This spring, KOZABURO traveled to the southwest of Japan, specifically to Tokushima in Shikoku, to reunite with the Watanabes, who still practice TENNEN AKU HAKKO DATE. This traditional method uses only natural materials and fermentation to create SUKUMO, a dye made from fermented indigo leaves. The Watanabes handle the entire process, from preparing the soil for the indigo plants (TADEAI, or Persicaria tinctoria) to produce SUKUMO, which is a year-long journey requiring extensive experience and knowledge. The TENNEN AKU HAKKO DATE method was largely replaced by chemical indigo from the West during the industrial revolution. However, SUKUMO offers a wide range of unique colors and benefits, such as antiviral properties and durable fabric. This season Kozaburo introduces our signature and new styles utilizing the Watanabe dying method to apply on our Hex-Sashiko and cycora® regenerated fabric. Hex-Sashiko is a newly developed original weave fabric made of cotton. This new fabric has a unique hexagonal pattern weave, providing extensive durability and attention to the fabric construction. KOZABURO and the Watanabes first met in New York back in 2015. The Watanabes are reviving this traditional and sustainable method, and we resonate with their path of continually questioning the traditional indigo practices to preserve and evolve this knowledge for our time and our current environment. @khrystyna_f @watanabes_japan @cycora.la Video Edit: @luluyaogioiello Photo Edit: @shina.peng Post Edit:@hannah__wu