Located in Hanyū City, Saitama Prefecture, Nakajima Konja is a historic indigo dyeing factory with nearly two centuries of tradition. Established in 1837, the factory has been run by successive generations of master dyers, preserving and passing down the intricate art of Japanese indigo dyeing.
The current master, Daigo-sensei, began his training at a young age under Yasuo Nakajima, the previous head of the workshop and a highly respected artisan designated as a Saitama Prefecture Intangible Cultural Asset by Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs. Through years of dedicated apprenticeship, Daigo-sensei has inherited not only the techniques but also the deep cultural knowledge and philosophy behind this time-honored craft.
The yarns dyed at Nakajima Konja are prized for their quality and used in the production of various textiles, including dogi (uniforms worn in martial arts such as Kendo), handwoven stoles, and other finely crafted garments produced in nearby weaving communities.
Understanding the importance of sustaining this cultural heritage, Daigo-sensei actively shares his expertise by offering hands-on workshops. This week, students from the GFC program had the rare opportunity to explore the factory and participate in a special lecture and demonstration. They learned about traditional shibori (tie-dye) techniques, experimenting with fabric manipulation before immersing it into the rich, natural indigo vats—an unforgettable experience that brought them closer to Japan’s artisanal textile traditions.
Special thanks to Ōta Shigeru from the Textile Department, who kindly introduced us to Nakajima Konja and accompanied us during our visit.
Published by bunkaglobalfashion
The Global Fashion Concentration (GFC) has been founded for students who wish to gain their MA in fashion and textile studies in English. It strives to bridge theory and practice within a global context with a focus on fashion related art and design. As the course is based in Japan, there are classes offered on Japanese aesthetics and language. An array of trans-disciplinary subjects related to fashion are offered. The core subject of the GFC, titled "Project Research", is led by specialists and industry counterparts and is designed to allow students to develop their individual research proposals both in practice and theory. Students will have access to Bunka’s celebrated fashion library and world-class fashion museum for research and inspiration. Additionally, internships at high profile Japanese brands such as Anrealage, as well as the National Art Center enable students to implement real world connections between concept and practical knowledge. To be eligible to graduate, students are required to complete either a full Master’s thesis, or a collection.
In 2016, GFC launched a double degree program with the prestigious Parisian design school École nationale supérieure des Arts Décoratifs (ENSAD). Students enrolled in this program will have the opportunity to present their MA project at the ENSAD final collection show and exhibition in Paris.
GFC is a concentrated program: Excellence in creation and skill as well as strong motivation, commitment and patience will be required. Successful graduates will be candidates for employment in all areas and levels of the fashion industry across the world, including design, journalism, fashion buying, curation, and academia.
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