Tradition need not stand still. Tokyo, the neon metropolis, was once Edo, the cradle of culture. Today, artists and artisans across the city are keeping that culture alive in innovative ways connecting old and new, expressing classical ideas through a different lens for successive generations.
Tradition fuses with street style, gaining a new lease on life at the revolutionary clothing store
KAPUKI in Meguro, Tokyo. Kimono, haori coats, and other items are realized here in
weathered denim, understated tie-dye, and innovative designs.
Owner Reiko Koshizuka, a former stylist, directs the store to challenge the ever-evolving definition of
beauty, keeping kimono culture alive and accessible. Director and photographer Mitsuaki Koshizuka
collaborates with local artists who bring a solid understanding of tradition and a modern approach. The
designs are born from great respect and deep understanding of the traditions underlying the original
form. True to the soul of their heritage, while original and relevant in their expression.
As KAPUKI put it themselves "For traditions to travel down the stream of time, they must blend with the
elements of now, flowing gracefully alongside the new era."
Visitors can also book an appointment with English-speaking staff to discover the depths of kimono
culture, and learn how to properly wear any purchase they make.
In Shinjuku Ward, near the Myoshoji River, the Hirose Dyeworks preserves Tokyo's legacy of Edo komon fabric dyeing.
Although it is much older, this handicraft rose to prominence in the Edo period (1603-1868). Under a law
forbidding the stylish locals from extravagant dress, the trend arose for this subtle patterning of
minute icons, which appears plain from a distance but intricately detailed when seen up close.
Yuichi Hirose is the 4th generation of a family that has been preserving this legacy for more than 100
years. Making it his life's work, he is not content to sit on the family's laurels - he expands on the
traditions of his forefathers and applies Edo komon to new brands and modern garments including
beautiful silk stoles and neckties, and travels overseas to lecture on his art and innovate and
collaborate internationally.
While Hirose Dyeworks does not offer tours, their online store ships both nationwide and overseas, so
you can acquire a beautiful piece of wearable Tokyo craftsmanship, even if there is no time on your trip
for shopping.
Woodblock printing has centuries of history, eventually giving rise to the "Edo woodblock printing"
method in the Edo period. This method was employed by artists like Hokusai, in a collaboration between
painter, carver, printer, and producer, to create enduring works of ukiyo-e, "pictures of the floating
world" depicting everyday life that remain popular to this day.
Takahashi Kobo is the most historic surviving ukiyo-e woodblock studio, founded over 160 years ago.
Yukiko Takahashi is its 6th-generation owner, a traditionalist, and an innovator. They still practice
Edo woodblock printing, while also applying their craft in original ways that bring relevance to a new
generation. By printing pop art with traditional methods, or applying ukiyo-e to modern materials, they
preserve the theme of art for everyone to enjoy.
One such work is "Andon/NIRAMI," an update on the Japanese paper lantern that
replaces the usual bamboo and oil with steel and electricity. It utilizes washi
paper and ukiyo-e prints to depict the striking nirami glare of Kabuki, with a
stylish and minimalist design based on a famous ukiyo-e work by the historic artist Sharaku.
Lacquerwork has been prized in Japan for centuries as a mark of refinement, from temples to teacups. And
Shintaro Ataka, a certified "Tokyo Meister" of the craft, is one of the few remaining experts in "Edo shikko," the capital's own lacquerwork tradition.
Beyond his restoration work for monuments like the ancient Zenkoji Temple in Nagano and the Hundred-Step
Staircase of Hotel Gajoen in Tokyo, Ataka applies his art to modern sundries, placing the joy of
masterful lacquerwork directly in the hands. Cups, vases, accessories, and more lend a warmth from Edo
shikki to daily life that surpasses common utensils.
Perhaps most remarkable though is his creation of the "Shitto-ri," series in collaboration with designer
Takanao Niira. This study in lacquer casts a famous ukiyo-e image in three dimensions, using multiple
lustrous layers to reimagine the woodblock printing of the original "Black Fuji" artwork by Hokusai. And
the incorporation of diatomaceous earth makes it a functional artwork that helps control humidity while
serving as an elegant piece of home decor.