[Atelier Shimura Special Exhibition "Colors of Summer - Shimura Indigo and Ryukyu Indigo"] Color and Words Newsletter 2025 No. 15
Photography: Yoko TaguchiAlthough it is still June according to the calendar, the sunshine continues to evoke midsummer. In this season, when the plants and trees are bathed in sunlight and their greenery deepens, the deep, clear color of the summer plant "indigo" is particularly captivating. It is said to be "the color with the highest spiritual value," and it seems that the special feelings attached to this color are universal. This special exhibition will explore the endless charm of the indigo we cherish and cultivate every day, and the Ryukyu indigo born in the tropical climate. We hope you will come and experience the story of blue woven by these two indigo plants.
Atelier Shimura Representative Masashi Shimura
Atelier Shimura Special Exhibition "Colors of Summer - Shimura Indigo and Ryukyu Indigo"
Amid the intense 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 cultivated in a workshop in Sagano, Kyoto, using the ancient lye fermentation method. Prayers are offered to Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto, the moon god, 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 attune our senses to 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.
Date and time: Friday, July 4th, 2025 - Tuesday, August 26th, 12:00-17:30 Closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays First period: Friday, July 4th - Tuesday, July 29th, The world of Shimura's indigo Second period: Friday, August 1st - Tuesday, August 26th, The world of Ryukyu indigo Venue: Atelier Shimura Gallery & School, Setagaya, Tokyo 6-17-7 Soshigaya, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
Exhibition and sale items: Kimono, stoles, clothing, small items, etc. For inquiries, please call 03-6411-1215 or email info@ateliershimura.co.jp
*We will be giving away indigo seeds to everyone who follows Atelier Shimura's Instagram account.
*Details of the second half of the exhibition will be announced at a later date.
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Special exhibition related events
■Special Online Talk In celebration of the first half of the special exhibition, "The World of Shimura's Indigo," we will be streaming a special talk on YouTube featuring dyeing and weaving artist Yoko Shimura, Atelier Shimura representative Shoji Shimura, and Shimura no Dye representative Hiroshi Shimura. They will talk about 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
■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
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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
Learning Session Special Tour: A Journey to Discover "Karamushi Weaving" in Showa Village, Fukushima Prefecture
Karamushi weaving was once beloved as a way to make high-quality summer kimonos. From growing the karamushi plant, which is the raw material for the fabric, to weaving each individual thread into a piece of cloth, the incredibly meticulous handiwork continues to this day. This special tour visits Showa Village, where you can hear from karamushi weavers, tour the fields, and try your hand at weaving. See, touch, and feel with your heart. Be sure to enjoy this special experience as you become engrossed in the charm of karamushi weaving.
Date and time: July 18th (Friday) to 19th (Saturday), 2025
Meeting place: Tokyo Station Marunouchi Kajibashi Parking Lot (bus boarding point)
Price: 74,800 yen (tax included)
*Includes accommodation, chartered bus, meals, and local event participation fees. *Single rooms only.
Maximum 25 people (minimum 15 people)
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