Aizome (Indigo Dye)

During the Edo and Meiji eras, Wakimachi prospered as an important distribution center of Indigo dye, or “Aizome.”  The Aizome season lasts from April to July and again from September to October.  From the cultivation process to the production of the dye itself, to the soaking/drying, and re-soaking/re-drying, the artisans put their hearts into their work.  The experience of dying and/or just enjoying the finished products are just 2 of the pleasure to be had from Aizome.