​PASSIONEER

Vintage silk fabric dyed using the stencil of Living National Treasure Hiroshi Kodama, beautifully washed and stretched. Why must Wasai—traditional Japanese tailoring—be done by hand? Although it is a highly exceptional form of haute couture, its rare value has long been overlooked in Japan, perhaps because it was once a natural part of daily life. However, times have changed, and the custom of wearing a garment until it is completely worn out is fading. Today, through a 70-y

100-year-old history. My mission is to save these treasures from being discarded. No machines. Every stitch is done by hand to let the silk breathe. Title: The Sound of Silk: Why I Resurrect 100-Year-Old Kimonos Can you imagine how much authentic silk is thrown away every single day in Japan? The amount is staggering. Among them are "Tsumugi" silks, hand-woven over 100 years ago. They are discarded simply because they don't fit modern lifestyles. In Japan, we have a word: "Mo