Awashijira Fabric Jinbei
The Jinbei from Tokushima Feels a Summer Breeze

Date：19, May, 2015
Investigated and Written by Misaka Youhei
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Lately, they have often called indigo blue “Japan Blue” somehow. Actually, it seems there are many Japanese people who feel cool or something refreshing with deep blue of natural indigo. Maybe people in Europe or Africa also do.

Well, I will introduce a traditional craft in Tokushima, Awashijira Fabric for getting over Japanese summer of high temperature and high humidity. Our forefathers are said to have loved the fabric in summer because it is so airy and has a pleasant feel. Moreover, Tokushima is famous for its good indigo dye. The Awashijira Fabric Jinbei which has been dyed with Japanese indigo in Tokushima is truly what you need in summer Japan, isn’t it?

The jinbei is produced by Nagao Orifu in Tokushima. They were built in the end of 19th century and have manufactured textiles over 100 years. It is said smell of Japanese indigo plants means home to people in Tokushima. The jinbei for summer is filled with undying identity of Tokushima, namely.

We would have the impression that usual jinbei is originally very airy. Extremely goes Awashijira Fabric Jinbei. There are 6 types of texture like stripe, bluish and so on. Happily, they also supply ones for children.

Cloths that were dyed with indigo have deodorant effect and also become kind of insect repellent protecting our skins. Don’t dare to look down on the ancient culture, because it surely includes longstanding wisdom and history.