[Atelier Shimura Special Exhibition "Learning about Showa Village's Karamushi - Handicrafts that Weave Life"] Color and Words Newsletter 2025 No. 18
Photo: Showa Village, Fukushima Prefecture
Karamushi weaving conveys an ancient history. Durable, breathable, and with a beautiful luster, the fabric has long been beloved as a high-quality summer kimono. Karamushi weaving is made through a long and delicate process, involving growing the karamushi plant, spinning each strand of fiber into a single piece of cloth, and weaving it into a single piece of cloth. This careful handiwork continues to this day in Showa Village, Oku-Aizu, Fukushima Prefecture. In 1994, the Karamushi Weaving Experience Program was launched, inviting young people from across the country who are interested in karamushi weaving to become "Orihime" and "Hikoboshi," and is training successors. Not only the technique, but also the history and culture behind it are carefully preserved and passed on to the next generation.
The special exhibition "Learning about Ramie in Showa Village - Handcrafted Weaving of Life" will display precious threads, tools that have been used since ancient times, and actual woven fabrics. By seeing and touching the texture, you will be able to fully experience the charm of Ramie and the warmth of handcrafted work.
Date and time: September 5th (Fri) - September 15th (Mon, national holiday) Closed Wednesdays and Thursdays
Venue: Atelier Shimura Gallery & School, Setagaya, Tokyo
6-17-7 Soshigaya, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
Inquiries: tel:03-6411-1215 email: info@ateliershimura.co.jp
Special exhibition related events
▪️Gallery Talk "Talking about the current state of Karamushi"
We will hear about the ancient tradition of "laminated wool" in Showa Village and the current state of life through handicrafts.
Speaker: Tamiko Honma (Oku-Aizu Showa Village Promotion Corporation)
Eriko Yamauchi (Former student of monderico Karamushi weaving)
Interviewer: Masashi Shimura (CEO of Atelier Shimura)
Date and time: Saturday, September 6th, 16:30-17:30
▪️Yarn spinning demonstration
You can actually see the "thread plying" process of Karamushi weaving at the venue.
Dates and times: September 13th (Sat), 14th (Sun), 15th (Mon, national holiday), 13:00-16:00 each day
▪️Special talk streamed online
We will be streaming a special discussion between philosopher Takashi Kurata and Atelier Shimura representative Masashi Shimura, as well as a talk event with people involved with Karamushi in Showa Village on YouTube.
