The history of "Arimatsu Shibori" dates back over 400 years, to when Takeda Shokuro and other shibori pioneers went into business. Shibori is a method of resist dyeing, in which the required design is securely tied or stitched onto the fabric before it is dyed. The tied portions remain undyed and white, describing complex patterns on the fabric. During the long history of the process, more than 100 techniques were developed. All Shibori work has been done by artisans.

K. Takeda & Co., Ltd., run by descendents of Takeda Shokuro, has been engaged in producing and selling Japanese kimono under the brand name "Takeda Shokuro" and enjoys nationwide popularity.

Japanese kimono were formerly central to everyday life. However, most people today no longer have the habit of wearing kimono, and accordingly there has been rapid decline in the market and in the number of artisans. Unless traditional Shibori techniques progress, no bright future lies before us.

In 1992, we had the opportunity to participate in the International Shibori Symposium in Nagoya, where experts in Shibori and diversified business sectors gathered from around the world. Concerning the characteristics and attractiveness of Shibori, the concept of "shaped resist dyeing" was put forth. Shibori is a technique for dyeing fabrics; the wrinkles that remain after untieing are conventionally removed by steaming. Under the concept of "shaped resist dyeing," however, the wrinkles are regarded as a charming attribute of Arimatsu Shibori.

After years of research, K. Takeda & Co., Ltd. succeeded in retaining the wrinkles in the fabric by using advanced shape-memory technology. As a result, a new type of Shibori was created, that blends traditional technique and high technology. Since then, this technique has been used by Japan's leading fashion designers, such as Issey Miyake and Koshino Hiroko. Now there is worldwide focus on "Yuragi (waves)" created on the fabric through fine craftsmanship.

Our company also embarked on the manufacture of Western clothes. Under the brand name of "POCKETEE", clothes featuring the "Yuragi (waves)" of Arimatsu Shibori have been exported to foreign countries. Furthermore, the production of glass and metal work expressing "Yuragi" commenced recently. This traditional craftsmanship will continue to evolve with the aid of creativity rooted in tradition.