Learn the Traditional Art of Sazanami-gumi from Master Artisans at Kumihimo Experience by DOMYO

The New Brand from the Traditional Kumihimo Workshop Domyo

Founded in 1652, Domyo is a historic kumihimo braided cord goods shop that maintains the old ways even in the modern world, favoring hand-dyeing and hand-braiding over machine toproduction methods. Its obijime kimono waist cords, for example, are painstakingly dyed a single color at a time and then combined by skilled artisans for a finished product that has a characteristic elasticity and gloss.

Distinctive visual and tactile textures are among the charms of kumihimo

But not everything at Domyo is about preserving the old. The company also pursues innovations and adaptations that give storied craft traditions new life. In 2015, it launched a modern apparel brand “DOMYO” incorporating kumihimo braiding into fashions designed for younger people and markets overseas, producing neckties and other modern daily accessories.

In addition to braided ties and belts for sale, restorations of historical kumihimo pieces are also on display

Re-launched at its current location in the spring of 2023, the company’s “Kumihimo Experience by DOMYO” is a place for the public and visitors to discover the traditions of kumihimo as well as Domyo’s innovations. In this experience, a professional artisan guides you on a tour of the facility, providing an eye-opening talk on the history of the craft and its finer points.

Craft a Bracelet Using the Rare "Sazanami-gumi" Braiding Technique

Move from a deep study of kumihimo braiding in the abstract to a hands-on experience putting it into practice. Craft your own bracelet using the traditional sazanami-gumi (literally: “grass-ripple-braid”) technique, so named for the way its beautiful braid patterns resemble rippling waves. So deep do the roots of this traditional technique go in Japanese history that the oldest surviving portrait of 7th Century Imperial Prince Shotoku depicts him wearing what is believed to be a sazanami-gumi braided cord around his waist.

Finished kumihimo bracelets (color combination options decided by provider)

By comparison, the more typical Nara-gumi technique, widely available to experience at other Domyo locations, braids 12 threads together. Sazanami-gumi, which uses 24 threads, usually takes years to master. But thanks to the close guidance of a master artisan, you can experience crafting with it yourself.

A kumihimo braiding stand – round with a central hole – as used in this experience

Learn all about the history, charm, and authentic techniques of kumihimo braiding in this rare experience. As you sink deeper into a focused flow state working the thread, feel the warmth of artisanal history passed down by generations of masters flowing through your own hands.

Mirror to the Mind of its Maker

Look forward to discovering the colors available for your bracelet, choices that will remain a mystery until the day of the experience. When you step up to braiding stands, you will find an assortment of different color combinations prepared for you. Visualizing how each will come together, choose the one you like best.

Choose your preferred color palette from the combination options prepared

Guided by expert instruction, draw each thread together one by one. Start slow and methodically to let your muscle memory develop, and after that gradually slide into smooth repetition. Kumihimo is often described as “a mirror to the braider’s own mind,” drawing personality, posture, and mental state together into the weave. Let distractions and outside concerns disappear into the intertwining dance of the cords.

Unconsciously Moving the Threads as an Extension of Self

You’re likely to find that after working the threads for a while, the movements become automatic and your conscious mind is freed up. A lively and rhythmical clitter-clatter from the weighted wooden spools attached to the threads announces itself as you find your tempo. Continue to repeat the movements until you have braided the full length of the bracelet. When that’s done, hand it off to the professionals for the finishing touches. The final product will be shipped to you after it is completed. After making it, you can enjoy a short break with tea and sweets, basking in the afterglow of the concentration and the sense of accomplishment it yields.

The perfect accent piece to any outfit

A Day of Playing with Thread and Being Healed by the Colors and Textures

Kumihimo at its core is simple: it’s the art of repeatedly crossing the threads and drawing them together over time. But in experiencing the true delicate finesse of this craft, you will discover not only its own depth of spirit and art, but that of the traditional aesthetic sensibilities of Japan’s culture itself. Drink in the texture of the thread, the beauty of the colors, the salubrious sounds of the work, and the pleasant feelings of accomplishment that come from crafting something with your own hands. When it’s all over, consider treating yourself to a leisurely stroll along the cobblestone streets of Kagurazaka – one of Tokyo’s most scenic neighborhoods – to let those feelings linger just a little longer.

Working the wooden spools with a cozy clitter-clatter