What is Kurume Kasuri? A 220-Year-Old Japanese Textile Reimagined as Garment for Your Journey
What is Kurume Kasuri? － A Japanese Textile with 220 Years of History
Have you ever heard of Kurume Kasuri?
It is a traditional woven fabric from Kurume, Fukuoka, Japan, with a history of more than 220 years. Recognized as one of Japan’s representative textiles, it continues to be admired for its beauty, craftsmanship, and functionality.
The Beginning of Kurume Kasuri
Kurume Kasuri originated in the late Edo period, when a 13-year-old girl named Den Inoue noticed accidental patterns appearing on woven cloth. She refined the technique and developed a unique method of dyeing and weaving. Since then, Kurume Kasuri has spread across the region and has been cherished as everyday wear for generations.
A Fabric Born from Craft and Tradition
Creating Kurume Kasuri requires more than 30 steps. Almost all are done by hand by skilled artisans—binding the threads, dyeing them with indigo, and preparing them for weaving.
The final step is weaving, done not entirely by hand but with Toyota power looms that are about 100 years old. These vintage machines, operated by artisans, give the fabric its gentle texture and natural irregularity, qualities that modern machines cannot replicate.
The result is a 100% cotton textile that is both durable and soft, becoming more comfortable the longer you wear it.
The Power and Practicality of Indigo Dye, JAPAN BLUE
Traditionally, Kurume Kasuri is dyed with natural indigo. Beyond its deep and calming blue color called JAPAN BLUE, indigo is said to have several functional benefits:
- Antibacterial and deodorizing effects
- Natural insect repellence
- UV protection
- Far-infrared warming effect (keeping you pleasantly warm)
These qualities made Kurume Kasuri an ideal everyday fabric in the past.
And today, the same functionality makes it perfect for travel—whether it’s adjusting to changing temperatures, packing light with wrinkle-resistant clothes, or staying fresh throughout the journey.
IKI LUCA and the “Garment for the Journey (Travel Wear)” Concept
At IKI LUCA, we reimagine Kurume Kasuri as “Garment for the Journey (Travel Wear)” (TABIGOROMO) for modern lifestyles.
Instead of using traditional patterned fabrics, we focus on solid colors and simple stripes. This makes each piece easy to mix with your existing wardrobe, offering travel wear that is modern, stylish, and versatile.
Kurume Kasuri’s inherent practicality—lightweight, breathable, and durable—now naturally extends from the streets of Kurume to destinations around the world.
The Signature HAORI: “JAPAN BLUE MUJI”
One of our most iconic pieces is the indigo-dyed HAORI jacket, JAPAN BLUE MUJI.
Its minimalist design and deep indigo hue make it suitable for anyone, anywhere—from everyday life to journeys abroad. Just wearing it lets you feel the softness of Kurume Kasuri and the quiet strength of indigo.
In Summary : Kurume Kasuri & TABIGOROMO
Kurume Kasuri is a Japanese textile with more than 220 years of history.
Created through over 30 steps of artisan handwork, woven on century-old looms, and dyed with indigo, it carries both tradition and practicality.
Through IKI LUCA’s TABIGOROMO, you can experience this timeless textile in a way that fits seamlessly into today’s journeys.
Perhaps, from here, a new story of your journey will begin.
