indigo is brewed on the day of the new moon. It ferments with the waxing moon, and dyeing begins around the time of the full moon. Every day, we focus our senses on the sound of the indigo in the vat, and accompany its work. The moment the thread immersed in the vat comes into contact with the air, it transforms from vibrant emerald green to a mystical blue, a sight that is reminiscent of the brilliance of life itself.
This exhibition introduces the world of Shimura indigo, which we continue to protect, and the world of Ryukyu indigo, born from the sun and climate of Okinawa. Although the raw materials, dye-making process, and resulting colors of the indigo dyes, which are primarily used in Honshu, are different from those of the Ryukyu indigo dyes that are native to Okinawa, they are both based on the work and prayers of the people who transform the life of the plants into color.
We would be grateful if you could take a look.

Dates and times: Friday, July 4th, 2025 - Tuesday, August 26th, 12:00-17:30 (Closed Wednesdays and Thursdays) First period: Friday, July 4th - Tuesday, July 29th (Shimura Indigo) Second period: Friday, August 1st - Tuesday, August 26th (Ryukyu Indigo and Yaeyama Indigo)
venue Atelier Shimura Gallery & School Setagaya, Tokyo
6-17-7 Soshigaya, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
Inquiries: tel:03-6411-1215 email: info@ateliershimura.co.jp

*We will be giving away indigo seeds to everyone who follows Atelier Shimura's Instagram account.

Late period: "Ryukyu Indigo and Yaeyama Indigo"

The deep, crystal clear indigo of Okinawa is a color that never ceases to fascinate us. Dyeing and weaving artist Fukumi Shimura was also deeply fascinated by its beauty and has visited Okinawa many times.
Muneyoshi Yanagi, a leader of the Mingei movement, once praised Okinawan indigo as "the color of the world," writing:

"Navy blue indigo is the king of colors. No matter how dark or light it is dyed, it has never been a bad color. It is resistant to light and rubbing, and the more it is washed, the more beautiful it becomes. It is no wonder that everyone loves and adores this color. There is no other color as beautiful and rich as this. It must be praised as the number one color in the Orient. In fact, the day will come when it will be called the color of the world."

—From "The Story of Bashofu" by Yanagi Muneyoshi

In order to pass on this "color of the world" to the present day, there are artisans in each region who are sincerely working with indigo. This special exhibition will feature an exhibition and sales event, welcoming the Ryukyu Indigo Research Institute, which handles everything from cultivation to dyeing of Ryukyu indigo on the main island of Okinawa, the Shima Ai Farm on Ishigaki Island, which pursues the potential of Yaeyama indigo, and the Kumejima Tsumugi makers, who continue to preserve the handicrafts handed down since ancient times on Kumejima.
The powerful yet gentle indigo color is imbued with the blessings of the land and the prayers of the people. Please come and see the wonderful handiwork born from the Okinawan climate.

▪️Exhibition contents
With the theme of "Ryukyu Indigo and Yaeyama Indigo," we will exhibit and sell each brand's distinctive works and products (kimonos, obi, accessories, clothing, etc.) We will also introduce the background of each brand, as well as the dyes and manufacturing methods.

Ryukyu Indigo Research Institute (Okinawa main island)

Based on the main island of Okinawa, with a strong sense of mission to "pass on culture," we handle the entire process from cultivating the fields and growing Ryukyu indigo, to creating the dye and finishing the dye. We have named the unique texture and depth of color that cannot be achieved with chemical dyes "RYUKYU BLUE®" and are exploring its possibilities. Based on the belief that "now is the time for us to do this," we have returned to our roots of growing the raw materials and are paving the way for the future of Ryukyu indigo, a tradition of Okinawa.
https://ryukyu-indigo-labo.jp/

Island Indigo Farm (Ishigaki Island)

Further south from the main island of Okinawa, in the lush natural surroundings of Ishigaki Island, Shimaai Farm's manufacturing process begins with growing the indigo plant Nanbankomatsunagi, a member of the legume family. In the summer, they are busy harvesting and producing indigo, and while experiencing the joys and sorrows of typhoons, they work together with nature to produce dye. Using the precious indigo they have accumulated, they dye all year round. The island's light and breeze, combined with the careful handiwork of the artisans, create the vibrant yet gentle indigo color of the southern island.
https://shimaai.com/

Kumejima Tsumugi Business Cooperative Association (Kumejima)

Photographer: Nanae Itokazu

Kumejima has a history of over 500 years and is known as the birthplace of Japanese tsumugi silk. This tradition has been passed down to the present day through a consistent manual process: raising silkworms to spin the thread, dyeing it with the island's abundant vegetation and mud, and weaving each thread by hand. This technique, designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan, is the origin of Japan's kasuri culture. Kumejima tsumugi silk, imbued with the passion of its makers, has a supple texture and elegance, gently enveloping the wearer.
https://www.kume-tumugi.com/

<Special exhibition related events>

■Special Online Talk
To celebrate the opening of this special exhibition, we will be streaming a special talk on YouTube featuring dyeing and weaving artist Yoko Shimura, Atelier Shimura representative Masashi Shimura, and Shimura no Dye representative Hiroshi Shimura. They will discuss a wide range of topics, including the beginnings of indigo dyeing at Shimura, the philosophy they hold dear, and the current state of indigo. Please take a look.

Yoko Shimura x Masashi Shimura online talk here

Hiroshi Shimura × Masashi Shimura's online talk is here

The second half of the session, "Ryukyu Indigo and Yaeyama Indigo," will feature deep talks by Atelier Shimura's representative, Masashi Shimura, and the Ryukyu Indigo Research Institute , Island Indigo Farm , and Kumejima Tsumugi. It will be streamed on YouTube, so please take a look. The talks will be updated from time to time.

Yoshinari Kakazu (Ryukyu Indigo Institute) × Masashi Shimura Watch the online talk here

Go Ohama (Island Ai Farm) x Masashi Shimura Watch the online talk here

■ Tea Party — Tanabata Party —
On Tanabata, Atelier Shimura will be hosting a small tea party. Surrounded by works by dyeing and weaving artist Shimura Fukumi and other crafts associated with her, host Shimura Shoji will entertain you with tea and conversation. This is a great opportunity to go out in a kimono or yukata. Of course, you are also welcome to join us in casual attire.

Date and time: Saturday, July 5th
① 14:00-14:40
② 15:00-15:40
*Each seat will be 40 minutes long and there will be a rotation system.
venue Atelier Shimura Gallery & School Setagaya, Tokyo
6-17-7 Soshigaya, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
Price: 3,850 yen (tax included)
Capacity: 8 people per seat

Learn more

Indigo Leaf Dyeing Workshop held in July and early August
In July and the first half of August, we will be holding a workshop on dyeing fresh indigo leaves. This time, we will tear off fresh indigo leaves, which are in full bloom in the summer, and knead them to dye them into a refreshing light blue. Please enjoy the colors of summer, which can only be enjoyed at this time of year, along with the special exhibition.

Click here for details on the half-day dyeing course

Click here for details on the one-day dyeing and weaving course